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Inguscio BMS, Rossi D, Giliberto G, Vozzi A, Borghini G, Babiloni F, Greco A, Attanasio G, Cartocci G. Bridging the Gap between Psychophysiological and Audiological Factors in the Assessment of Tinnitus: An EEG Investigation in the Beta Band. Brain Sci 2024; 14:570. [PMID: 38928570 PMCID: PMC11202302 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14060570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite substantial progress in investigating its psychophysical complexity, tinnitus remains a scientific and clinical enigma. The present study, through an ecological and multidisciplinary approach, aims to identify associations between electroencephalographic (EEG) and psycho-audiological variables. METHODS EEG beta activity, often related to stress and anxiety, was acquired from 12 tinnitus patients (TIN group) and 7 controls (CONT group) during an audio cognitive task and at rest. We also investigated psychological (SCL-90-R; STAI-Y; BFI-10) and audiological (THI; TQ12-I; Hyperacusis) variables using non-parametric statistics to assess differences and relationships between and within groups. RESULTS In the TIN group, frontal beta activity positively correlated with hyperacusis, parietal activity, and trait anxiety; the latter is also associated with depression in CONT. Significant differences in paranoid ideation and openness were found between groups. CONCLUSIONS The connection between anxiety trait, beta activity in the fronto-parietal cortices and hyperacusis provides insights into brain functioning in tinnitus patients, offering quantitative descriptions for clinicians and new multidisciplinary treatment hypotheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Maria Serena Inguscio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (B.M.S.I.); (D.R.); (G.G.); (G.B.); (F.B.)
- BrainSigns Srl, 00198 Rome, Italy;
| | - Dario Rossi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (B.M.S.I.); (D.R.); (G.G.); (G.B.); (F.B.)
- BrainSigns Srl, 00198 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giovanna Giliberto
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (B.M.S.I.); (D.R.); (G.G.); (G.B.); (F.B.)
| | | | - Gianluca Borghini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (B.M.S.I.); (D.R.); (G.G.); (G.B.); (F.B.)
- BrainSigns Srl, 00198 Rome, Italy;
| | - Fabio Babiloni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (B.M.S.I.); (D.R.); (G.G.); (G.B.); (F.B.)
- BrainSigns Srl, 00198 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Computer Science, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | | | - Giulia Cartocci
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (B.M.S.I.); (D.R.); (G.G.); (G.B.); (F.B.)
- BrainSigns Srl, 00198 Rome, Italy;
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Langguth B, de Ridder D, Schlee W, Kleinjung T. Tinnitus: Clinical Insights in Its Pathophysiology-A Perspective. J Assoc Res Otolaryngol 2024; 25:249-258. [PMID: 38532055 PMCID: PMC11150221 DOI: 10.1007/s10162-024-00939-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Tinnitus, the perception of sound without a corresponding external sound source, and tinnitus disorder, which is tinnitus with associated suffering, present a multifaceted clinical challenge due to its heterogeneity and its incompletely understood pathophysiology and especially due to the limited therapeutic options. In this narrative review, we give an overview on various clinical aspects of tinnitus including its heterogeneity, contributing factors, comorbidities and therapeutic pathways with a specific emphasis on the implications for its pathophysiology and future research directions. Tinnitus exhibits high perceptual variability between affected individuals (heterogeneity) and within affected individuals (temporal variability). Hearing loss emerges as predominant risk factor and the perceived pitch corresponds to areas of hearing loss, supporting the compensatory response theory. Whereas most people who have tinnitus can live a normal life, in 10-20% tinnitus interferes severely with quality of life. These patients suffer frequently from comorbidities such as anxiety, depression or insomnia, acting as both risk factors and consequences. Accordingly, neuroimaging studies demonstrate shared brain networks between tinnitus and stress-related disorders shedding light on the intricate interplay of mental health and tinnitus. The challenge lies in deciphering causative relationships and shared pathophysiological mechanisms. Stress, external sounds, time of day, head movements, distraction, and sleep quality can impact tinnitus perception. Understanding these factors provides insights into the interplay with autonomic, sensory, motor, and cognitive processes. Counselling and cognitive-behavioural therapy demonstrate efficacy in reducing suffering, supporting the involvement of stress and anxiety-related networks. Hearing improvement, especially through cochlear implants, reduces tinnitus and thus indirectly validates the compensatory nature of tinnitus. Brain stimulation techniques can modulate the suffering of tinnitus, presumably by alteration of stress-related brain networks. Continued research is crucial for unravelling the complexities of tinnitus. Progress in management hinges on decoding diverse manifestations, identifying treatment-responsive subtypes, and advancing targeted therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berthold Langguth
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
- Interdisciplinary Tinnitus Clinic, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Dirk de Ridder
- Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgical Sciences, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Winfried Schlee
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Tinnitus Clinic, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Kleinjung
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Wake N, Shiramatsu TI, Takahashi H. Map plasticity following noise exposure in auditory cortex of rats: implications for disentangling neural correlates of tinnitus and hyperacusis. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1385942. [PMID: 38881748 PMCID: PMC11176560 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1385942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Both tinnitus and hyperacusis, likely triggered by hearing loss, can be attributed to maladaptive plasticity in auditory perception. However, owing to their co-occurrence, disentangling their neural mechanisms proves difficult. We hypothesized that the neural correlates of tinnitus are associated with neural activities triggered by low-intensity tones, while hyperacusis is linked to responses to moderate- and high-intensity tones. Methods To test these hypotheses, we conducted behavioral and electrophysiological experiments in rats 2 to 8 days after traumatic tone exposure. Results In the behavioral experiments, prepulse and gap inhibition tended to exhibit different frequency characteristics (although not reaching sufficient statistical levels), suggesting that exposure to traumatic tones led to acute symptoms of hyperacusis and tinnitus at different frequency ranges. When examining the auditory cortex at the thalamocortical recipient layer, we observed that tinnitus symptoms correlated with a disorganized tonotopic map, typically characterized by responses to low-intensity tones. Neural correlates of hyperacusis were found in the cortical recruitment function at the multi-unit activity (MUA) level, but not at the local field potential (LFP) level, in response to moderate- and high-intensity tones. This shift from LFP to MUA was associated with a loss of monotonicity, suggesting a crucial role for inhibitory synapses. Discussion Thus, in acute symptoms of traumatic tone exposure, our experiments successfully disentangled the neural correlates of tinnitus and hyperacusis at the thalamocortical recipient layer of the auditory cortex. They also suggested that tinnitus is linked to central noise, whereas hyperacusis is associated with aberrant gain control. Further interactions between animal experiments and clinical studies will offer insights into neural mechanisms, diagnosis and treatments of tinnitus and hyperacusis, specifically in terms of long-term plasticity of chronic symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Wake
- Department of Mechano-Informatics, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoyo I Shiramatsu
- Department of Mechano-Informatics, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Takahashi
- Department of Mechano-Informatics, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Lin X, Fang Y, Hu H, Ye Z. Efficacy and safety of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (ta-VNS) in the treatment of tinnitus: protocol for an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e082906. [PMID: 38772894 PMCID: PMC11110564 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-082906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION With an increasing incidence and significant effects on patients, tinnitus has become a major disease burden. There is a dearth of therapies with established efficacy for tinnitus. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (ta-VNS) is being investigated as a potential therapy for tinnitus, but the current body of evidence remains inconclusive due to conflicting results across different studies. As a result, this protocol aims to synthesise and update the evidence to clarify whether ta-VNS is effective and safe for alleviating tinnitus. METHODS AND ANALYSIS To identify relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs), seven representative bibliographical databases will be searched from their inception to December 2023: PubMed, Embase (via OVID), Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wangfang Database, Chinese BioMedical Literature Database, and Chongqing VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database. Publications in English or Chinese will be considered for inclusion. RCTs comparing ta-VNS with active treatments, no intervention, waitlist control or sham ta-VNS in adult patients with subjective tinnitus will be included. Studies on objective tinnitus will be excluded. Primary outcome is tinnitus symptom severity measured by validated scales. With all eligible trials included, when applicable, quantitative analysis via meta-analyses will be performed using RevMan V.5.4.1 software. Otherwise, a qualitative analysis will be conducted. The methodological quality of the included RCTs will be assessed using the Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. Sensitivity analyses, subgroup analysis and publication bias evaluation will also be performed. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach will be used to grade the certainty of the evidence. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval is not required for this systematic review, as no primary data will be collected. The results will be reported and disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42022351917.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqi Lin
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- The Third Clinical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yiyan Fang
- The Third Clinical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hantong Hu
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- The Third Clinical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ziyu Ye
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture Moxibustion and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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Mi T, Qinxiu Z, Jie W. Music therapy for tinnitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Otolaryngol 2024; 45:104362. [PMID: 38759414 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2024.104362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical efficacy of music therapy in the treatment of tinnitus. METHODS Three English databases (PUBMED, Embase, Web of Science) and three Chinese databases (CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang) were searched, and eligible articles were selected according to the set inclusion criteria. Clinical efficacy was used as the primary outcome, and each score was used as the secondary outcome. Using RevMan5.3 software for statistical analysis. RESULTS A total of 14 studies involving 1239 tinnitus patients were included. The results of the meta-analysis showed that music therapy had a certain clinical efficacy in the treatment of tinnitus, but there was no significant difference compared with the control group (OR = 1.00, 95%CI =0.83-1.22; P = 1.00). However, music therapy significantly improved THI score (MD = -6.77, 95 % CI = -9.62 to -3.92; P < 0.00001), TSQ (MD = -2.80, 95 % CI = -3.23 to -2.36; P < 0.00001), tinnitus loudness (MD = -3.90, 95 % CI = -6.58 to -1.23; P = 0.004), VAS score (MD = -1.11, 95 % CI = -2.11 to -0.11; P = 0.03) and TQ score (MD = -8.36, 95 % CI = -11.10 to -5.62; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Music therapy is an effective method for the treatment of tinnitus, which can improve the THI score, tinnitus severity, VAS score, and TQ score and reduce the loudness of tinnitus. Due to the low quality of the included literature, the current conclusions need to be further verified by more and higher-quality studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tang Mi
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 610075, China.
| | - Zhang Qinxiu
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 610075, China.
| | - Wang Jie
- Dujiangyan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 611830, China
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Wei H, Jiang H, Zhou Y, Liu L, Ma W, Ni S, Zhou C, Ji X. Cerebral venous congestion alters CNS homeostatic plasticity, evoking tinnitus-like behavior. Cell Biosci 2024; 14:47. [PMID: 38594782 PMCID: PMC11003147 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-024-01221-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain function and neuronal activity depend on a constant supply of blood from the cerebral circulation. The cerebral venous system (CVS) contains approximately 70% of the total cerebral blood volume; similar to the cerebral arterial system, the CVS plays a prominent role in the maintenance of central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis. Impaired venous autoregulation, which can appear in forms such as cerebral venous congestion, may lead to metabolic abnormalities in the brain, causing severe cerebral functional defects and even chronic tinnitus. However, the role of cerebral venous congestion in the progression of tinnitus is underrecognized, and its pathophysiology is still incompletely understood. This study elucidated the specific pathogenetic role of cerebral venous congestion in the onset and persistence of tinnitus and the possible neurophysiological mechanisms. RESULTS We found that a rat model of cerebral venous congestion exhibited tinnitus-like behavioral manifestations at 14 days postoperatively; from that point onward, they showed signs of persistent tinnitus without significant hearing impairment. Subsequent neuroimaging and neurochemical findings showed CNS homeostatic plasticity disturbance in rats with cerebral venous congestion, reflected in increased neural metabolic activity, ultrastructural synaptic changes, upregulated synaptic efficacy, reduced inhibitory synaptic transmission (due to GABA deficiency), and elevated expression of neuroplasticity-related proteins in central auditory and extra-auditory pathways. CONCLUSION Collectively, our data suggest that alternations in CNS homeostatic plasticity may play a vital role in tinnitus pathology caused by cerebral venous congestion. These findings provide a new perspective on tinnitus related to cerebral venous congestion and may facilitate the development of precise interventions to interrupt its pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Wei
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
- Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-based Precision Medicine, Ministry of Science and Technology, Capital Medical University, No.10 Xitoutiao, You An Men, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Huimin Jiang
- Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-based Precision Medicine, Ministry of Science and Technology, Capital Medical University, No.10 Xitoutiao, You An Men, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yifan Zhou
- Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-based Precision Medicine, Ministry of Science and Technology, Capital Medical University, No.10 Xitoutiao, You An Men, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Wei Ma
- Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-based Precision Medicine, Ministry of Science and Technology, Capital Medical University, No.10 Xitoutiao, You An Men, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Shanshan Ni
- Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-based Precision Medicine, Ministry of Science and Technology, Capital Medical University, No.10 Xitoutiao, You An Men, Beijing, 100069, China.
