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Grundfast KM, Jamil TL. Evaluation and Management of Tinnitus: Are There Opportunities for Improvement? Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2023; 168:45-58. [PMID: 35349391 DOI: 10.1177/01945998221088286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review current information about diagnosis and management of tinnitus aiming to identify opportunities for achieving a cost-effective, efficient, evidence-based approach that meets the needs of tinnitus sufferers. DATA SOURCES PubMed/MEDLINE. REVIEW METHODS In total, 249 relevant published reports were reviewed. Pertinent keywords and MeSH terms identified reports via PubMed and EMBASE. Acknowledged experts were consulted on ways to improve tinnitus management. CONCLUSIONS There may be opportunities to improve evaluation and management of patients with tinnitus using modern modes of communication and a multidisciplinary therapeutic approach. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Tinnitus can adversely affect quality of life while being time-consuming and costly to evaluate and manage. Based on both personal experience and the reports of others, patients with tinnitus who choose to see a physician primarily want to know two things: (1) that the tinnitus that is so distressing will not remain at the same level of severity forever and (2) that something can be done to help cope with the tinnitus that is so annoying. Recent advancements in internet communications, social media, information technology, artificial intelligence, machine learning, holistic medical care, mind-body integrative health care, and multidisciplinary approaches in medical therapeutics may be possibly making new ways of meeting the needs of patients with tinnitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth M Grundfast
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Otology Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Taylor L Jamil
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Eladl HM, Elkholi SM, Eid MM, Abdelbasset WK, Ali ZA, Bahey El-Deen HA. Effect of adding a supervised physical therapy exercise program to photobiomodulation therapy in the treatment of cervicogenic somatosensory tinnitus: A randomized controlled study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e29946. [PMID: 35945770 PMCID: PMC9351917 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000029946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effectiveness of adding a supervised physical therapy exercise program to photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in the treatment of cervicogenic somatosensory tinnitus (CST). METHODS Forty patients suffering from CST with age 45-55 years were included in the study. They were assigned randomly into 2 groups, 20 per each. (Study group) Group (A) received a supervised physical therapy exercise program in addition to 20 minutes PBMT with a 650-nanometer wavelength and a 5 milliWatt power output, spot size of 1 cm2, and energy density of 6 Joules, 3 sessions per week for 8 consecutive weeks, plus traditional medical treatment. While (control group), group (B) received the same PBMT protocol, 3 sessions per week for 8 consecutive weeks in addition to the traditional medical treatment. Tinnitus visual analog scaling (VAS), tinnitus handicap inventory (THI), and cervical range of motion (ROM) were measured at baseline and after 8 weeks. RESULTS Mixed MANOVA showed a statistically significant reduction in tinnitus VAS, THI, and a significant improvement in cervical ROM (flexion, extension, right bending, left bending, right rotation, and left rotation) in favor of Group A (P < .05). There was a significant decrease in posttreatment VAS treatment (P > .001) MD [-2.05(-2.68:-1.41)], and THI relative to pretreatment mean difference [-5.35(-8.51: -2.19)] and a significant increase in posttreatment neck ROM in Groups A and B relative to pretreatment neck ROM (P > .001). Flexion range posttreatment MD[3.65(1.64:5.65)], Extension MD [6.55(1.35:11.75)], right bending MD[3.8(2.51:5.08)], left bending MD[1.75(0.19:3.3)], right rotation MD [3.5(1.28:5.71)] and left rotation [2.75(0.67:4.82)]. CONCLUSIONS Adding a supervised physical therapy exercise program to PBMT showed positive and beneficial effects in the treatment of CST using VAS, THI, and Cervical ROM assessment tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadaya Mosaad Eladl
- Department of Physical Therapy and Health Rehabilitation, College of Applied Medical Science, Jouf University, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Physical Therapy for Surgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Safaa M. Elkholi
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Marwa M. Eid
- Department of Physical Therapy for Surgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Walid Kamal Abdelbasset
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Physical Therapy, Kasr Al-Aini Hospital, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
- *Correspondence: Walid Kamal Abdelbasset, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia (e-mail: )
| | - Zeinab A. Ali
- Department of Physical Therapy and Health Rehabilitation, College of Applied Medical Science, Jouf University, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Physical Therapy for Surgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Heba A. Bahey El-Deen
