J Neurol Surg B Skull Base
DOI: 10.1055/a-2021-8762
Original Article

Reported Hearing Outcome Measures Following Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Vestibular Schwannoma: A Scoping Review

1   Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
2   Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
,
3   Department of Neurosurgery, Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences, Salford Royal Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
4   Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
5   Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
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3   Department of Neurosurgery, Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences, Salford Royal Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
4   Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
5   Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
,
6   Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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6   Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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7   The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
8   Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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3   Department of Neurosurgery, Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences, Salford Royal Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
4   Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
9   Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
,
9   Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
10   Department of Otolaryngology, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
11   Department of Otolaryngology, Northern Care Alliance, Salford Royal Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
,
1   Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
12   Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
› Author Affiliations
Funding This research was facilitated by the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre and the Greater Manchester Comprehensive Local Research Network.

Abstract

Background Evidence on hearing outcome measures when assessing hearing preservation following stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for adults with vestibular schwannoma (VS) has not previously been collated in a structured review.

Objective The objective of the present study was to perform a scoping review of the evidence regarding the choice of hearing outcomes and other methodological characteristics following SRS for adults with VS.

Methods The protocol was registered in the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (INPLASY) and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses extension guidelines for scoping reviews. A systematic search of five online databases revealed 1,591 studies, 247 of which met the inclusion criteria.

Results The majority of studies (n = 213, 86%) were retrospective cohort or case series with the remainder (n = 34, 14%) prospective cohort. Pure-tone audiometry and speech intelligibility were included in 222 (90%) and 158 (64%) studies, respectively, often summarized within a classification scheme and lacking procedural details. Fifty-nine (24%) studies included self-report measures. The median duration of follow-up, when reported, was 43 months (interquartile range: 29, 4–150).

Conclusion Evidence on hearing disability after SRS for VS is based on low-quality studies which are inherently susceptible to bias. This review has highlighted an urgent need for a randomized controlled trial assessing hearing outcomes in patients with VS managed with radiosurgery or radiological observation. Similarly, consensus and coproduction of a core outcome set to determine relevant hearing and communication outcome domains is required. This will ensure that patient priorities, including communication abilities in the presence of background noise and reduced participation restrictions, are addressed.



Publication History

Received: 15 September 2022

Accepted: 21 January 2023

Accepted Manuscript online:
29 January 2023

Article published online:
22 February 2023

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