Auditory Brainstem Implant Outcomes in Tumor and Nontumor Patients: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objective: To elucidate the differences in auditory performance between auditory brainstem implant (ABI) patients with tumor or nontumor etiologies.

Data sources: PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science Core Collection from 1990 to 2021.

Review methods: We included published studies with 5 or more pediatric or adult ABI users. Auditory outcomes and side effects were analyzed with weighted means for closed-set, open-set speech, and categories of auditory performance (CAP) scores. Overall performance was compared using an Adult Pediatric Ranked Order Speech Perception (APROSPER) scale created for this study.

Results: Thirty-six studies were included and underwent full-text review. Data were extracted for 662 tumor and 267 nontumor patients. 83% were postlingually deafened and 17% were prelingually deafened. Studies that included tumor ABI patients had a weighted mean speech recognition of 39.2% (range: 19.6%-83.3%) for closed-set words, 23.4% (range: 17.2%-37.5%) for open-set words, 21.5% (range: 2.7%-48.4%) for open-set sentences, and 3.1 (range: 1.0-3.2) for CAP scores. Studies including nontumor ABI patients had a weighted mean speech recognition of 79.8% (range: 31.7%-84.4%) for closed-set words, 53.0% (range: 14.6%-72.5%) for open-set sentences, and 2.30 (range: 2.0-4.7) for CAP scores. Mean APROSPER results indicate better auditory performance among nontumor versus tumor patients (3.5 vs 3.0, P = .04). Differences in most common side effects were also observed between tumor and nontumor ABI patients.

Conclusion: Auditory performance is similar for tumor and nontumor patients for standardized auditory test scores. However, the APROSPER scale demonstrates better ABI performance for nontumor compared to tumor patients.

Keywords: ABI; NF‐2; cochlear aplasia; cochlear nerve aplasia; cochlear ossification; neurofibromatosis type 2; retrocochlear hearing loss.