- Department of Physical Therapy for Surgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Misr University for Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt
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van der Wal A, Michiels S, Van de Heyning P, Braem M, Visscher CM, Topsakal V, Gilles A, Jacquemin L, Van Rompaey V, De Hertogh W. Treatment of Somatosensory Tinnitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial Studying the Effect of Orofacial Treatment as Part of a Multidisciplinary Program. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9030705. [PMID: 32150992 PMCID: PMC7141361 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9030705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is a perception of sound in the absence of overt acoustic stimulation. In some cases, tinnitus can be influenced by temporomandibular somatosensory input, then called temporomandibular somatosensory tinnitus (TST). It is, however, not entirely known if orofacial treatment can decrease tinnitus severity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of orofacial treatment on tinnitus complaints in patients with TST. Methods: Adult patients with TST were included, and all patients received information and advice about tinnitus and conservative orofacial treatment consisting of physical therapy, and, in case of grinding, occlusal splints were applied. Included patients were randomly assigned to an early start group and a delayed start group according to our delayed treatment design. Results: In total, 40 patients were included in each group. The treatment effect on tinnitus severity was investigated using the tinnitus questionnaire (TQ) and Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI). Regarding the TQ score, no clinically relevant reductions were observed, and no significant differences in the decrease were observed between the early start group and delayed start group. Contrarily, a significantly higher percentage of patients showed a decrease in the TQ degree in the early start group compared to the delayed start group (30.0% versus 2.8%, p = 0.006). The TFI score did show a significantly greater and clinically relevant reduction in the early start group compared to the delayed start group (p = 0.042). Conclusion: A multidisciplinary non-invasive orofacial treatment was able to reduce tinnitus severity in patients with temporomandibular related somatosensory tinnitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie van der Wal
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Edegem, Belgium; (S.M.); (W.D.H.)
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Antwerp University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2650 Edegem, Belgium; (P.V.d.H.); (V.T.); (A.G.); (L.J.); (V.V.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-3-265-89-44
| | - Sarah Michiels
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Edegem, Belgium; (S.M.); (W.D.H.)
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Antwerp University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2650 Edegem, Belgium; (P.V.d.H.); (V.T.); (A.G.); (L.J.); (V.V.R.)
- Department of Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Paul Van de Heyning
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Antwerp University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2650 Edegem, Belgium; (P.V.d.H.); (V.T.); (A.G.); (L.J.); (V.V.R.)
- Department of Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Edegem, Belgium
- Multidisciplinary Motor Centre Antwerp, University of Antwerp, 2610 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Marc Braem
- Lab Dental Materials, University of Antwerp, 2610 Edegem, Belgium;
- Special Care Dentistry, University Hospital Antwerp, 2610 Edegem, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Corine M. Visscher
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam, Research Institute MOVE Amsterdam, 1012WX Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Vedat Topsakal
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Antwerp University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2650 Edegem, Belgium; (P.V.d.H.); (V.T.); (A.G.); (L.J.); (V.V.R.)
- Department of Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Annick Gilles
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Antwerp University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2650 Edegem, Belgium; (P.V.d.H.); (V.T.); (A.G.); (L.J.); (V.V.R.)
- Department of Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Laure Jacquemin
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Antwerp University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2650 Edegem, Belgium; (P.V.d.H.); (V.T.); (A.G.); (L.J.); (V.V.R.)
- Department of Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Vincent Van Rompaey
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Antwerp University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2650 Edegem, Belgium; (P.V.d.H.); (V.T.); (A.G.); (L.J.); (V.V.R.)
- Department of Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Willem De Hertogh
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Edegem, Belgium; (S.M.); (W.D.H.)