- Department of Neurology, Wuqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301700, China.
| | - Chen Zhou
- Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-based Precision Medicine, Ministry of Science and Technology, Capital Medical University, No.10 Xitoutiao, You An Men, Beijing, 100069, China.
| | - Xunming Ji
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-based Precision Medicine, Ministry of Science and Technology, Capital Medical University, No.10 Xitoutiao, You An Men, Beijing, 100069, China.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China.
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Dai Q, Qu T, Shen G, Wang H. Characterization of the neural circuitry of the auditory thalamic reticular nucleus and its potential role in salicylate-induced tinnitus. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1368816. [PMID: 38629053 PMCID: PMC11019010 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1368816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Subjective tinnitus, the perception of sound without an external acoustic source, is often subsequent to noise-induced hearing loss or ototoxic medications. The condition is believed to result from neuroplastic alterations in the auditory centers, characterized by heightened spontaneous neural activities and increased synchrony due to an imbalance between excitation and inhibition. However, the role of the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN), a structure composed exclusively of GABAergic neurons involved in thalamocortical oscillations, in the pathogenesis of tinnitus remains largely unexplored. Methods We induced tinnitus in mice using sodium salicylate and assessed tinnitus-like behaviors using the Gap Pre-Pulse Inhibition of the Acoustic Startle (GPIAS) paradigm. We utilized combined viral tracing techniques to identify the neural circuitry involved and employed immunofluorescence and confocal imaging to determine cell types and activated neurons. Results Salicylate-treated mice exhibited tinnitus-like behaviors. Our tracing clearly delineated the inputs and outputs of the auditory-specific TRN. We discovered that chemogenetic activation of the auditory TRN significantly reduced the salicylate-evoked rise in c-Fos expression in the auditory cortex. Discussion This finding posits the TRN as a potential modulatory target for tinnitus treatment. Furthermore, the mapped sensory inputs to the auditory TRN suggest possibilities for employing optogenetic or sensory stimulations to manipulate thalamocortical activities. The precise mapping of the auditory TRN-mediated neural pathways offers a promising avenue for designing targeted interventions to alleviate tinnitus symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Guoming Shen
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Haitao Wang
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
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Demoen S, Cardon E, Jacquemin L, Timmermans A, Van Rompaey V, Gilles A, Michiels S. Health-Related Quality of Life in Subjective, Chronic Tinnitus Patients: A Scoping Review. J Assoc Res Otolaryngol 2024; 25:103-129. [PMID: 38253898 PMCID: PMC11018725 DOI: 10.1007/s10162-024-00926-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This scoping review aims to assess whether the severity or distress of subjective tinnitus is negatively associated or correlated with the level of health-related quality of life (HRQoL). A second objective is to examine whether tinnitus patients score differently on HRQoL questionnaires in comparison to subjects without tinnitus and whether HRQoL differs between specific subgroups of tinnitus. METHODS This scoping review adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PRISMA guidelines): the statement and extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The following databases were consulted (on the 20th of October 2023): PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus. The search string was composed of the terms tinnitus, HRQoL, and synonyms. A double-blinded screening for eligibility was performed, first on the title and abstract and subsequently on the full-text articles. Studies were considered eligible if they looked at HRQoL questionnaire results for adult patients (> 18 years) reporting chronic (> 3 months), subjective tinnitus as a primary complaint. RESULTS In total, 37 studies with a total sample size of 33,900 participants were included in this scoping review, with some studies answering multiple study objectives. Seventeen studies demonstrated the presence of a significant negative correlation between tinnitus-related distress and HRQoL. Two studies indicated that HRQoL is mediated by tinnitus-related distress. Eighteen studies found that, in general, patients with tinnitus scored significantly lower on HRQoL questionnaires in comparison to subjects without tinnitus. Nineteen studies demonstrated that subgroups of patients with more severe tinnitus complaints or specific additional complaints scored worse on HRQoL questionnaires. CONCLUSION Based on the current literature, chronic subjective tinnitus-related distress has a significant impact on health-related quality of life. In addition, subjects without tinnitus generally score significantly higher on HRQoL questionnaires than patients with tinnitus. The heterogeneity in outcome measures between studies precludes meta-analysis. Increased homogeneity in the choice of HRQoL questionnaires would make a comparison between studies possible, which would give valuable information on both a clinical and an economic level, guiding future tinnitus treatment. REGISTRATION The protocol for the scoping review is registered at Open Science Framework: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/F5S9C .
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Demoen
- Rehabilitation Research Center, REVAL, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium.
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, 2650, Edegem, Belgium.
- Department of Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Emilie Cardon
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
- Department of Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Laure Jacquemin
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
- Department of Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Annick Timmermans
- Rehabilitation Research Center, REVAL, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Vincent Van Rompaey
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
- Department of Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Annick Gilles
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
- Department of Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Education, Health and Social Work, University College Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sarah Michiels
- Rehabilitation Research Center, REVAL, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
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Liu J, Stohl J, Overath T. Hidden hearing loss: Fifteen years at a glance. Hear Res 2024; 443:108967. [PMID: 38335624 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2024.108967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Hearing loss affects approximately 18% of the population worldwide. Hearing difficulties in noisy environments without accompanying audiometric threshold shifts likely affect an even larger percentage of the global population. One of the potential causes of hidden hearing loss is cochlear synaptopathy, the loss of synapses between inner hair cells (IHC) and auditory nerve fibers (ANF). These synapses are the most vulnerable structures in the cochlea to noise exposure or aging. The loss of synapses causes auditory deafferentation, i.e., the loss of auditory afferent information, whose downstream effect is the loss of information that is sent to higher-order auditory processing stages. Understanding the physiological and perceptual effects of this early auditory deafferentation might inform interventions to prevent later, more severe hearing loss. In the past decade, a large body of work has been devoted to better understand hidden hearing loss, including the causes of hidden hearing loss, their corresponding impact on the auditory pathway, and the use of auditory physiological measures for clinical diagnosis of auditory deafferentation. This review synthesizes the findings from studies in humans and animals to answer some of the key questions in the field, and it points to gaps in knowledge that warrant more investigation. Specifically, recent studies suggest that some electrophysiological measures have the potential to function as indicators of hidden hearing loss in humans, but more research is needed for these measures to be included as part of a clinical test battery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayue Liu
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, USA.
| | - Joshua Stohl
- North American Research Laboratory, MED-EL Corporation, Durham, USA
| | - Tobias Overath
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, USA
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Choo OS, Kim H, Lee SJ, Kim SY, Lee KY, Lee HY, Moon IS, Seo JH, Rah YC, Song JJ, Nam EC, Park SN, Song JJ, Shim HJ. Consensus Statements on the Definition, Classification, and Diagnostic Tests for Tinnitus: A Delphi Study Conducted by the Korean Tinnitus Study Group. J Korean Med Sci 2024; 39:e49. [PMID: 38317449 PMCID: PMC10843967 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2024.39.e49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tinnitus is a bothersome condition associated with various symptoms. However, the mechanisms of tinnitus are still uncertain, and a standardized assessment of the diagnostic criteria for tinnitus is required. We aimed to reach a consensus on diagnosing tinnitus with professional experts by conducting a Delphi study with systematic review of the literature. METHODS Twenty-six experts in managing tinnitus in Korea were recruited, and a two-round modified Delphi study was performed online. The experts evaluated the level of agreement of potential criteria for tinnitus using a scale of 1-9. After the survey, a consensus meeting was held to establish agreement on the results obtained from the Delphi process. Consensus was defined when over 70% of the participants scored 7-9 (agreement) and fewer than 15% scored 1-3 (disagreement). To analyze the responses of the Delphi survey, the content validity ratio and Kendall's coefficient of concordance were evaluated. RESULTS Consensus was reached for 22 of the 38 statements. For the definition of tinnitus, 10 out of 17 statements reached consensus, with three statements achieving complete agreement including; 1) Tinnitus is a conscious perception of an auditory sensation in the absence of a corresponding external stimulus, 2) Tinnitus can affect one's quality of life, and 3) Tinnitus can be associated with hearing disorders including sensorineural hearing loss, vestibular schwannoma, Meniere's disease, otosclerosis, and others. For the classification of tinnitus, 11 out of 18 statements reached consensus. The participants highly agreed with statements such as; 1) Vascular origin is expected in pulse-synchronous tinnitus, and 2) Tinnitus can be divided into acute or chronic tinnitus. Among three statements on the diagnostic tests for tinnitus only Statement 3, "There are no reliable biomarkers for sensory or emotional factors of tinnitus." reached consensus. All participants agreed to perform pure-tone audiometry and tinnitus questionnaires, including the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and Tinnitus Questionnaire. CONCLUSION We used a modified Delphi method to establish a consensus-based definition, a classification, and diagnostic tests for tinnitus. The expert panel reached agreement for several statements, with a high level of consensus. This may provide practical information for clinicians in managing tinnitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oak-Sung Choo
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hantai Kim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Konyang University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Seung Jae Lee
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ilsan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Goyang, Korea
| | - So Young Kim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Kyu-Yup Lee
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Ho Yun Lee
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea
| | - In Seok Moon
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae-Hyun Seo
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yoon Chan Rah
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Ansan, Korea
| | - Jae-Jun Song
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eui-Cheol Nam
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Kangwon National University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Shi Nae Park
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae-Jin Song
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
- Sensory Organ Research Institute, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Hyun Joon Shim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Nowon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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11
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Hu H, Lin X, Ye Z, Fang L, Gao H, Zhang Q. Application of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) in tinnitus research: contemporary insights and perspectives. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1334660. [PMID: 38371699 PMCID: PMC10870148 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1334660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Tinnitus, characterized by phantom sound perception, is a highly disruptive condition lacking clearly effective treatments. Its complex neural mechanisms are not fully elucidated. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a promising neuroimaging tool well-suited for assessing tinnitus due to its quietness, portability, and ability to directly measure cortical hemodynamic responses. This study timely summarizes the recent applications of fNIRS in investigating tinnitus pathology, correlating neuroimaging biomarkers with symptom severity, and evaluating treatment efficacy. Further studies with larger samples are warranted to reproduce existing findings. Thus, fNIRS appears to be a promising tool in tinnitus research. Addressing technical limitations, optimizing control groups, advancing data analysis, integrating standardized, and individualized experimental protocols can facilitate the extended and robust utilization of fNIRS in tinnitus research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hantong Hu
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqi Lin
- The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ziyu Ye
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lianqiang Fang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hong Gao
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Quanai Zhang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
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12
