A Comparison of Cochlear Nerve Size in Normal-Hearing Adults Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Cochlear implantation is a clinical and cost-effective treatment for severe hearing loss. Cochlear nerve size assessment by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been investigated for use as a prognostic indicator following cochlear implantation. This study aimed to further that research by assessing nerve size in normal-hearing adults for symmetry. Patients with tinnitus presenting to our center retrospectively had their nerve size assessed by MRI. The study found no significant differences between right and left cochlear nerves in normal-hearing adults, supporting our hypothesis of symmetry in these individuals. This was a previously unproven and uninvestigated hypothesis. Nerve size assessment should remain an active area of research in otological disease.