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Michiels S, van der Wal AC, Nieste E, Van de Heyning P, Braem M, Visscher C, Topsakal V, Gilles A, Jacquemin L, Hesters M, De Hertogh W. Conservative therapy for the treatment of patients with somatic tinnitus attributed to temporomandibular dysfunction: study protocol of a randomised controlled trial. Trials 2018; 19:554. [PMID: 30314506 PMCID: PMC6186065 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-018-2903-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tinnitus is a highly prevalent symptom affecting 10-15% of the adult population. It often affects patient quality of life and frequently causes distress. When subjective tinnitus can be elicited by the somatosensory system of the cervical spine or temporomandibular area it is termed somatic tinnitus. The first aim of the current study is to investigate the effect of the best evidence conservative temporomandibular disorder (TMD) treatment on tinnitus in patients with co-existence of tinnitus and TMD or oral parafunctions compared to no treatment. The second aim is to identify a subgroup of patients with tinnitus that benefits from the conservative temporomandibular joint treatment. METHODS AND DESIGN This study is a randomised controlled trial with a delayed treatment design. Patients with a TMD (TMD pain screener ≥ 3 points) or oral parafunctions (such as clenching and bruxism), who are suffering from moderate to severe subjective tinnitus (Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) between 25 and 90 points), will be recruited from the tertiary tinnitus clinic of the University Hospital of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium. Patients will be excluded in case of clear otological or neurological causes of the tinnitus, progressive middle ear pathology, intracranial pathology, traumatic cervical spine or temporomandibular injury in the past 6 months, severe depression as diagnosed by a psychologist, tumours, previous surgery in the orofacial area, substance abuse that may affect the outcome measures, any contra-indication for physical therapy treatment directed to the orofacial area or when they received TMD treatment in the past 2 months. After screening for eligibility, baseline data among which scores on the TFI, tinnitus questionnaire (TQ), mean tinnitus loudness as measured with visual analogue scale (VAS), TMD pain screener, and a set of temporomandibular joint tests will be collected. Patients will be randomised in an early-start group and in a delayed-start group of therapy by 9 weeks. Patients will receive conservative TMD treatment with a maximum of 18 sessions within 9 weeks. At baseline (week 0), at the start of therapy (weeks 0 or 9), 9 weeks after therapy (weeks 9 or 18), and at follow-up (weeks 18 or 27) data from the TFI, TQ, VAS mean tinnitus loudness and the TMD pain screener will be collected. DISCUSSION Herein, we aim to improve the quality of care for patients with tinnitus attributed to TMD or oral parafunctions. By evaluating the effect of state-of-the-art TMD treatment on tinnitus complaints, we can investigate the usefulness of TMD treatment in patients with somatic tinnitus. TRIAL REGISTRATION 3 July 2017, version 1 of the protocol, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03209297 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Michiels
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium. .,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650, Edegem, Belgium. .,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium. .,Department of Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Annemarie Christien van der Wal
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650, Edegem, Belgium.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Evelien Nieste
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650, Edegem, Belgium.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Paul Van de Heyning
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650, Edegem, Belgium.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Multidisciplinary Motor Centre Antwerp, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marc Braem
- Lab Dental Materials, University of Antwerp, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Special Care Dentistry, University Hospital Antwerp, 2650, Edegem, Belgium.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Corine Visscher
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam, Research Institute MOVE Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Vedat Topsakal
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650, Edegem, Belgium.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Annick Gilles
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650, Edegem, Belgium.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Human and Social Welfare, University College Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laure Jacquemin
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650, Edegem, Belgium.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marianne Hesters
- Department of Special Care Dentistry, University Hospital Antwerp, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Willem De Hertogh
