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Kang YJ, Zheng Y. Current understanding of subjective tinnitus in adults. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2024:10.1007/s00405-024-08633-w. [PMID: 38632112 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-024-08633-w] [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: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE An up-to-date overview of epidemiology, etiology and pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnostic and evaluation methods, current treatment status and future directions of subjective tinnitus in adults. METHODS Review of current evidence-based literature on subjective tinnitus in adults. RESULTS The prevalence of subjective tinnitus in the adult population is estimated to be around 14%, and it tends to increase with age. Subjective tinnitus is a complex condition with multiple factors contributing to its origin. However, the exact causes and underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Potential causes may include hearing loss, dysfunction in the somatosensory system, and auditory cortical dysfunction, although severe underlying pathology is rare. Currently, diagnosis primarily relies on patient self-reported medical history and physician-based clinical assessment due to the lack of objective testing. Various treatment and management options have been proposed, but their effectiveness varies, and there is no universally agreed-upon treatment option. CONCLUSIONS Tinnitus is a complex and heterogeneous disease with a high incidence rate and a tendency to increase with age. A holistic perspective is needed to understand the generation, perception, and emotional responses to tinnitus. Diagnosis requires a comprehensive assessment based on medical history and relevant examinations, identification of concurrent psychosomatic comorbidities, and active pursuit of objective diagnostic methods. At the same time, on the basis of existing treatment plans and combining emerging technologies, we will develop new personalized, precise, and combined treatment plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Jie Kang
- Hearing Center, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Central Hospital of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, China
| | - Yun Zheng
- Hearing Center, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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Yadollahpour A, Rashidi S, Saki N, Kunwar PS, Mayo-Yáñez M. Repeated Bilateral Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation over Auditory Cortex for Tinnitus Treatment: A Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. Brain Sci 2024; 14:373. [PMID: 38672022 PMCID: PMC11048041 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14040373] [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: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive and painless technique of brain neuromodulation that applies a low-intensity galvanic current to the scalp with the aim of stimulating specific areas of the brain. Preliminary investigations have indicated the potential therapeutic efficacy of multisession tDCS applied to the auditory cortex (AC) in the treatment of chronic tinnitus. The aim of this study was to explore the therapeutic effects of repeated sessions of bilateral tDCS targeting the AC on chronic tinnitus. A double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial was conducted on patients (n = 48) with chronic intractable tinnitus (>2 years duration). Participants were randomly allocated to two groups: one receiving tDCS (n = 26), with the anode/cathode placed over the left/right AC, and the other receiving a placebo treatment (n = 22). A 20 min daily session of 2 mA current was administered for five consecutive days per week over two consecutive weeks, employing 35 cm2 electrodes. Tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) scores, tinnitus loudness, and tinnitus distress were measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS), and were assessed before intervention, immediately after, and at one-month follow-up. Anodal tDCS significantly reduced THI from 72.93 ± 10.11 score to 46.40 ± 15.36 after the last session and 49.68 ± 14.49 at one-month follow-up in 18 out of 25 participants (p < 0.001). The risk ratio (RR) of presenting an improvement of ≥20 points in the THI after the last session was 10.8 in patients treated with tDCS. Statistically significant reductions were observed in distress VAS and loudness VAS (p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences in the control group were observed. Variables such as age, gender, duration of tinnitus, laterality of tinnitus, baseline THI scores, and baseline distress and loudness VAS scores did not demonstrate significant correlations with treatment response. Repeated sessions of bilateral AC tDCS may potentially serve as a therapeutic modality for chronic tinnitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Yadollahpour
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 2LT, UK;
- Bioelectromagnetic Clinic, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz 61357-15794, Iran
| | - Samaneh Rashidi
- Department of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK;
| | - Nader Saki
- Hearing and Speech Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz 61357-15794, Iran;
| | - Pramod Singh Kunwar
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, Mount Kenya University, Thika P.O. Box 342-01000, Kenya;
| | - Miguel Mayo-Yáñez
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña (CHUAC), 15006 A Coruña, Spain
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Hospital San Rafael (HSR), 15006 A Coruña, Spain
- Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Research Group, Institute of Biomedical Research of A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), Universidade da Coruña (UDC), 15006 A Coruña, Spain
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3
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Liu C, Zhang J, Qi Z, Yue W, Yuan Y, Jiang T, Zhang S, Zhang S. Therapy effect of cochleural alternating acoustic beam therapy versus traditional sound therapy for managing chronic idiopathic tinnitus patients. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5900. [PMID: 38467716 PMCID: PMC10928112 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55866-0] [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: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic tinnitus is a common and complex disorder with no established cure. The CAABT (Cochleural Alternating Acoustic Beam Therapy CAABT), is a personalized sound therapy designed to target specific tinnitus frequencies and effectively intervene in tinnitus according to clinical tinnitus assessment. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of the CAABT and Traditional Sound Therapy (TST) in managing chronic idiopathic tinnitus. This was a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, single-center prospective study. Sixty adult patients with tinnitus were recruited and randomly assigned to the CAABT or TST group in a 1:1 ratio using a computer-generated randomization. The treatment lasted for 12 weeks, and participants underwent assessments using the tinnitus handicap inventory (THI), visual analog scale (VAS), tinnitus loudness measurements, and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). Both groups showed significant reductions in THI scores, VAS scores, and tinnitus loudness after treatment. However, CAABT showed superiority to TST in THI Functional (p = 0.018), THI Emotional (p = 0.015), THI Catastrophic (p = 0.022), THI total score (p = 0.005) as well as VAS score (p = 0.022). More interesting, CAABT showed superiority to TST in the changes of THI scores, and VAS scores from baseline. The rs-fMRI results showed significant changes in the precuneus before and after treatment in both groups. Moreover, the CAABT group showed more changes in brain regions compared to the TST. No side effects were observed. These findings suggest that CAABT may be a promising treatment option for chronic idiopathic tinnitus, providing significant improvements in tinnitus-related symptoms and brain activity.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT02774122.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunli Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College, Chengde, 067000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College, Chengde, 067000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiwei Qi
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College, Chengde, 067000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenhui Yue
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College, Chengde, 067000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujie Yuan
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College, Chengde, 067000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Jiang
- The Labs of Micro-DSP Technology LTD, Fl 10, Tower C, 136 Bin Jiang Dong Lu, Chengdu, 610021, People's Republic of China
| | - Shenglin Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College, Chengde, 067000, Hebei, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shujun Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College, Chengde, 067000, Hebei, People's Republic of China.
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4
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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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5
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Jeon SY, Choi JH, Kang SS, An YH, Shim HJ. Personalized Neuromodulation: A Novel Strategy for Improving Tinnitus Treatment. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6987. [PMID: 38002601 PMCID: PMC10672003 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12226987] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated the efficacy of personalized neuromodulation, where treatment modalities are chosen based on the patient's responses in a pilot trial. A total of 71 patients with tinnitus were divided into two groups: a personalized group and a randomized neuromodulation group. In the personalized group (n = 35), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) were assessed in a pilot trial, and responsive modalities were administered to 16 patients, while the non-responders (n = 19) were randomly assigned to rTMS, tDCS, or combined modalities. Patients in the randomized group (n = 36) were randomly allocated to rTMS, tDCS, or combined modalities. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) score improvement after 10 sessions of each neuromodulation was significantly greater in the personalized group than in the randomized group (p = 0.043), with no significant differences in tinnitus loudness, distress, or awareness. The treatment success rate was highest in the personalized responder subgroup (92.3%), and significantly greater than that in the non-responder subgroup (53.0%; p = 0.042) and the randomized group (56.7%; p = 0.033). Personalized neuromodulation, where the treatment modality is chosen based on the patient's responses in a pilot trial, is an advantageous strategy for treating tinnitus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Hyun Joon Shim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Nowon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University School of Medicine, Seoul 01830, Republic of Korea; (S.Y.J.); (J.H.C.); (S.S.K.); (Y.-H.A.)