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Smith SS, Jahn KN, Sugai JA, Hancock KE, Polley DB. The human pupil and face encode sound affect and provide objective signatures of tinnitus and auditory hypersensitivity disorders. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.12.22.571929. [PMID: 38187580 PMCID: PMC10769427 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.22.571929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Sound is jointly processed along acoustic and emotional dimensions. These dimensions can become distorted and entangled in persons with sensory disorders, producing a spectrum of loudness hypersensitivity, phantom percepts, and - in some cases - debilitating sound aversion. Here, we looked for objective signatures of disordered hearing (DH) in the human face. Pupil dilations and micro facial movement amplitudes scaled with sound valence in neurotypical listeners but not DH participants with chronic tinnitus (phantom ringing) and sound sensitivity. In DH participants, emotionally evocative sounds elicited abnormally large pupil dilations but blunted and invariant facial reactions that jointly provided an accurate prediction of individual tinnitus and hyperacusis questionnaire handicap scores. By contrast, EEG measures of central auditory gain identified steeper neural response growth functions but no association with symptom severity. These findings highlight dysregulated affective sound processing in persons with bothersome tinnitus and sound sensitivity disorders and introduce approaches for their objective measurement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel S Smith
- Eaton-Peabody Laboratories, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston MA, 02114 USA
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02114 USA
- Lead contact
| | - Kelly N Jahn
- Eaton-Peabody Laboratories, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston MA, 02114 USA
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02114 USA
| | - Jenna A Sugai
- Eaton-Peabody Laboratories, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston MA, 02114 USA
| | - Ken E Hancock
- Eaton-Peabody Laboratories, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston MA, 02114 USA
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02114 USA
| | - Daniel B Polley
- Eaton-Peabody Laboratories, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston MA, 02114 USA
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02114 USA
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13
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Shoushtarian M, Bravo MMG, Datta S, Fallon JB. Multimodal assessment of tinnitus using functional near-infrared spectroscopy and psychophysiological measures. Int J Audiol 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38219241 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2023.2296866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To use a multimodal approach to classify individuals with tinnitus from controls, and individuals with mild versus severe tinnitus. DESIGN We have previously shown feasibility of a non-invasive imaging technique called functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to detect tinnitus-related changes in cortical activity and classify individuals with tinnitus from controls, as well as individuals with mild versus severe tinnitus. In this study we have used a multimodal approach by recording heart rate, heart rate variability and skin conductance, in addition to fNIRS signals, from individuals with tinnitus and controls. STUDY SAMPLE Twenty-seven participants with tinnitus and 21 controls were recruited. RESULTS Our findings show, addition of heart rate measures can improve accuracy of classifying tinnitus severity, in particular loudness as rated subjectively. The f1-score, a measure of classification accuracy, increased from 0.73 to 0.86 when using a support vector machine classifier for differentiating low versus high tinnitus loudness. CONCLUSIONS Subjective tinnitus is a condition that can only be described by the individual experiencing it, as there are currently no objective measures to determine tinnitus presence and severity, or assess the effectiveness of treatments. Objective measurement of tinnitus is a critical step in developing reliable treatments for this debilitating condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrnaz Shoushtarian
- The Bionics Institute, Victoria, Australia
- Medical Bionics Department, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | | - James B Fallon
- The Bionics Institute, Victoria, Australia
- Medical Bionics Department, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Otolaryngology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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14
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Donoso-San Martín R, Leiva A, Dragicevic CD, Medel V, Delano PH. The corticofugal oscillatory modulation of the cochlear receptor during auditory and visual attention is preserved in tinnitus. Front Neural Circuits 2024; 17:1301962. [PMID: 38239605 PMCID: PMC10794612 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2023.1301962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The mechanisms underlying tinnitus perception are still under research. One of the proposed hypotheses involves an alteration in top-down processing of auditory activity. Low-frequency oscillations in the delta and theta bands have been recently described in brain and cochlear infrasonic signals during selective attention paradigms in normal hearing controls. Here, we propose that the top-down oscillatory activity observed in brain and cochlear signals during auditory and visual selective attention in normal subjects, is altered in tinnitus patients, reflecting an abnormal functioning of the corticofugal pathways that connect brain circuits with the cochlear receptor. Methods To test this hypothesis, we used a behavioral task that alternates between auditory and visual top-down attention while we simultaneously measured electroencephalogram (EEG) and distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) signals in 14 tinnitus and 14 control subjects. Results We found oscillatory activity in the delta and theta bands in cortical and cochlear channels in control and tinnitus patients. There were significant decreases in the DPOAE oscillatory amplitude during the visual attention period as compared to the auditory attention period in tinnitus and control groups. We did not find significant differences when using a between-subjects statistical approach comparing tinnitus and control groups. On the other hand, we found a significant cluster in the delta band in tinnitus when using within-group statistics to compare the difference between auditory and visual DPOAE oscillatory power. Conclusion These results confirm the presence of top-down infrasonic low-frequency cochlear oscillatory activity in the delta and theta bands in tinnitus patients, showing that the corticofugal suppression of cochlear oscillations during visual and auditory attention in tinnitus patients is preserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Donoso-San Martín
- Departamento de Neurociencia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Programa de Doctorado en Neurociencias, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia UC, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alexis Leiva
- Departamento de Neurociencia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Programa de Doctorado en Neurociencias, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia UC, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Constantino D. Dragicevic
- Departamento de Fonoaudiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Vicente Medel
- Latin American Brain Health Institute (BrainLat), Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Santiago, Chile
| | - Paul H. Delano
- Departamento de Neurociencia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Centro Avanzado de Ingeniería Eléctrica y Electrónica, Advanced Center for Electrical and Electronic Engineering (AC3E), Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, Valparaíso, Chile
- Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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15
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Naghdabadi Z, Jahed M. Heterogeneous correlate and potential diagnostic biomarker of tinnitus based on nonlinear dynamics of resting-state EEG recordings. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0290563. [PMID: 38166014 PMCID: PMC10760901 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Tinnitus is a heterogeneous condition of hearing a rattling sound when there is no auditory stimulus. This rattling sound is associated with abnormal synchronous oscillations in auditory and non-auditory cortical areas. Since tinnitus is a highly heterogeneous condition with no objective detection criteria, it is necessary to search for indicators that can be compared between and within participants for diagnostic purposes. This study introduces heterogeneous though comparable indicators of tinnitus through investigation of spontaneous fluctuations in resting-state brain dynamics. The proposed approach uses nonlinear measures of chaos theory, to detect tinnitus and cross correlation patterns to reflect many of the previously reported neural correlates of tinnitus. These indicators may serve as effective measures of tinnitus risk even at early ages before any symptom is reported. The approach quantifies differences in oscillatory brain dynamics of tinnitus and normal subjects. It demonstrates that the left temporal areas of subjects with tinnitus exhibit larger lyapunov exponent indicating irregularity of brain dynamics in these regions. More complex dynamics is further recognized in tinnitus cases through entropy. We use this evidence to distinguish tinnitus patients from normal participants. Besides, we illustrate that certain anticorrelation patterns appear in these nonlinear measures across temporal and frontal areas in the brain perhaps corresponding to increased/decreased connectivity in certain brain networks and a shift in the balance of excitation and inhibition in tinnitus. Additionally, the main correlations are lost in tinnitus participants compared to control group suggesting involvement of distinct neural mechanisms in generation and persistence of tinnitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Naghdabadi
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehran Jahed
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
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16
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Zhu M, Gong Q. EEG spectral and microstate analysis originating residual inhibition of tinnitus induced by tailor-made notched music training. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1254423. [PMID: 38148944 PMCID: PMC10750374 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1254423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Tailor-made notched music training (TMNMT) is a promising therapy for tinnitus. Residual inhibition (RI) is one of the few interventions that can temporarily inhibit tinnitus, which is a useful technique that can be applied to tinnitus research and explore tinnitus mechanisms. In this study, RI effect of TMNMT in tinnitus was investigated mainly using behavioral tests, EEG spectral and microstate analysis. To our knowledge, this study is the first to investigate RI effect of TMNMT. A total of 44 participants with tinnitus were divided into TMNMT group (22 participants; ECnm, NMnm, RInm represent that EEG recordings with eyes closed stimuli-pre, stimuli-ing, stimuli-post by TMNMT music, respectively) and Placebo control group (22 participants; ECpb, PBpb, RIpb represent that EEG recordings with eyes closed stimuli-pre, stimuli-ing, stimuli-post by Placebo music, respectively) in a single-blind manner. Behavioral tests, EEG spectral analysis (covering delta, theta, alpha, beta, gamma frequency bands) and microstate analysis (involving four microstate classes, A to D) were employed to evaluate RI effect of TMNMT. The results of the study showed that TMNMT had a stronger inhibition ability and longer inhibition time according to the behavioral tests compared to Placebo. Spectral analysis showed that RI effect of TMNMT increased significantly the power spectral density (PSD) of delta, theta bands and decreased significantly the PSD of alpha2 band, and microstate analysis showed that RI effect of TMNMT had shorter duration (microstate B, microstate C), higher Occurrence (microstate A, microstate C, microstate D), Coverage (microstate A) and transition probabilities (microstate A to microstate B, microstate A to microstate D and microstate D to microstate A). Meanwhile, RI effect of Placebo decreased significantly the PSD of alpha2 band, and microstate analysis showed that RI effect of Placebo had shorter duration (microstate C, microstate D), higher occurrence (microstate B, microstate C), lower coverage (microstate C, microstate D), higher transition probabilities (microstate A to microstate B, microstate B to microstate A). It was also found that the intensity of tinnitus symptoms was significant positively correlated with the duration of microstate B in five subgroups (ECnm, NMnm, RInm, ECpb, PBpb). Our study provided valuable experimental evidence and practical applications for the effectiveness of TMNMT as a novel music therapy for tinnitus. The observed stronger residual inhibition (RI) ability of TMNMT supported its potential applications in tinnitus treatment. Furthermore, the temporal dynamics of EEG microstates serve as novel functional and trait markers of synchronous brain activity that contribute to a deep understanding of the neural mechanism underlying TMNMT treatment for tinnitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Qin Gong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
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17
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Husain FT, Khan RA. Review and Perspective on Brain Bases of Tinnitus. J Assoc Res Otolaryngol 2023; 24:549-562. [PMID: 37919556 PMCID: PMC10752862 DOI: 10.1007/s10162-023-00914-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In advancing our understanding of tinnitus, some of the more impactful contributions in the past two decades have come from human brain imaging studies, specifically the idea of both auditory and extra-auditory neural networks that mediate tinnitus. These networks subserve both the perception of tinnitus and the psychological reaction to chronic, continuous tinnitus. In this article, we review particular studies that report on the nodes and links of such neural networks and their inter-network connections. Innovative neuroimaging tools have contributed significantly to the increased understanding of anatomical and functional connections of attention, emotion-processing, and default mode networks in adults with tinnitus. We differentiate between the neural correlates of tinnitus and those of comorbid hearing loss; surprisingly, tinnitus and hearing loss when they co-occur are not necessarily additive in their impact and, in rare cases, additional tinnitus may act to mitigate the consequences of hearing loss alone on the brain. The scale of tinnitus severity also appears to have an impact on brain networks, with some of the alterations typically attributed to tinnitus reaching significance only in the case of bothersome tinnitus. As we learn more about comorbid conditions of tinnitus, such as depression, anxiety, hyperacusis, or even aging, their contributions to the network-level changes observed in tinnitus will need to be parsed out in a manner similar to what is currently being done for hearing loss or severity. Together, such studies advance our understanding of the heterogeneity of tinnitus and will lead to individualized treatment plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima T Husain
- Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 901 S. Sixth Street, Champaign, IL, 61820, USA.
