Tinnitus and quality of life after round window vibroplasty.

OBJECTIVE To measure the Quality of Life outcomes and impact on tinnitus perception in a group of patients after Round Window Vibroplasty (RW-VSB) for mixed or conductive hearing loss. STUDY DESIGN A single-subject, repeated measures design was employed. All VSB fittings were based on hearing thresholds results and were not set to mask tinnitus. METHODS Ten Round Window-Vibroplasty patients were assessed with the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) and the Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire (TRQ). RESULTS Subjects reported less hearing difficulties in 3 of 4 APHAB subscales. Tinnitus perception was decreased in all subjects with tinnitus pre-operatively. CONCLUSION Round window vibroplasty in our cohort of patients with mixed or conductive hearing improved quality of life outcomes. There was significant improvement on APHAB scores and a significant decrease in tinnitus perception in subjects experiencing tinnitus prior to implantation.