Musical ear syndrome in adult cochlear implant patients.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Cross-sectional observational survey
PubMed 23941807 · doi:10.1017/S0022215113001758
What was done
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 82 adult patients (aged 18 years and older) who received cochlear implants for profound hearing loss between 1997 and 2010. The study evaluated the prevalence, perceptual characteristics, timing relative to implantation, and emotional impact of musical ear syndrome.
What was found
Of the 82 patients, 18 (22%) reported experiencing musical ear syndrome. Symptoms began prior to implantation in 7 patients and after implantation in 11 patients. Perceived sounds were described as instrumental music in 2 patients, singing in 6, and both in 10. An adverse emotional effect was reported by 14 patients, with 3 describing 'intolerance.'
Why it matters
This study documents that musical hallucinations are relatively common in adult cochlear implant recipients, demonstrating that symptoms can arise either before or after implantation and often produce negative emotional reactions.
Limits
Key limitations include the small single-center sample size (n = 82), retrospective survey methodology subject to recall bias, absence of a control group, and lack of detailed objective audiological or psychological assessments.
Cited by
- partial Profoundly deaf candidates for cochlear implants can experience musical hallucinations before surgery, which often resolve after cochlear implantation restores speech hearing.