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 2355/57 Beckman Institute, 405 North Mathews Avenue, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- The Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 405 North Mathews Avenue, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
| | - Rafay A Khan
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 2355/57 Beckman Institute, 405 North Mathews Avenue, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- The Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 405 North Mathews Avenue, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
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Reisinger L, Demarchi G, Weisz N. Eavesdropping on Tinnitus Using MEG: Lessons Learned and Future Perspectives. J Assoc Res Otolaryngol 2023; 24:531-547. [PMID: 38015287 PMCID: PMC10752863 DOI: 10.1007/s10162-023-00916-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Tinnitus has been widely investigated in order to draw conclusions about the underlying causes and altered neural activity in various brain regions. Existing studies have based their work on different tinnitus frameworks, ranging from a more local perspective on the auditory cortex to the inclusion of broader networks and various approaches towards tinnitus perception and distress. Magnetoencephalography (MEG) provides a powerful tool for efficiently investigating tinnitus and aberrant neural activity both spatially and temporally. However, results are inconclusive, and studies are rarely mapped to theoretical frameworks. The purpose of this review was to firstly introduce MEG to interested researchers and secondly provide a synopsis of the current state. We divided recent tinnitus research in MEG into study designs using resting state measurements and studies implementing tone stimulation paradigms. The studies were categorized based on their theoretical foundation, and we outlined shortcomings as well as inconsistencies within the different approaches. Finally, we provided future perspectives on how to benefit more efficiently from the enormous potential of MEG. We suggested novel approaches from a theoretical, conceptual, and methodological point of view to allow future research to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of tinnitus and its underlying processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Reisinger
- Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience and Department of Psychology, Paris-Lodron-University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Gianpaolo Demarchi
- Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience and Department of Psychology, Paris-Lodron-University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Nathan Weisz
- Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience and Department of Psychology, Paris-Lodron-University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
- Neuroscience Institute, Christian Doppler University Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
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19
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Hu H, Lin X, Fang L, Li Y, Gao H. Evaluating the Efficacy and Underlying Mechanisms of Acupuncture for Chronic Subjective Tinnitus Using Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. J Pain Res 2023; 16:3367-3378. [PMID: 37814607 PMCID: PMC10560467 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s433048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for chronic subjective tinnitus and explore the central mechanism underlying acupuncture for chronic subjective tinnitus using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Methods We will randomly assign 60 tinnitus patients to either an acupuncture group or a waiting-list control group. The acupuncture group will undergo 12 treatment sessions over 4 weeks, whereas the waiting-list control group will receive no intervention concurrently. Clinical outcome measures include the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) score, tinnitus loudness assessed by 11-point NRS, average pure-tone threshold, and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) score. Neuroimaging outcomes assessed by fNIRS included blood oxygen concentration and resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC). All outcome measurements will be assessed at the baseline, after 4-week treatment, and at 3-month follow-ups. Results Our investigation will determine if significant differences exist between the two groups regarding THI, NRS, average pure-tone threshold, and HAM-A scores. Moreover, the analysis will reveal whether the acupuncture group demonstrates significant change in blood oxygen concentration and RSFC between specific brain regions compared to the waiting-list control group. Conclusion With the novel technique of fNIRS, in addition to efficacy evaluation of acupuncture, this study's findings are anticipated to partly elucidate the neural mechanisms underlying acupuncture treatment for subjective tinnitus and offer an objective assessment method for its therapeutic impact, thereby contributing to filling the research gap. Trial Registration Clinicaltrials registry (identification code NCT05829278).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hantong Hu
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou City, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou City, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqi Lin
- The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou City, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lianqiang Fang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou City, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou City, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Gao
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou City, People’s Republic of China
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20
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Yang H, Cheng G, Liang Z, Deng W, Huang X, Gao M, Zheng Y. Efficacy of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) for Tinnitus: A Retrospective Study. EAR, NOSE & THROAT JOURNAL 2023; 102:NP506-NP510. [PMID: 34128408 DOI: 10.1177/01455613211016896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Current studies still find insufficient evidence to support the routine use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in tinnitus. This study aimed to assess response of tinnitus to treatment with rTMS and identify factors influencing the overall response. METHODS Between January 2016 and May 2017, 199 tinnitus patients were identified from a retrospective review of the electronic patient record at the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital. All patients received rTMS treatment. Their clinicodemographic profile and outcomes, including the tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores, were extracted for analysis. RESULTS Regarding the THI results, 62.3% of all patients responded to rTMS. The analysis of the VAS score revealed an overall response rate of 66.3%. Both percentages were close to the patient's subjective assessment result, of 63.8%. Patients with tinnitus of less than 1-week duration had the highest response rate to rTMS in terms of either THI/VAS scores or the patient's subjective assessment of symptoms. Tinnitus duration was recognized as a factor influencing the overall response to the treatment. CONCLUSIONS Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment is effective for patients with tinnitus, but its efficacy is affected by tinnitus duration. Tinnitus patients are advised to attend for rTMS as soon as possible since therapy was more effective in those with a shorter duration of disease of less than 1 week.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haidi Yang
- Department of Hearing and Speech Science, Xinhua College, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gui Cheng
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhengrong Liang
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenting Deng
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiayin Huang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minqian Gao
- Department of Hearing and Speech Science, Xinhua College, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiqing Zheng
- Department of Hearing and Speech Science, Xinhua College, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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21
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Michiels S. Somatosensory Tinnitus: Recent Developments in Diagnosis and Treatment. J Assoc Res Otolaryngol 2023; 24:465-472. [PMID: 37794291 PMCID: PMC10695899 DOI: 10.1007/s10162-023-00912-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Somatosensory tinnitus (ST) is a type of tinnitus where changes in somatosensory input from the head-neck area are one of the influencing factors of a patient's tinnitus. As there are often several influencing factors, identifying a clear somatosensory influence on an individual patient's tinnitus is often a challenge. Therefore, a decision tree using four clinical criteria has been proposed that can help diagnose ST with an accuracy of 82.2%, a sensitivity of 82.5%, and a specificity of 79%. Once correctly diagnosed, patients can be successfully treated using a musculoskeletal physical therapy treatment. This type of treatment can either be directed at cervical spine dysfunctions, temporomandibular disorders, or both and consists of a combination of counseling, exercises, and manual techniques to restore normal function of the cervical spine and temporomandibular area. Other techniques have been suggested but need further investigation in larger RCTs. In most cases, ST treatment shows a decrease in tinnitus severity or loudness, but in rare cases, total remission of the tinnitus is achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Michiels
- REVAL Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, BE, Belgium.
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium.
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22
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De Meulemeester K, Meeus M, De Pauw R, Cagnie B, Keppler H, Lenoir D. Suffering from chronic tinnitus, chronic neck pain, or both: Does it impact the presence of signs and symptoms of central sensitization? PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290116. [PMID: 37616265 PMCID: PMC10449148 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic subjective tinnitus is a prevalent symptom, which has many similarities with chronic pain. Central sensitization is considered as a possible underlying mechanism of both symptoms. Central sensitization has already been investigated in chronic pain populations but not in patients with chronic subjective tinnitus. Therefore, the main objective of this cross-sectional study was to compare signs and symptoms, indicative for central sensitization, in tinnitus patients with and without chronic idiopathic neck pain, patients with chronic idiopathic neck pain only, and healthy controls. Also, differences in psychological and lifestyle factors, possibly influencing the association between central sensitization and tinnitus, were examined as well as correlations between signs and symptoms of central sensitization, and tinnitus, pain, psychological and lifestyle factors. Differences in signs and symptoms of central sensitization were examined using the self-report Central Sensitization Inventory and QST protocol (local and distant mechanical and heat hyperalgesia, conditioned pain modulation). Tinnitus, pain, psychological and lifestyle factors were evaluated using self-report questionnaires. Symptoms of central sensitization and local mechanical hyperalgesia were significantly more present in both tinnitus groups, compared to healthy controls, but were most extensive in the group with chronic tinnitus+chronic idiopathic neck pain. Distant mechanical hyperalgesia, indicative for central sensitization, was only observed in the group with both chronic tinnitus+chronic idiopathic neck pain. This group also displayed a significantly higher psychological burden and poorer sleep than patients with chronic tinnitus only and healthy controls. Signs and symptoms of central sensitization were also shown to be associated with tinnitus impact, pain-related disability, psychological burden and sleep disturbances. This study shows preliminary evidence for the presence of central sensitization in patients with chronic tinnitus+chronic idiopathic neck pain. This could be explained by the higher perceived tinnitus impact, psychological burden and sleep problems in this group. Trial registration: This study is registered as NCT05186259 (www.clinicaltrials.gov).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayleigh De Meulemeester
- Spine, Head and Pain Research Unit Ghent, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Pain in Motion International Research Group, The Netherlands
| | - Mira Meeus
- Spine, Head and Pain Research Unit Ghent, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Pain in Motion International Research Group, The Netherlands
- MOVANT Research Group, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Robby De Pauw
- Spine, Head and Pain Research Unit Ghent, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Lifestyle and Chronic Diseases, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, Belgium
| | - Barbara Cagnie
- Spine, Head and Pain Research Unit Ghent, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hannah Keppler
- Audiology Research Group, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dorine Lenoir
- Spine, Head and Pain Research Unit Ghent, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Pain in Motion International Research Group, The Netherlands
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23
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Yukhnovich EA, Alter K, Sedley W. Nuances in intensity deviant asymmetric responses as a biomarker for tinnitus. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289062. [PMID: 37549154 PMCID: PMC10406247 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
We attempted to replicate a potential tinnitus biomarker in humans based on the Sensory Precision Integrative Model of Tinnitus called the Intensity Mismatch Asymmetry. A few advances on the design were also included, including tighter matching of participants for gender, and a control stimulus frequency of 1 kHz to investigate whether any differences between control and tinnitus groups are specific to the tinnitus frequency or domain-general. The expectation was that there would be asymmetry in the MMN responses between tinnitus and control groups at the tinnitus frequency, but not at the control frequency, where the tinnitus group would have larger, more negative responses to upward deviants than downward deviants, and the control group would have the opposite pattern or lack of a deviant direction effect. However, no significant group differences were found. There was a striking difference in response amplitude to control frequency stimuli compared to tinnitus frequency stimuli, which could be an intrinsic quality of responses to these frequencies or could reflect high frequency hearing loss in the sample. Additionally, the upward deviants elicited stronger MMN responses in both groups at tinnitus frequency, but not at the control frequency. Factors contributing to these discrepant results at the tinnitus frequency could include hyperacusis, attention, and wider contextual effects of other frequencies used in the experiment (i.e. the control frequency in other blocks).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina A. Yukhnovich
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Kai Alter
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics and the Languages Sciences Interdisciplinary Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - William Sedley
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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24
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Xiong B, Liu Z, Li J, Huang X, Yang J, Xu W, Chen YC, Cai Y, Zheng Y. Abnormal Functional Connectivity Within Default Mode Network and Salience Network Related to Tinnitus Severity. J Assoc Res Otolaryngol 2023; 24:453-462. [PMID: 37436592 PMCID: PMC10504230 DOI: 10.1007/s10162-023-00905-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have demonstrated that tinnitus is associated with neural changes in the cerebral cortex. This study is aimed at investigating the central nervous characteristics of tinnitus patients with different severity by using a rs-EEG. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS rs-EEG was recorded in fifty-seven patients with chronic tinnitus and twenty-seven healthy controls. Tinnitus patients were divided into moderate-to-severe tinnitus group and slight-to-mild tinnitus group based on their Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) scores. Source localization and functional connectivity analyses were used to measure the changes in central levels and examine the altered network patterns. The correlation between functional connectivity and tinnitus severity was analyzed. RESULT Compared to the healthy controls, all tinnitus patients showed significant activation in the auditory cortex (middle temporal lobe, BA 21), while moderate-to-severe tinnitus group showed enhanced connectivity between the parahippocampus and posterior cingulate gyrus. Moreover, the moderate-to-severe tinnitus group had enhanced functional connectivity between auditory cortex and insula compared to the slight-to-mild tinnitus group. The connections between the insula and the parahippocampal and posterior cingulate gyrus were positively correlated with THI scores. CONCLUSION The current study reveals that patients with moderate-to-severe tinnitus demonstrate greater changes in the central brain areas, including the auditory cortex, insula, parahippocampus and posterior cingulate gyrus. In addition, enhanced connections were found between the insula and the auditory cortex, as well as the posterior cingulate gyrus and the parahippocampus, which suggests abnormality in the auditory network, salience network, and default mode network. Specifically, the insula is the core region of the neural pathway that is composed of the auditory cortex, insula, and parahippocampus/posterior cingulate gyrus. This suggests that the severity of tinnitus is affected by multiple brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binbin Xiong
- Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519000, China
- Center for Hearing and Balance, Zhuhai Hospital of Integrated of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519000, China
| | - Zhao Liu
- Center for Hearing and Balance, Zhuhai Hospital of Integrated of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519000, China
| | - Jiahong Li
- The First Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yan Jiang West Road, 510120, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiayin Huang
- The First Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yan Jiang West Road, 510120, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Center for Hearing and Balance, Zhuhai Hospital of Integrated of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519000, China
| | - Wenqiang Xu
- Center for Hearing and Balance, Zhuhai Hospital of Integrated of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519000, China
| | - Yu-Chen Chen
- Department of Radiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuexin Cai
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yan Jiang West Road, 510120, Guangzhou, China.
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Yiqing Zheng
- The First Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yan Jiang West Road, 510120, Guangzhou, China.
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China.
