Treatment and Auditory Rehabilitation of intralabyrinthine Schwannoma by means of Cochlear Implants

Background: To date, the therapy of intralabyrinthine schwannoma consists mainly of a wait-and-see approach, completely ignoring auditory rehabilitation. Only a few single-case reports are as yet available on treatment with cochlear implants (CI). Aim of the study: This study aimed to assess the results of auditory rehabilitation after treatment with CI in a series of cases. Materials and methods: The demographic findings, symptoms, and results of surgical therapy in 8 patients were evaluated in a retrospective analysis. Results: Prior to surgery, all patients presented with profound hearing loss and tinnitus. Episodic dizziness was reported by 3 patients. Among the patients, 4 had an intracochlear and 3 an intravestibular schwannoma, and a transmodiolar schwannoma was found in 1 patient. A total of 6 patients underwent treatment with CI. The results of auditory rehabilitation are favorable with open-set speech comprehension. Discussion: CI treatment following resection of an intralabyrinthine schwannoma is a promising option for auditory rehabilitation, even in single-sided deafness. This is a new treatment concept in contrast to the wait-and-scan policy. Expectant management appears justified only if the patient still has usable hearing. © 2016, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.