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6
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Vaziri Z, Salmon CEG, Ghodratitoostani I, Santos ACD, Hyppolito MA, Delbem ACB, Leite JP. Down-Regulation of Tinnitus Negative Valence via Concurrent HD-tDCS and PEI Technique: A Pilot Study. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13050826. [PMID: 37239298 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13050826] [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: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Around 30% of the general population experience subjective tinnitus, characterized by conscious attended awareness perception of sound without an external source. Clinical distress tinnitus is more than just experiencing a phantom sound, as it can be highly disruptive and debilitating, leading those affected to seek clinical help. Effective tinnitus treatments are crucial for psychological well-being, but our limited understanding of the underlying neural mechanisms and a lack of a universal cure necessitate further treatment development. In light of the neurofunctional tinnitus model predictions and transcranial electrical stimulation, we conducted an open-label, single-arm, pilot study that utilized high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) concurrent with positive emotion induction (PEI) techniques for ten consecutive sessions to down-regulate tinnitus negative valence in patients with clinical distress tinnitus. We acquired resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scans of 12 tinnitus patients (7 females, mean age = 51.25 ± 12.90 years) before and after the intervention to examine resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) alterations in specific seed regions. The results showed reduced rsFC at post-intervention between the attention and emotion processing regions as follows: (1) bilateral amygdala and left superior parietal lobule (SPL), (2) left amygdala and right SPL, (3) bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and bilateral pregenual anterior cingulate cortex (pgACC), and (4) left dlPFC and bilateral pgACC (FWE corrected p < 0.05). Furthermore, the post-intervention tinnitus handicap inventory scores were significantly lower than the pre-intervention scores (p < 0.05). We concluded that concurrent HD-tDCS and PEI might be effective in reducing tinnitus negative valence, thus alleviating tinnitus distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Vaziri
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14048-900, Brazil
| | - Carlos E G Salmon
- InBrain Lab, Department of Physics, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-901, Brazil
| | - Iman Ghodratitoostani
- Neurocognitive Engineering Laboratory, Center for Engineering Applied to Health, Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of São Paulo, São Carlos 13566-590, Brazil
| | - Antonio Carlos Dos Santos
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology and Clinical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Miguel A Hyppolito
- Department of Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Alexandre C B Delbem
- Neurocognitive Engineering Laboratory, Center for Engineering Applied to Health, Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of São Paulo, São Carlos 13566-590, Brazil
| | - João P Leite
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14048-900, Brazil
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7
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Emadi M, Moossavi A, Akbari M. Combined Bifrontal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Auditory Stroop Training in Chronic Tinnitus. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2023; 75:8-13. [PMID: 37007882 PMCID: PMC10050537 DOI: 10.1007/s12070-022-03258-z] [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: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with tinnitus experience difficulties in cognitive control and executive functions. Many of which are regarded as the cause of tinnitus rather than its complications. Methods for the improvement of inhibitory and cognitive control seem to be effective in the control of tinnitus. In this study, transcranial direct current stimulation and auditory Stroop exercise were have been to improve inhibitory control and the ability to ignore tinnitus in patients suffering from chronic tinnitus. 34 patients with chronic tinnitus (> 6 months) were randomly divided into two groups. The first group consist of 17 patients who received 6 sessions of tDCS followed by 6 sessions of auditory Stroop training. The second group received 6 sessions of sham tDCS followed by 6 sessions of auditory Stroop training. The initial evaluations including pure tone audiometry, psychoacoustic measurements, tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) survey and visual analog scale (VAS) of annoyance and loudness were performed before, immediately after, and one month after the tDCS, sham, and Stroop training. The results of this study revealed a significant reduction in THI score, VAS of loudness, and annoyance of tinnitus. A significant correlation was detected between the reaction time of incongruent words in the Stroop task and improvement of THI score and VAS of annoyance. Combined tDCS and Stroop training efficiently improve chronic tinnitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Emadi
- Department of Audiology, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Fahmideh Street, Pazhoohesh Square, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Abdollah Moossavi