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25
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Folmer RL. Unresolved Issues Associated with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Treatment of Chronic Tinnitus. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4648. [PMID: 37510763 PMCID: PMC10380975 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12144648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been investigated as a potential treatment for chronic tinnitus for 20 years. Numerous studies have reported that repetitive TMS (rTMS) has demonstrated efficacy for reducing the severity of tinnitus and its associated co-conditions such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia. However, some researchers have reported that active rTMS is no more effective than sham (placebo) rTMS as a tinnitus treatment method. There are numerous unresolved issues in this field that need to be addressed before rTMS can become a viable treatment for tinnitus. These issues include the type or brand of TMS system and its configuration; coil type, orientation, and placement method; scalp or neural target; laterality of rTMS application; dual site vs. single site stimulation; stimulation frequency and intensity; number of sessions; number of pulses per session; determination of the resting motor threshold (rMT); characteristics of the study population and their tinnitus; and outcome measures and follow-up assessments. To address and resolve these issues, large-scale, multi-site clinical trials of rTMS for tinnitus need to be conducted to determine which rTMS protocols are the most effective. In the absence of such investigations, the issues that need to be studied and addressed remain unresolved and continue to impede the clinical application of this treatment method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L Folmer
- Department of Otolaryngology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research (NCRAR), VA Portland Medical Center, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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26
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Singh A, Smith PF, Zheng Y. Targeting the Limbic System: Insights into Its Involvement in Tinnitus. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9889. [PMID: 37373034 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Tinnitus is originally derived from the Latin verb tinnire, which means "to ring". Tinnitus, a complex disorder, is a result of sentient cognizance of a sound in the absence of an external auditory stimulus. It is reported in children, adults, and older populations. Patients suffering from tinnitus often present with hearing loss, anxiety, depression, and sleep disruption in addition to a hissing and ringing in the ear. Surgical interventions and many other forms of treatment have been only partially effective due to heterogeneity in tinnitus patients and a lack of understanding of the mechanisms of tinnitus. Although researchers across the globe have made significant progress in understanding the underlying mechanisms of tinnitus over the past few decades, tinnitus is still deemed to be a scientific enigma. This review summarises the role of the limbic system in tinnitus development and provides insight into the development of potential target-specific tinnitus therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anurag Singh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- The Eisdell Moore Centre for Research in Hearing and Balance Disorders, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Paul F Smith
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- The Eisdell Moore Centre for Research in Hearing and Balance Disorders, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Yiwen Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- The Eisdell Moore Centre for Research in Hearing and Balance Disorders, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
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27
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Manta O, Sarafidis M, Schlee W, Mazurek B, Matsopoulos GK, Koutsouris DD. Development of Machine-Learning Models for Tinnitus-Related Distress Classification Using Wavelet-Transformed Auditory Evoked Potential Signals and Clinical Data. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12113843. [PMID: 37298037 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12113843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Tinnitus is a highly prevalent condition, affecting more than 1 in 7 adults in the EU and causing negative effects on sufferers' quality of life. In this study, we utilised data collected within the "UNITI" project, the largest EU tinnitus-related research programme. Initially, we extracted characteristics from both auditory brainstem response (ABR) and auditory middle latency response (AMLR) signals, which were derived from tinnitus patients. We then combined these features with the patients' clinical data, and integrated them to build machine learning models for the classification of individuals and their ears according to their level of tinnitus-related distress. Several models were developed and tested on different datasets to determine the most relevant features and achieve high performances. Specifically, seven widely used classifiers were utilised on all generated datasets: random forest (RF), linear, radial, and polynomial support vector machines (SVM), naive bayes (NB), neural networks (NN), and linear discriminant analysis (LDA). Results showed that features extracted from the wavelet-scattering transformed AMLR signals were the most informative data. In combination with the 15 LASSO-selected clinical features, the SVM classifier achieved optimal performance with an AUC value, sensitivity, and specificity of 92.53%, 84.84%, and 83.04%, respectively, indicating high discrimination performance between the two groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ourania Manta
- Biomedical Engineering Laboratory, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 15780 Athens, Greece
| | - Michail Sarafidis
- Biomedical Engineering Laboratory, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 15780 Athens, Greece
| | - Winfried Schlee
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Institute for Information and Process Management, Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, 9001 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Birgit Mazurek
- Tinnitus Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - George K Matsopoulos
- Biomedical Engineering Laboratory, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 15780 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios D Koutsouris
- Biomedical Engineering Laboratory, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 15780 Athens, Greece
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28
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Ghimire M, Cai R, Ling L, Brownell KA, Hackett TA, Llano DA, Caspary DM. Increased pyramidal and VIP neuronal excitability in rat primary auditory cortex directly correlates with tinnitus behaviour. J Physiol 2023; 601:2493-2511. [PMID: 37119035 PMCID: PMC10330441 DOI: 10.1113/jp284675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Tinnitus affects roughly 15%-20% of the population while severely impacting 10% of those afflicted. Tinnitus pathology is multifactorial, generally initiated by damage to the auditory periphery, resulting in a cascade of maladaptive plastic changes at multiple levels of the central auditory neuraxis as well as limbic and non-auditory cortical centres. Using a well-established condition-suppression model of tinnitus, we measured tinnitus-related changes in the microcircuits of excitatory/inhibitory neurons onto layer 5 pyramidal neurons (PNs), as well as changes in the excitability of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) neurons in primary auditory cortex (A1). Patch-clamp recordings from PNs in A1 slices showed tinnitus-related increases in spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) and decreases in spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs). Both measures could be correlated to the rat's behavioural evidence of tinnitus. Tinnitus-related changes in PN excitability were independent of changes in A1 excitatory or inhibitory cell numbers. VIP neurons, part of an A1 local circuit that can control the excitation of layer 5 PNs via disinhibitory mechanisms, showed significant tinnitus-related increases in excitability that directly correlated with the rat's behavioural tinnitus score. That PN and VIP changes directly correlated to tinnitus behaviour suggests an important role in A1 tinnitus pathology. Tinnitus-related A1 changes were similar to findings in studies of neuropathic pain in somatosensory cortex suggesting a common pathology of these troublesome perceptual impairments. Improved understanding between excitatory, inhibitory and disinhibitory sensory cortical circuits can serve as a model for testing therapeutic approaches to the treatment of tinnitus and chronic pain. KEY POINTS: We identified tinnitus-related changes in synaptic function of specific neuronal subtypes in a reliable animal model of tinnitus. The findings show direct and indirect tinnitus-related losses of normal inhibitory function at A1 layer 5 pyramidal cells, and increased VIP excitability. The findings are similar to what has been shown for neuropathic pain suggesting that restoring normal inhibitory function at synaptic inputs onto A1 pyramidal neurons (PNs) could conceptually reduce tinnitus discomfort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madan Ghimire
- Department of Pharmacology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois 62702
| | - Rui Cai
- Department of Pharmacology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois 62702
| | - Lynne Ling
- Department of Pharmacology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois 62702
| | - Kevin A. Brownell
- Department of Pharmacology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois 62702
| | - Troy A. Hackett
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232
| | - Daniel A. Llano
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Donald M. Caspary
- Department of Pharmacology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois 62702
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29
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Dobel C, Junghöfer M, Mazurek B, Paraskevopoulos E, Groß J. Tinnitus and Multimodal Cortical Interaction. Laryngorhinootologie 2023; 102:S59-S66. [PMID: 37130531 PMCID: PMC10184662 DOI: 10.1055/a-1959-3021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The term of subjective tinnitus is used to describe a perceived noise without an external sound source. Therefore, it seems to be obvious that tinnitus can be understood as purely auditory, sensory problem. From a clinical point of view, however, this is a very inadequate description, as there are significant comorbidities associated with chronic tinnitus. Neurophysiological investigations with different imaging techniques give a very similar picture, because not only the auditory system is affected in chronic tinnitus patients, but also a widely ramified subcortical and cortical network. In addition to auditory processing systems, networks consisting of frontal and parietal regions are particularly disturbed. For this reason, some authors conceptualize tinnitus as a network disorder rather than a disorder of a circumscribed system. These findings and this concept suggest that tinnitus must be diagnosed and treated in a multidisciplinary and multimodal manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Dobel
- Klinik und Poliklinik für HNO-Heilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Jena
| | - Markus Junghöfer
- Institut für Biomagnetismus und Biosignalanalyse, Universität Münster, Münster
| | - Birgit Mazurek
- Tinnituszentrum, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin
| | | | - Joachim Groß
- Institut für Biomagnetismus und Biosignalanalyse, Universität Münster, Münster
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30
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Mazurek B, Böcking B, Dobel C, Rose M, Brüggemann P. Tinnitus and Influencing Comorbidities. Laryngorhinootologie 2023; 102:S50-S58. [PMID: 37130530 PMCID: PMC10184670 DOI: 10.1055/a-1950-6149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Numerous studies show that impairments in chronic tinnitus are closely connected with psychosomatic and other concomitant symptoms. This overview summarizes some of these studies. Beyond hearing loss, individual interactions of medical and psychosocial stress factors as well as resources are of central importance. Tinnitus related distress reflects a large number of intercorrelated, psychosomatic influences - such as personality traits, stress reactivity and depression or anxiety - which can be accompanied by cognitive difficulties and should be conceptualized and assessed within a vulnerability-stress-reaction model. Superordinate factors such as age, gender or education level can increase vulnerability to stress. Therefore, diagnosis and therapy of chronic tinnitus be individualised, multidimensional and interdisciplinary. Multimodal psychosomatic therapy approaches aim to address individually constellated medical, audiological and psychological influences in order to sustainably increase the quality of life of those affected. Counselling in the first contact is also indispensable for diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Mazurek
- Tinnituszentrum, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin
| | | | - Christian Dobel
- Klinik und Poliklinik für HNO-Heilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Jena
| | - Matthias Rose
- Medizinische Klinik m. S. Psychosomatik, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin
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Salvari V, Korth D, Paraskevopoulos E, Wollbrink A, Ivansic D, Guntinas-Lichius O, Klingner C, Pantev C, Dobel C. Tinnitus-frequency specific activity and connectivity: A MEG study. Neuroimage Clin 2023; 38:103379. [PMID: 36933347 PMCID: PMC10031544 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2023.103379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
Tinnitus pathophysiology has been associated with an atypical cortical network that involves functional changes in auditory and non-auditory areas. Numerous resting-state studies have replicated a tinnitus brain network to be significantly different from healthy-controls. Yet it is still unknown whether the cortical reorganization is attributed to the tinnitus frequency specifically or if it is frequency-irrelevant. Employing magnetoencephalography (MEG), the current study aimed to identify frequency-specific activity patterns by using an individual tinnitus tone (TT) and a 500 Hz-control tone (CT) as auditory stimuli, across 54 tinnitus patients. MEG data were analyzed in a data-driven approach employing a whole-head model in source space and in sources' functional connectivity. Compared to the CT, the event related source space analysis revealed a statistically significant response to TT involving fronto-parietal regions. The CT mainly involved typical auditory activation-related regions. A comparison of the cortical responses to a healthy control group that underwent the same paradigm rejected the alternative interpretation that the frequency-specific activation differences were due to the higher frequency of the TT. Overall, the results suggest frequency-specificity of tinnitus-related cortical patterns. In line with previous studies, we demonstrated a tinnitus-frequency specific network comprising left fronto-temporal, fronto-parietal and tempo-parietal junctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Salvari
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University of Münster, P.C. D-48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Daniela Korth
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller-University of Jena, P.C. D-07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Evangelos Paraskevopoulos
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, P.C. 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, P.C. CY 1678, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Andreas Wollbrink
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University of Münster, P.C. D-48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Daniela Ivansic
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller-University of Jena, P.C. D-07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Orlando Guntinas-Lichius
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller-University of Jena, P.C. D-07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Carsten Klingner
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller-University of Jena, D-07747 Jena Germany
| | - Christo Pantev
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University of Münster, P.C. D-48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Christian Dobel
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller-University of Jena, P.C. D-07747 Jena, Germany
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Schecklmann M, Weber FC, Lehner A, Langguth B, Schoisswohl S. Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy for Chronic Tinnitus in a German Tertiary Clinical Real-World Setting. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4982. [PMID: 36981891 PMCID: PMC10048916 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20064982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was shown to be effective in reducing tinnitus-related distress in numerous controlled trials. Real-world data from tinnitus treatment centers are an important addition to controlled trials for demonstrating the ecological validity of the results from the randomized controlled trials. Thus, we provided the real-world data of 52 patients participating in CBT group therapies during the time period from 2010 to 2019. The groups consisted of five to eight patients with typical CBT content such as counseling, relaxation, cognitive restructuring, attention training, etc. applied through 10-12 weekly sessions. The mini tinnitus questionnaire, different tinnitus numeric rating scales and the clinical global impression were assessed in a standardized way and were analyzed retrospectively. All outcome variables showed clinically relevant changes from before to after the group therapy, which were still evident in the follow-up visit after three months. Amelioration of distress was correlated to all numeric rating scales, including tinnitus loudness but not annoyance. The observed positive effects were in a similar range as effects of controlled and uncontrolled studies. Somewhat unexpected was the observed reduction in loudness, which was associated with distress and the missing association of changes in distress with annoyance as it is generally assumed that standard CBT concepts reduce annoyance and distress, but not tinnitus loudness. Apart from confirming the therapeutic effectiveness of CBT in real-world settings, our results highlight the need for a clear definition/operationalization of outcome measures when investigating psychological interventions of tinnitus.