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Haider HF, Hoare DJ, Costa RFP, Potgieter I, Kikidis D, Lapira A, Nikitas C, Caria H, Cunha NT, Paço JC. Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Treatment of Somatosensory Tinnitus: A Scoping Review. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:207. [PMID: 28503129 PMCID: PMC5408030 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatosensory tinnitus is a generally agreed subtype of tinnitus that is associated with activation of the somatosensory, somatomotor, and visual-motor systems. A key characteristic of somatosensory tinnitus is that is modulated by physical contact or movement. Although it seems common, its pathophysiology, assessment and treatment are not well defined. We present a scoping review on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of somatosensory tinnitus, and identify priority directions for further research. Methods: Literature searches were conducted in Google Scholar, PubMed, and EMBASE databases. Additional broad hand searches were conducted with the additional terms etiology, diagnose, treatment. Results: Most evidence on the pathophysiology of somatosensory tinnitus suggests that somatic modulations are the result of altered or cross-modal synaptic activity within the dorsal cochlear nucleus or between the auditory nervous system and other sensory subsystems of central nervous system (e.g., visual or tactile). Presentations of somatosensory tinnitus are varied and evidence for the various approaches to treatment promising but limited. Discussion and Conclusions: Despite the apparent prevalence of somatosensory tinnitus its underlying neural processes are still not well understood. Necessary involvement of multidisciplinary teams in its diagnosis and treatment has led to a large heterogeneity of approaches whereby tinnitus improvement is often only a secondary effect. Hence there are no evidence-based clinical guidelines, and patient care is empirical rather than research-evidence-based. Somatic testing should receive further attention considering the breath of evidence on the ability of patients to modulate their tinnitus through manouvers. Specific questions for further research and review are indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haúla F. Haider
- ENT Department, Hospital Cuf Infante Santo—Nova Medical SchoolLisbon, Portugal
| | - Derek J. Hoare
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of NottinghamNottingham, UK
| | - Raquel F. P. Costa
- Centro em Rede de Investigação em Antropologia (CRIA), Network Centre for Research in Anthropology, Universidade Nova de LisboaLisbon, Portugal
| | - Iskra Potgieter
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of NottinghamNottingham, UK
| | - Dimitris Kikidis
- First Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippocrateion General HospitalAthens, Greece
| | - Alec Lapira
- Institute of Health Care, Mater Dei HospitalMsida, Malta
| | - Christos Nikitas
- First Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippocrateion General HospitalAthens, Greece
| | - Helena Caria
- Deafness Research Group, BTR Unit, BioISI, Faculty of Sciences, University of LisbonLisbon, Portugal
- ESS/IPS–Biomedical Sciences Department, School of Health, Polytechnic Institute of SetubalLisbon, Portugal
| | - Nuno T. Cunha
- ENT Department, Hospital Pedro Hispano—MatosinhosLisbon, Portugal
| | - João C. Paço
- ENT Department, Hospital Cuf Infante Santo—Nova Medical SchoolLisbon, Portugal
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Cervicogenic somatosensory tinnitus: An indication for manual therapy? Part 1: Theoretical concept. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 23:120-3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.math.2015.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Revised: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Bechter K, Wieland M, Hamann GF. Chronic Cervicogenic Tinnitus Rapidly Resolved by Intermittent Use of Cervical Collar. Front Psychiatry 2016; 7:43. [PMID: 27047399 PMCID: PMC4803736 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2016.00043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cervicogenic tinnitus is not a generally accepted pathogenetic subtype, which might be subsumed under the concept of somatosensory tinnitus. After the personal experience of therapy-resistant tinnitus in context with a cervical pain syndrome (CPS) and successful add-on treatment with cervical collar (CC), the idea was pursued in several individual treatments in patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS Reporting one particular case with chronic tinnitus, considered untreatable, that rapidly improved with exclusive treatment by CC use. Thereafter, tinnitus was experimentally replicated by head inclination, the respective neck-head angles, and cerebral blood flow was measured. RESULTS Chronic subjective tinnitus of a 20 years duration completely disappeared within 4 weeks with an intermittent short time application of CC. Thereafter, tinnitus was deliberately again induced by head inclination, set on with anterior tilt of 14°, reaching maximum strength by 23°. Tinnitus stopped