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Akbari
- Department of Audiology, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Chen S, Du M, Wang Y, Li Y, Tong B, Qiu J, Wu F, Liu Y. State of the art: non-invasive electrical stimulation for the treatment of chronic tinnitus. Ther Adv Chronic Dis 2023; 14:20406223221148061. [PMID: 36860934 PMCID: PMC9969452 DOI: 10.1177/20406223221148061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Subjective tinnitus is the perception of sound in the absence of external stimulation. Neuromodulation is a novel method with promising properties for application in tinnitus management. This study sought to review the types of non-invasive electrical stimulation in tinnitus to provide the foothold for further research. PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched for studies on the modulation of tinnitus by non-invasive electrical stimulation. Among the four forms of non-invasive electrical modulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, transcranial random noise stimulation, and transauricular vagus nerve stimulation yielded promising results, whereas the effect of transcranial alternating current stimulation in the treatment of tinnitus has not been confirmed. Non-invasive electrical stimulation can effectively suppress tinnitus perception in some patients. However, the heterogeneity in parameter settings leads to scattered and poorly replicated findings. Further high-quality studies are needed to identify optimal parameters to develop more acceptable protocols for tinnitus modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanwen Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P.R. China
| | - Maoshan Du
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P.R. China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P.R. China
| | - Yifan Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P.R. China
| | - Busheng Tong
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P.R. China
| | - Jianxin Qiu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P.R. China
| | - Feihu Wu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, 117 Meishan Road, Hefei 230031, Anhui, P.R. China
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Schoisswohl S, Langguth B, Weber FC, Abdelnaim MA, Hebel T, Schecklmann M. Activate & fire: a feasibility study in combining acoustic stimulation and continuous theta burst stimulation in chronic tinnitus. BMC Neurol 2023; 23:14. [PMID: 36635645 PMCID: PMC9834682 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-022-03036-y] [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: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is commonly used to inhibit pathological hyperactivity of the auditory cortex in tinnitus. Novel and supposedly superior and faster inhibitory protocols such as continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) were examined as well, but so far there is not sufficient evidence for a treatment application in chronic tinnitus. rTMS effects in general are dependent on the brain state immediate before stimulation. This feasibility study was designed based on the concept to shift the pathological intrinsic brain state of tinnitus patients via acoustic stimulation ("activate") and induce inhibitory effects via cTBS ("fire"). METHODS Seven tinnitus patients with response in residual inhibition received 10 consecutive daily sessions of a combinatory treatment comprised of 3-minute acoustic stimulation with white noise followed by 600 pulses of cTBS over the left temporo-parietal cortex (activate & fire). A control group of 5 patients was treated parallel to the activate & fire data collection with 10 sessions á 3000 pulses of 1 Hz rTMS over the left temporo-parietal cortex. RESULTS The activate & fire protocol was well tolerated except in one patient with tinnitus loudness increase. This patient was excluded from analyses. No statistical superiority of the activate & fire treatment approach in alleviating tinnitus-related symptoms was evident. Power calculations showed an effect size of 0.706 and a needed sample size of 66 for statistical significant group differences. On a descriptive level the activate & fire group demonstrated a stronger decrease in tinnitus-related symptoms. CONCLUSION The present feasibility study showed that combining acoustic stimulation with magnetic brain stimulation may be well-tolerable in the majority of patients and represents a promising treatment approach for tinnitus by hypothetically alter the intrinsic state prior to brain stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Schoisswohl
- grid.7727.50000 0001 2190 5763Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Universitaetsstraße 84, 93053 Regensburg, Germany ,grid.7752.70000 0000 8801 1556Department of Psychology, Universität der Bundeswehr München, Neubiberg, Germany
| | - Berthold Langguth
- grid.7727.50000 0001 2190 5763Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Universitaetsstraße 84, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Franziska C. Weber
- grid.7727.50000 0001 2190 5763Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Universitaetsstraße 84, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Mohamed A. Abdelnaim
- grid.7727.50000 0001 2190 5763Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Universitaetsstraße 84, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Hebel