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Langguth B, Shiao AS, Lai JT, Chi TS, Weber F, Schecklmann M, Li LPH. Tinnitus and treatment-resistant depression. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2023; 281:131-147. [PMID: 37806713 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Tinnitus, a frequent disorder, is the conscious perception of a sound in the absence of a corresponding external acoustic sound source in the sense of a phantom sound. Although the majority of people who perceive a tinnitus sound can cope with it and are only minimaly impaired in their quality of lfe, 2-3% of the population perceive tinnitus as a major problem. Recently it has been proposed that the two groups should be differentiated by distict terms: "Tinnitus" describes the auditory or sensory component, whereas "Tinnitus Disorder" reflects the auditory component and the associated suffering. There is overwhelming evidence that a high tinnitus burden is associated with the increased occurrence of comorbidities, including depression. Since no causal therapeutic options are available for patients with tinnitus at the present time, the identification and adequate treatment of relevant comorbidities is of great importance for the reduction of tinnitus distress. This chapter deals with the relationship between tinnitus and depression. The neuronal mechanisms underlying tinnitus will first be discussed. There will also be an overview about depression and treatment resistant depression (TRD). A comprehensive review about the state-of-the-art evidences of the relationship between tinnitus and TRD will then be provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berthold Langguth
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - An-Suey Shiao
- Department of Otolaryngology, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Tsung Lai
- Department of Otolaryngology, Kuang Tien General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Shih Chi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Franziska Weber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Martin Schecklmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Lieber Po-Hung Li
- Department of Otolaryngology, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Faculty of Medicine, and Institute of Brain Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Integrated Brain Research Laboratory, Department of Medical Research and Education, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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Watson N, Schaper FLWVJ, Jabbour S, Sadler S, Bain PA, Fox MD, Naples JG. Is There an Optimal Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Target to Treat Chronic Tinnitus? Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2023; 168:300-306. [PMID: 35671136 DOI: 10.1177/01945998221102082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Chronic tinnitus is a clinical symptom that affects 10% to 15% of the adult population. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a promising treatment, but significant heterogeneity exists in the treatment outcomes and stimulation parameters. In this study, we perform a qualitative systematic review to determine if there is an optimal rTMS site to treat tinnitus. DATA SOURCES A literature search was performed by searching the MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases. REVIEW METHODS Sham-controlled studies in adults were included that contained >10 patients with tinnitus for >3 months and utilized 10 to 20 electroencephalography coordinates. Study outcomes were considered positive if the treatment arm reported a significant reduction in the primary tinnitus score relative to sham. RESULTS There were 1211 studies screened. Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria, and 8 unique stimulation sites were reported. Studies had 53.7 ± 46.0 patients (mean ± SD). The mean duration of follow-up was 10.3 ± 9.6 weeks. Positive outcomes regarding tinnitus suppression were reported in 5 of 5 (100%) studies stimulating the temporoparietal junction midway between T3 and P3 or between T4 and P4. Tinnitus suppression at all other sites was less frequent with a combined success rate of only 8 of 14 (57.1%). CONCLUSION Significant heterogeneity exists in the literature in regard to the optimal transcranial magnetic stimulation target. These preliminary findings suggest that the temporoparietal junction midway between T3 and P3 or T4 and P4 is a promising nonauditory rTMS target in the setting of chronic tinnitus. Future research should elucidate the effectiveness of this site for tinnitus suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sandrine Jabbour
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Paul A Bain
- Countway Library of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael D Fox
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James G Naples
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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De Meulemeester K, Meeus M, Dhooge I, Taevernier A, Van Elslander M, Cagnie B, Lenoir D, Keppler H. Comparing tinnitus, pain, psychosocial and cognitive factors between patients with tinnitus and pain: A systematic review. J Psychosom Res 2023; 168:111201. [PMID: 36863293 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2023.111201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Tinnitus is a multifactorial symptom, which shows similarities with the involved mechanisms in chronic pain. The aim of this systematic review is to provide an overview of studies comparing patients with only tinnitus to patients with pain (headache, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain or neck pain) with or without tinnitus, regarding tinnitus-related, pain-related, psychosocial and cognitive factors. METHODS This systematic review was written following the PRISMA guidelines. To identify relevant articles, PubMed, Web of Science and Embase databases were searched. The risk of bias was rated using the Newcastle Ottawa scale for case-control studies. RESULTS Ten articles were included in the qualitative analysis. The risk of bias ranged from low to moderate. Low to moderate evidence shows that patients with tinnitus experience higher mean symptom intensity, but lower psychosocial and cognitive distress, compared to patients with pain. Inconsistent results were found for tinnitus-related factors. Low to moderate evidence points to a higher severity of hyperacusis and psychosocial distress in patients with both pain and tinnitus, compared to patients with tinnitus only, as well as for positive associations between tinnitus-related factors and the presence or intensity of pain. CONCLUSION This systematic review shows that psychosocial dysfunctions are more clearly present in patients with pain only, compared to patients with tinnitus only and the co-occurrence of tinnitus and pain increases psychosocial distress as well as hyperacusis severity. Some positive associations were identified between tinnitus-related and pain-related factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayleigh De Meulemeester
- Spine, Head and Pain Research Unit Ghent, Ghent University, Belgium; Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium; Pain in Motion International Research Group, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Mira Meeus
- Spine, Head and Pain Research Unit Ghent, Ghent University, Belgium; Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium; Pain in Motion International Research Group, Ghent, Belgium; MOVANT Research group, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ingeborg Dhooge
- Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Head and Skin, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anja Taevernier
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Mylène Van Elslander
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Barbara Cagnie
- Spine, Head and Pain Research Unit Ghent, Ghent University, Belgium; Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Dorine Lenoir
- Spine, Head and Pain Research Unit Ghent, Ghent University, Belgium; Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium; Pain in Motion International Research Group, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hannah Keppler
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium; Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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Paciello F, Ripoli C, Fetoni AR, Grassi C. Redox Imbalance as a Common Pathogenic Factor Linking Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12020332. [PMID: 36829891 PMCID: PMC9952092 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12020332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Experimental and clinical data suggest a tight link between hearing and cognitive functions under both physiological and pathological conditions. Indeed, hearing perception requires high-level cognitive processes, and its alterations have been considered a risk factor for cognitive decline. Thus, identifying common pathogenic determinants of hearing loss and neurodegenerative disease is challenging. Here, we focused on redox status imbalance as a possible common pathological mechanism linking hearing and cognitive dysfunctions. Oxidative stress plays a critical role in cochlear damage occurring during aging, as well as in that induced by exogenous factors, including noise. At the same time, increased oxidative stress in medio-temporal brain regions, including the hippocampus, is a hallmark of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease. As such, antioxidant therapy seems to be a promising approach to prevent and/or counteract both sensory and cognitive neurodegeneration. Here, we review experimental evidence suggesting that redox imbalance is a key pathogenetic factor underlying the association between sensorineural hearing loss and neurodegenerative diseases. A greater understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms shared by these two diseased conditions will hopefully provide relevant information to develop innovative and effective therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola Paciello
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Cristian Ripoli
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0630154966
| | - Anna Rita Fetoni
- Unit of Audiology, Department of Neuroscience, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Grassi
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
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37
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Nogueira I, Lima TZ, Malfatti T, Leao KE. Loud noise-exposure changes the firing frequency of subtypes of layer 5 pyramidal neurons and Martinotti cells in the mouse auditory cortex. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1152497. [PMID: 37213542 PMCID: PMC10192617 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1152497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Loud noise-exposure can generate noise-induced tinnitus in both humans and animals. Imaging and in vivo studies show that noise exposure affects the auditory cortex; however, cellular mechanisms of tinnitus generation are unclear. Methods Here we compare membrane properties of layer 5 (L5) pyramidal cells (PCs) and Martinotti cells expressing the cholinergic receptor nicotinic alpha 2 subunit gene (Chrna2) of the primary auditory cortex (A1) from control and noise-exposed (4-18 kHz, 90 dB, 1.5 h, followed by 1.5 h silence) 5-8 week old mice. PCs were furthermore classified in type A or type B based on electrophysiological membrane properties, and a logistic regression model predicting that afterhyperpolarization (AHP) and afterdepolarization (ADP) are sufficient to predict cell type, and these features are preserved after noise trauma. Results One week after a loud noise-exposure no passive membrane properties of type A or B PCs were altered but principal component analysis showed greater separation between type A PCs from control and noise-exposed mice. When comparing individual firing properties, noise exposure differentially affected type A and B PC firing frequency in response to depolarizing current steps. Specifically, type A PCs decreased initial firing frequency in response to +200 pA steps (p = 0.020) as well as decreased steady state firing frequency (p = 0.050) while type B PCs, on the contrary, significantly increased steady state firing frequency (p = 0.048) in response to a + 150 pA step 1 week after noise exposure. In addition, L5 Martinotti cells showed a more hyperpolarized resting membrane potential (p = 0.04), higher rheobase (p = 0.008) and an increased initial (p = 8.5 × 10-5) and steady state firing frequency (p = 6.3 × 10-5) in slices from noise-exposed mice compared to control. Discussion These results show that loud noise can cause distinct effects on type A and B L5 PCs and inhibitory Martinotti cells of the primary auditory cortex 1 week following noise exposure. As the L5 comprises PCs that send feedback to other areas, loud noise exposure appears to alter levels of activity of the descending and contralateral auditory system.