with return to neutral head position. Blood flow in the vertebral arteries on both sides was unchanged during head inclination with prevalent tinnitus; however, blood flow was physiologically reduced with head rotation though not accompanied by tinnitus. DISCUSSION In a single case of chronic tinnitus, we found that treatment with CC rapidly led to full remission. Blood flow reduction in vertebral arteries was unrelated to tinnitus. However, tinnitus could be resumed by constrained head postures. Experimental tinnitus replication (by inclination) points to an underscored role of upper posterior cervical muscle groups, matching with animal experiments, also in concert with other triggers including psychological factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Bechter
- Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy II, BKH Günzburg, Ulm University , Günzburg , Germany
| | - Martin Wieland
- HKM HandelsKontorMeindl GmbH Gundelfingen , Ichenhausen , Germany
| | - Gerhard F Hamann
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Rehabilitation, BKH Günzburg , Günzburg , Germany
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Fackrell K, Hall DA, Barry JG, Hoare DJ. Psychometric properties of the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI): Assessment in a UK research volunteer population. Hear Res 2015; 335:220-235. [PMID: 26415998 PMCID: PMC5708524 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2015.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Revised: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Questionnaires are essential for measuring tinnitus severity and intervention-related change but there is no standard instrument used routinely in research settings. Most tinnitus questionnaires are optimised for measuring severity but not change. However, the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) claims to be optimised for both. It has not however been fully validated for research purposes. Here we evaluate the relevant psychometric properties of the TFI, specifically the questionnaire factor structure, reproducibility, validity and responsiveness guided by quality criteria for the measurement properties of health-related questionnaires. Methods The study involved a retrospective analysis of data collected for 294 members of the general public who participated in a randomised controlled trial of a novel tinnitus device (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01541969). Participants completed up to eight commonly used assessment questionnaires including the TFI, Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaire (THQ), a Visual Analogue Scale of loudness (VAS-Loudness), Percentage Annoyance question, the Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck's Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the World Health Organisation Quality of Life-Bref (WHOQOL-BREF). A series of analyses assessed the study objectives. Forty four participants completed the TFI at a second visit (within 7–21 days and before receiving any intervention) providing data for reproducibility assessments. Results The 8-factor structure was not fully confirmed for this general (non-clinical) population. Whilst it was acceptable standalone subscale, the ‘auditory’ factor showed poor loading with the higher order factor ‘functional impact of tinnitus’. Reproducibility assessments for the overall TFI indicate high internal consistency (α = 0.80) and extremely high reliability (ICC: 0.91), whilst agreement was borderline acceptable (93%). Construct validity was demonstrated by high correlations between scores on the TFI and THI (r = 0.82) and THQ (r = 0.82), moderate correlations with VAS-L (r = 0.46), PR-A (r = 0.58), BDI (r = 0.57), BAI (r = 0.39) and WHOQOL (r = −0.48). Floor effects were observed for more than 50% of the items. A smallest detectable change score of 22.4 is proposed for the TFI global score. Conclusion Even though the proposed 8-factor structure was not fully confirmed for this population, the TFI appears to cover multiple symptom domains, and to measure the construct of tinnitus with an excellent reliability in distinguishing between patients. While the TFI may discriminate those whose tinnitus is not a problem, floor effects in many items means it is less appropriate as a measure of change in this subgroup. Further investigation is needed to determine whether these effects are relevant in other populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Fackrell
- NIHR Nottingham Hearing Biomedical Research Unit, Nottingham, NG1 5DU, UK; Otology and Hearing Group, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Deborah A Hall
- NIHR Nottingham Hearing Biomedical Research Unit, Nottingham, NG1 5DU, UK; Otology and Hearing Group, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Johanna G Barry
- MRC Institute of Hearing Research, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK; Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Derek J Hoare
- NIHR Nottingham Hearing Biomedical Research Unit, Nottingham, NG1 5DU, UK; Otology and Hearing Group, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
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