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38
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Bhatt IS, Wilson N, Dias R, Torkamani A. A genome-wide association study of tinnitus reveals shared genetic links to neuropsychiatric disorders. Sci Rep 2022; 12:22511. [PMID: 36581688 PMCID: PMC9800371 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26413-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Tinnitus, a phantom perception of sound in the absence of any external sound source, is a prevalent health condition often accompanied by psychiatric comorbidities. Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) highlighted a polygenic nature of tinnitus susceptibility. A shared genetic component between tinnitus and psychiatric conditions remains elusive. Here we present a GWAS using the UK Biobank to investigate the genetic processes linked to tinnitus and tinnitus-related distress, followed by gene-set enrichment analyses. The UK Biobank sample comprised 132,438 individuals with tinnitus and genotype data. Among the study sample, 38,525 individuals reported tinnitus, and 26,889 participants mentioned they experienced tinnitus-related distress in daily living. The genome-wide association analyses were conducted on tinnitus and tinnitus-related distress. We conducted enrichment analyses using FUMA to further understand the genetic processes linked to tinnitus and tinnitus-related distress. A genome-wide significant locus (lead SNP: rs71595470) for tinnitus was obtained in the vicinity of GPM6A. Nineteen independent loci reached suggestive association with tinnitus. Fifteen independent loci reached suggestive association with tinnitus-related distress. The enrichment analysis revealed a shared genetic component between tinnitus and psychiatric traits, such as bipolar disorder, feeling worried, cognitive ability, fast beta electroencephalogram, and sensation seeking. Metabolic, cardiovascular, hematological, and pharmacological gene sets revealed a significant association with tinnitus. Anxiety and stress-related gene sets revealed a significant association with tinnitus-related distress. The GWAS signals for tinnitus were enriched in the hippocampus and cortex, and for tinnitus-related distress were enriched in the brain and spinal cord. This study provides novel insights into genetic processes associated with tinnitus and tinnitus-related distress and demonstrates a shared genetic component underlying tinnitus and psychiatric conditions. Further collaborative attempts are necessary to identify genetic components underlying the phenotypic heterogeneity in tinnitus and provide biological insight into the etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishan Sunilkumar Bhatt
- grid.214572.70000 0004 1936 8294Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Iowa, 250 Hawkins Dr, Iowa City, IA 52242 USA
| | - Nicholas Wilson
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology Scripps Science Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
| | - Raquel Dias
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608 USA
| | - Ali Torkamani
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology Scripps Science Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
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Cardon E, Jacquemin L, Vermeersch H, Joossen I, Moyaert J, Mertens G, Vanderveken OM, Lammers MJW, Van de Heyning P, Van Rompaey V, Gilles A. Dual-site transcranial direct current stimulation to treat tinnitus: a randomized controlled trial. Brain 2022; 145:4222-4231. [PMID: 36450310 PMCID: PMC9762937 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been proposed as a potential intervention for subjective tinnitus, but supporting evidence remains limited. We aimed to investigate the effect of anodal high-definition tDCS of the left temporal area and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex on tinnitus severity. This double-blind randomized controlled trial included 77 patients (age range 18-79, 43 male) with chronic subjective tinnitus as their primary complaint. Thirty-eight subjects received six consecutive sessions of dual-site sequential high-definition-tDCS with electrodes positioned over the left temporal area and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Both areas were stimulated for 15 min per session, with total stimulation time amounting to 30 min. Thirty-nine subjects received sham stimulation. The primary outcome measure was the change in tinnitus severity, as evaluated by the Tinnitus Functional Index, from baseline to a follow-up visit at 8 ± 2 weeks after treatment completion. Secondary outcomes included changes in perceived tinnitus loudness, as measured with a visual analogue scale and a tinnitus matching procedure, as well as scores on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Hyperacusis Questionnaire. No differences in Tinnitus Functional Index change scores were identified between the active treatment and sham control groups (linear regression: P = 0.86). The Tinnitus Functional Index scores decreased significantly over time in both groups (P = 0.0012), indicating the presence of a considerable placebo effect. These change scores were significantly influenced by sex (linear regression: P = 0.037) and baseline symptoms of anxiety (linear regression: P = 0.049) in both groups. In general, Tinnitus Functional Index scores decreased more profoundly in males and in subjects with a higher degree of anxiety at baseline. None of the included secondary measures differed significantly between experimental arms. Our results suggest that dual-site sequential high-definition-tDCS of the left temporal area and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex does not alleviate tinnitus severity. Interestingly, in our study population, fluctuations in tinnitus severity were influenced by gender and concurrent mental condition. It is therefore important to take these factors into account when conducting or planning randomized controlled trials in tinnitus populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Cardon
- Correspondence to: Emilie Cardon Department of Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp, Belgium E-mail:
| | - Laure Jacquemin
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium,University Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Hanne Vermeersch
- University Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Iris Joossen
- University Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Julie Moyaert
- University Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Griet Mertens
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium,University Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Olivier M Vanderveken
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium,University Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Marc J W Lammers
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium,University Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Paul Van de Heyning
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium,University Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Vincent Van Rompaey
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium,University Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Annick Gilles
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium,University Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium,Department of Education, Health and Social Work, University College Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
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Mazurek B, Hesse G, Sattel H, Kratzsch V, Lahmann C, Dobel C. S3 Guideline: Chronic Tinnitus : German Society for Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery e. V. (DGHNO-KHC). HNO 2022; 70:795-827. [PMID: 36227338 PMCID: PMC9581878 DOI: 10.1007/s00106-022-01207-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Mazurek
- Tinnituszentrum, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Gerhard Hesse
- Tinnitus-Klinik, KH Bad Arolsen, Große Allee 50, 34454, Bad Arolsen, Germany.
- Universität Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany.
| | - Heribert Sattel
- Klinikum rechts der Isar, Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Technical University of Munich, Langerstr. 3, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Volker Kratzsch
- Abt. Hörbehinderung, Tinnitus und Schwindelerkrankungen, VAMED Rehaklinik Bad Grönenbach, Sebastian-Kneipp-Allee 3-5, 87730, Bad Grönenbach, Germany
| | - Claas Lahmann
- Klinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Hauptstr. 8, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christian Dobel
- Klinik für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
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Factors Associated With the Development of Tinnitus and With the Degree of Annoyance Caused by Newly Developed Tinnitus. Ear Hear 2022; 43:1807-1815. [PMID: 35729718 PMCID: PMC9592178 DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000001250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Tinnitus is highly prevalent, but only a few risk factors for developing tinnitus are known and little is known about factors associated with the degree of annoyance of new-onset tinnitus. Longitudinal analysis can reveal risk factors associated with the development of tinnitus and might lead to targeted prevention. The aim of this study is twofold. (1) To identify risk factors that are longitudinally associated with the odds of developing tinnitus 5 years later. (2) To identify factors that are cross-sectionally associated with tinnitus annoyance in adults with new-onset tinnitus. METHODS Baseline, 5-year, and 10-year follow-up data of participants in the Netherlands Longitudinal Study on Hearing (NL-SH) were used. The NL-SH is a web-based prospective cohort study, which started in 2006 and includes both normal hearing and hearing-impaired adults aged 18 to 70 years at baseline. The NL-SH uses an online digit-triplet speech-in-noise test to asses speech recognition ability in noise, and online questionnaires on various aspects of life. At follow-up, participants are asked (1) if they suffer from tinnitus and (2) to rate tinnitus annoyance on a 0 to 100 numeric rating scale. We investigated whether demographic (age, sex, living arrangement, educational level), lifestyle (history of tobacco smoking, alcohol use), health (asthma, severe heart disease, hypertension, history of stroke, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and migraine), hearing (speech recognition ability in noise, hyperacusis, and occupational noise exposure), and psychological variables (distress, somatization, depression, and anxiety) were potential risk factors for new-onset tinnitus, or associated with annoyance caused by new-onset tinnitus. Generalized estimating equations were used to longitudinally analyze the association between potential risk factors and new-onset tinnitus measured 5 years later. A multivariable association model was constructed using a forward selection procedure with p < 0.05 for model entry. Linear regression analysis was used to cross-sectionally analyze the association between potential factors and tinnitus annoyance in new-onset tinnitus. For this purpose, a multivariable association model was constructed using a forward selection procedure with p <0.05 for model entry. RESULTS In total, 734 participants without tinnitus at baseline were included, from which 137 participants reported to suffer from new-onset tinnitus 5 or 10 years later. Risk factors for new-onset tinnitus were history of smoking (odds ratio 1.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0 to 2.2, p = 0.027) and higher levels of somatization (odds ratio 2.0, 95% CI 1.2 to 3.3, overall p = 0.024). Factors associated with the degree of tinnitus annoyance were increased levels of anxiety (β = 11.6, 95% CI 2.3-20.8, overall p = 0.035) and poor speech recognition ability in noise (β = 13.5, 95% CI, 4.4 to 22.6, overall p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS Higher levels of somatization and a history of smoking were found to be risk factors for new-onset tinnitus 5 years later. Anxiety and poor speech recognition ability in noise were associated with higher degrees of tinnitus annoyance in new-onset tinnitus. Somatization deserves to be addressed in future research and clinical practice as it might provide part of a model for the development of chronic tinnitus.
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Deshpande SB, Deshpande AK. Race/Ethnicity, Gender, and Socioeconomic Status Representation in U.S.-Based Randomized Controlled Trials of Tinnitus: A Systematic Review. Am J Audiol 2022; 31:1320-1333. [PMID: 36170574 DOI: 10.1044/2022_aja-21-00244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate if peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for the management/treatment of tinnitus conducted in the United States include diverse participants in terms of gender, race/ethnicity, education, occupation, and income. METHOD We performed a comprehensive and systematic literature search via PubMed, Web of Science, Clinical-Trials.gov, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Our goal was to identify prospective RCTs of tinnitus intervention conducted in the United States from January 1994 to September 2021 and published in peer-reviewed journals. RESULTS A total of 2,584 studies were retrieved. Thirty-two peer-reviewed articles met all inclusion criteria. Of the included studies, approximately 96% reported participants' gender. Approximately 15% studies reported race/ethnicity information in alignment with the U.S. Census Bureau. However, an underrepresentation of both females and people of color was evident across studies. Reporting of socioeconomic status information of participants was also scarce, with only 25% studies reporting education and/or occupation of participants and 0% reporting income levels. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates underrepresentation and underreporting of diverse participant pools in tinnitus research. Reasons for such underrepresentation are explored. Additionally, this systematic review indicates that recent research in tinnitus portrays an optimistic trend in terms of reporting and recruitment of diverse participant groups. Sustainable strategies for including diverse research participants are essential for hearing health care equity. Research and strategies to promote this goal are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Balvalli Deshpande
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, St. John's University, Queens, NY.,Long Island Doctor of Audiology Consortium, Garden City, NY
| | - Aniruddha K Deshpande
- Long Island Doctor of Audiology Consortium, Garden City, NY.,The Hear-Ring Lab, Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY
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A Combined Image- and Coordinate-Based Meta-Analysis of Whole-Brain Voxel-Based Morphometry Studies Investigating Subjective Tinnitus. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12091192. [PMID: 36138928 PMCID: PMC9496862 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12091192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous voxel-based morphometry (VBM) studies investigating tinnitus have reported structural differences in a variety of spatially distinct gray matter regions. However, the results have been highly inconsistent and sometimes contradictory. In the current study, we conducted a combined image- and coordinate-based meta-analysis of VBM studies investigating tinnitus to identify robust gray matter differences associated with tinnitus, as well as examine the possible effects of hearing loss on the outcome of the meta-analysis. The PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched for studies published up to August 2021. Additional manual searches were conducted for studies published up to December 2021. A whole-brain meta-analysis was performed using Seed-Based d Mapping with Permutation of Subject Images (SDM-PSI). Fifteen studies comprising 423 individuals with tinnitus and either normal hearing or hearing loss (mean age 50.94 years; 173 females) and 508 individuals without tinnitus and either normal hearing or hearing loss (mean age 51.59 years; 234 females) met the inclusion criteria. We found a small but significant reduction in gray matter in the left inferior temporal gyrus for groups of normal hearing individuals with tinnitus compared to groups of hearing-matched individuals without tinnitus. In sharp contrast, in groups with hearing loss, tinnitus was associated with increased gray matter levels in the bilateral lingual gyrus and the bilateral precuneus. Those results were dependent upon matching the hearing levels between the groups with or without tinnitus. The current investigation suggests that hearing loss is the driving force of changes in cortical gray matter across individuals with and without tinnitus. Future studies should carefully account for confounders, including hearing loss, hyperacusis, anxiety, and depression, to identify gray matter changes specifically related to tinnitus. Ultimately, the aggregation of standardized individual datasets with both anatomical and useful phenotypical information will permit a better understanding of tinnitus-related gray matter differences, the effects of potential comorbidities, and their interactions with tinnitus.
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The Effect of Noise Trauma and Deep Brain Stimulation of the Medial Geniculate Body on Tissue Activity in the Auditory Pathway. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12081099. [PMID: 36009162 PMCID: PMC9405782 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12081099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tinnitus is defined as the phantom perception of sound. To date, there is no curative treatment, and contemporary treatments have failed to show beneficial outcomes. Deep brain stimulation has been suggested as a potential therapy for refractory tinnitus. However, the optimal target and stimulation regimens remain to be defined. Herein, we investigated metabolic and neuronal activity changes using cytochrome C oxidase histochemistry and c-Fos immunohistochemistry in a noise trauma-induced rat model of tinnitus. We also assessed changes in neuronal activity following medial geniculate body (MGB) high-frequency stimulation (HFS). Metabolic activity was reduced in the primary auditory cortex, MGB and CA1 region of the hippocampus in noise-exposed rats. Additionally, c-Fos expression was increased in the primary auditory cortex of those animals. Furthermore, MGB-HFS enhanced c-Fos expression in the thalamic reticular nucleus. We concluded that noise trauma alters tissue activity in multiple brain areas including the auditory and limbic regions. MGB-HFS resulted in higher neuronal activity in the thalamic reticular nucleus. Given the prominent role of the auditory thalamus in tinnitus, these data provide more rationales towards targeting the MGB with HFS as a symptom management tool in tinnitus.
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Zhou GP, Li WW, Chen YC, Wei HL, Yu YS, Guo X, Yin X, Tao YJ, Zhang H. Disrupted intra- and inter-network connectivity in unilateral acute tinnitus with hearing loss. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:833437. [PMID: 35978951 PMCID: PMC9376359 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.833437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Currently, the underlying neurophysiological mechanism of acute tinnitus is still poorly understood. This study aimed to explore differences in brain functional connectivity (FC) within and between resting-state networks (RSNs) in acute tinnitus patients with hearing loss (ATHL). Furthermore, it also evaluated the correlations between FC alterations and clinical characteristics. Methods Two matched groups of 40 patients and 40 healthy controls (HCs) were included. Independent component analysis (ICA) was employed to obtain RSNs and FC differences were calculated within RSNs. In addition, the relationships between networks were conducted using functional network connectivity (FNC) analysis. Finally, an analysis of correlation was used to evaluate the relationship between FNC abnormalities and clinical data. Results Results of this study found that seven major RSNs including the auditory network (AN), cerebellum network (CN), default mode network (DMN), executive control network (ECN), sensorimotor network (SMN), ventral attention network (VAN), and visual network (VN) were extracted using the group ICA in both groups. Furthermore, it was noted that the ATHL group showed aberrant FC within the CN, ECN, and VN as compared with HCs. Moreover, different patterns of network interactions were observed between groups, including the SMN-ECN, SMN-CN, ECN-AN, DMN-VAN, and DMN-CN connections. The correlations between functional disconnection and clinical characteristics in ATHL were also found in this study. Conclusion In conclusion, this study indicated widespread alterations of intra- and inter-network connectivity in ATHL, suggesting that multiple large-scale network dysfunctions and interactions are involved in the early stage. Furthermore, our findings may provide new perspectives to understand the neuropathophysiological mechanism of acute tinnitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang-Ping Zhou
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wang-Wei Li
- Department of E.N.T., The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu-Chen Chen
- Department of Radiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Heng-Le Wei
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu-Sheng Yu
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xi Guo
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xindao Yin
- Department of Radiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue-Jin Tao
- Department of E.N.T., The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Yue-Jin Tao,
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Hong Zhang,
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Almasabi F, Alosaimi F, Corrales-Terrón M, Wolters A, Strikwerda D, Smit JV, Temel Y, Janssen MLF, Jahanshahi A. Post-Mortem Analysis of Neuropathological Changes in Human Tinnitus. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12081024. [PMID: 36009087 PMCID: PMC9406157 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12081024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Tinnitus is the phantom perception of a sound, often accompanied by increased anxiety and depressive symptoms. Degenerative or inflammatory processes, as well as changes in monoaminergic systems, have been suggested as potential underlying mechanisms. Herein, we conducted the first post-mortem histopathological assessment to reveal detailed structural changes in tinnitus patients’ auditory and non-auditory brain regions. Tissue blocks containing the medial geniculate body (MGB), thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN), central part of the inferior colliculus (CIC), and dorsal and obscurus raphe nuclei (DRN and ROb) were obtained from tinnitus patients and matched controls. Cell density and size were assessed in Nissl-stained sections. Astrocytes and microglia were assessed using immunohistochemistry. The DRN was stained using antibodies raised against phenylalanine hydroxylase-8 (PH8) and tyrosine-hydroxylase (TH) to visualize serotonergic and dopaminergic cells, respectively. Cell density in the MGB and CIC of tinnitus patients was reduced, accompanied by a reduction in the number of astrocytes in the CIC only. Quantification of cell surface size did not reveal any significant difference in any of the investigated brain regions between groups. The number of PH8-positive cells was reduced in the DRN and ROb of tinnitus patients compared to controls, while the number of TH-positive cells remained unchanged in the DRN. These findings suggest that both neurodegenerative and inflammatory processes in the MGB and CIC underlie the neuropathology of tinnitus. Moreover, the reduced number of serotonergic cell bodies in tinnitus cases points toward a potential role of the raphe serotonergic system in tinnitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faris Almasabi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (F.A.); (F.A.); (Y.T.)
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (M.C.-T.); (A.W.); (D.S.); (J.V.S.); (M.L.F.J.)
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faisal Alosaimi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (F.A.); (F.A.); (Y.T.)
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (M.C.-T.); (A.W.); (D.S.); (J.V.S.); (M.L.F.J.)
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Rabigh 25732, Saudi Arabia
| | - Minerva Corrales-Terrón
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (M.C.-T.); (A.W.); (D.S.); (J.V.S.); (M.L.F.J.)
| | - Anouk Wolters
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (M.C.-T.); (A.W.); (D.S.); (J.V.S.); (M.L.F.J.)
| | - Dario Strikwerda
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (M.C.-T.); (A.W.); (D.S.); (J.V.S.); (M.L.F.J.)
| | - Jasper V. Smit
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (M.C.-T.); (A.W.); (D.S.); (J.V.S.); (M.L.F.J.)
- Department of Ear, Nose, Throat, Head and Neck Surgery, Zuyderland Medical Center, 6419 PC Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Yasin Temel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (F.A.); (F.A.); (Y.T.)
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (M.C.-T.); (A.W.); (D.S.); (J.V.S.); (M.L.F.J.)
| | - Marcus L. F. Janssen
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (M.C.-T.); (A.W.); (D.S.); (J.V.S.); (M.L.F.J.)
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ali Jahanshahi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (F.A.); (F.A.); (Y.T.)
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (M.C.-T.); (A.W.); (D.S.); (J.V.S.); (M.L.F.J.)
- Correspondence:
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Simoes J, Bulla J, Neff P, Pryss R, Marcrum SC, Langguth B, Schlee W. Daily Contributors of Tinnitus Loudness and Distress: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:883665. [PMID: 35864989 PMCID: PMC9294456 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.883665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundTinnitus is a heterogeneous condition which may be associated with moderate to severe disability, but the reasons why only a subset of individuals is burdened by the condition are not fully clear. Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) allows a better understanding of tinnitus by capturing the fluctuations of tinnitus symptoms, such as distress and loudness, and psychological processes, such as emotional arousal, overall stress, mood, and concentration and how these variables interact over time. Whether any of those variables have an influence over the next day, that is, whether any of these variables are auto- or cross-correlated, is still unanswered.ObjectivesAssess whether behavioral and symptom-related data from tinnitus users from the TrackYourTinnitus (TYT) mobile app have an impact on tinnitus loudness and distress on subsequent days.MethodsAnonymized data was collected from 278 users of the iOS or Android TYT apps between 2014 and 2020. Tinnitus-related distress, tinnitus loudness, concentration level, mood, emotional arousal, and overall stress level were assessed using either a slider or the Wong-Baker Pain FACES scale via a daily survey. Three modeling strategies were used to investigate whether tinnitus loudness and distress are affected by previous days symptoms or psychological processes: auto- and cross correlations, regressions with elastic net regularization, and subgrouping within group iterative multiple model estimation (S-GIMME).ResultsNo autocorrelation or cross-correlation was observed at the group level between the variables assessed. However, application of the regression models with elastic net regularization identified individualized predictors of tinnitus loudness and distress for most participants, with the models including contemporaneous and lagged information from the previous day. S-GIMME corroborated these findings by identifying individualized predictors of tinnitus loudness and distress from the previous day.DiscussionWe showed that tinnitus loudness and tinnitus distress are affected by the contemporaneous and lagged dynamics of behavioral and emotional processes measured through EMA. These effects were seen at the group, and individual levels. The relevance EMA and the implications of the insights derived from it for tinnitus care are discussed, especially considering current trends toward the individualization of tinnitus care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Simoes
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Jorge Simoes
| | - Jan Bulla
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Department of Mathematics, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Patrick Neff
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Center for Neuroprosthetics, Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Radiology and Medical Informatics, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Psychology, Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Rüdiger Pryss
- Institute of Clinical Epidemiology and Biometry, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Steven C. Marcrum
- Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Berthold Langguth
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Winfried Schlee
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Manta O, Sarafidis M, Schlee W, Consoulas C, Kikidis D, Koutsouris D. Electrophysiological differences in distinct hearing threshold level individuals with and without tinnitus distress. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2022; 2022:1630-1633. [PMID: 36085827 DOI: 10.1109/embc48229.2022.9871392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no actual external noise is present. Tinnitus is highly prevalent, with more than 1 in 7 adults in the EU having tinnitus, and it causes negative effects on quality of life for many individuals. However, there is currently no cure for tinnitus and its pathophysiology and genesis are unknown. Auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) provide a non-invasive means by which the electrical signals evoked by the brain can be recorded, and constitute a useful indicator for the evaluation of auditory disorders such as tinnitus and hearing loss. The present study analyzed a total of 98 auditory middle evoked potential (AMLR) waveforms, a subtype of AEPs, from 49 participants with subjective tinnitus, attempting to identify differences in AMLR parameters between sufferers with and without tinnitus distress. The waveforms were divided into three categories according to the ear's hearing level, and comparisons were made between sufferers in the same hearing level category. The results of the analysis indicated some statistically significant differences in AMLR latencies and amplitudes between the compared groups. Clinical Relevance- Identification of the electro-physiological profile of subjective tinnitus sufferers based on the distress manifested by tinnitus using AMLRs.
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Clifford RE, Ryan AF. The Interrelationship of Tinnitus and Hearing Loss Secondary to Age, Noise Exposure, and Traumatic Brain Injury. Ear Hear 2022; 43:1114-1124. [PMID: 35612496 PMCID: PMC11193335 DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000001222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Tinnitus has been the No. 1 disability at the Veteran Administration for the last 15 years, yet its interaction with hearing loss secondary to etiologies such as age, noise trauma, and traumatic brain injuries remains poorly characterized. Our objective was to analyze hearing loss and tinnitus, including audiogram data, of the Million Veteran Program within the context of military exposures in an aging population. DESIGN Health records, questionnaires, audiograms, and military data were aggregated for 758,005 Veteran participants in the Million Veteran Program 2011 to 2020, with relative risks (RR) calculated for ancestries, sex, hearing loss and military exposures such as combat, blast, and military era served. A multivariate model with significant demographic measures and exposures was then analyzed. Next, audiogram data stratified by sex were compared for those with and without tinnitus by two methods: first, mean thresholds at standard frequencies were compared to thresholds adjusted per ISO 7029:2000E age and sex formulae. Second, levels for those ≤40 years of age were compared with those 41 and older. Finally, a proportional hazards model was examined to ascertain the timing between the onset of tinnitus and hearing loss, calculated separately for electronic health record diagnoses (ICD) and self-report. RESULTS Tinnitus was either self-reported, diagnosed, or both in 37.5% (95% CI, 37.4 to 37.6), mean age 61.5 (95% CI, 61.4 to 61.5), range 18 to 112 years. Those with hearing loss were 4.15 times (95% CI, 4.12 to 4.15) as likely to have tinnitus. Americans of African descent were less likely to manifest tinnitus (RR 0.61, 95% CI, 0.60 to 0.61), as were women (RR 0.65, 95% CI, 0.64 to 0.65). A multivariate model indicated a higher RR of 1.73 for traumatic brain injury (95% CI, 1.71 to 1.73) and daily combat noise exposure (1.17, 95% CI, 1.14 to 1.17) than age (0.998, 95% CI, 0.997 to 0.998). Subjects ≤40 years of age had small but significantly elevated hearing thresholds through all standard frequencies compared to Veterans without tinnitus, and the effect of tinnitus on hearing thresholds diminished with age. In the hazard model, those >40 with new onset of tinnitus were at risk for hearing loss sooner and with greater incidence than those who were younger. The rate of hearing loss following tinnitus approached 100%. In contrast, only approximately 50% of those who self-reported hearing loss initially were at risk for later hearing loss, in contrast to ICD comparison, where those with ICD of hearing loss were more likely to sustain an ICD of tinnitus subsequently. CONCLUSIONS Evidence suggests that the occurrence of tinnitus in the military is more closely related to environmental exposures than to aging. The finding that tinnitus affects hearing frequencies across the audiogram spectrum suggests an acoustic injury independent of tonotopicity. Particularly for males >40, tinnitus may be a harbinger of audiologic damage predictive of later hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Royce Ellen Clifford
- Research Department, VA Healthcare San Diego, La Jolla, CA
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA
- Visiting Scientist, Harvard University School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Allen F. Ryan
- Research Department, VA Healthcare San Diego, La Jolla, CA
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA
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Cortical auditory evoked potentials, brain signal variability and cognition as biomarkers to detect the presence of chronic tinnitus. Hear Res 2022; 420:108489. [DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2022.108489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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