- grid.7727.50000 0001 2190 5763Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Universitaetsstraße 84, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Martin Schecklmann
- grid.7727.50000 0001 2190 5763Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Universitaetsstraße 84, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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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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11
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Random Forest Classification to Predict Response to High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Tinnitus Relief: A Preliminary Feasibility Study. Ear Hear 2022; 43:1816-1823. [PMID: 35666538 PMCID: PMC9592176 DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000001246] [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] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex has been hypothesized to reduce tinnitus severity by modifying cortical activity in brain regions associated with the perception of tinnitus. However, individual response to tDCS has proven to be variable. We investigated the feasibility of using random forest classification to predict the response to high-definition (HD) tDCS for tinnitus relief. DESIGN A retrospective analysis was performed on a dataset consisting of 99 patients with subjective tinnitus receiving six consecutive sessions of HD-tDCS at the Antwerp University Hospital. A baseline assessment consisted of pure-tone audiometry and a set of questionnaires including the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Edinburgh Handedness Inventory. Random forest classification was applied to predict, based on baseline questionnaire scores and hearing levels, whether each individual responded positively to the treatment (defined as a decrease of at least 13 points on the TFI). Further testing of the model was performed on an independent cohort of 32 patients obtained from the tinnitus center at the University of Regensburg. RESULTS Twenty-four participants responded positively to the HD-tDCS treatment. The random forest classifier predicted treatment response with an accuracy of 85.71% (100% sensitivity, 81.48% specificity), significantly outperforming a more traditional logistic regression approach. Performance of the classifier on an independent cohort was slightly but not significantly above chance level (71.88% accuracy, 66.67% sensitivity, 73.08% specificity). Feature importance analyses revealed that baseline tinnitus severity, co-occurrence of depressive symptoms and handedness were the most important predictors of treatment response. Baseline TFI scores were significantly higher in responders than in nonresponders. CONCLUSIONS The proposed random forest classifier predicted treatment response with a high accuracy, significantly outperforming a more traditional statistical approach. Machine learning methods to predict treatment response might ultimately be used in a clinical setting to guide targeted treatment recommendations for individual tinnitus patients.
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Transcranial electric and acoustic stimulation for tinnitus: study protocol for a randomized double-blind controlled trial assessing the influence of combined transcranial random noise and acoustic stimulation on tinnitus loudness and distress. Trials 2022; 23:418. [PMID: 35590399 PMCID: PMC9118607 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06253-5] [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: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tinnitus is the result of aberrant neuronal activity. As a novel treatment form, neuromodulation is used to modify neuronal activity of brain areas involved in tinnitus generation. Among the different forms of electric stimulation, transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) has been shown to be a promising treatment option for tinnitus. In addition, recent studies indicate that the reduction in tinnitus can be more pronounced when different modalities of stimulation techniques are combined (“bimodal stimulation”). TRNS can be used in combination with acoustic stimulation (AS), a further treatment option recognized in the literature. The aim of the proposed study is to investigate whether simultaneous tRNS and AS improve levels of tinnitus loudness and distress. Methods The intervention consists of bilateral high-definition tRNS (HD-tRNS) over the auditory cortex combined with the application of AS which is studied in a crossover design. The visits will be performed in 26 sessions. There will be 20 treatment sessions, divided into two blocks: active and sham HD-tRNS. Within the blocks, the interventions are divided into group A: HD-tRNS and AS, and group B: HD-tRNS alone. Furthermore, in addition to the assessments directly following the intervention sessions, there will be six extra sessions performed subsequently at the end of each block, after a period of some days (follow-ups 1 and 2) and a month after the last intervention (C). Primary outcome measures are analog scales for evaluation of subjective tinnitus loudness and distress, and the audiological measurement of minimum masking level (MML). Secondary outcome measures are brain activity as measured by electroencephalography and standardized questionnaires for evaluating tinnitus distress and severity. Discussion To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study which uses HD-tRNS combined with AS for tinnitus treatment. The crossover design permits the comparison between HD-tRNS active vs. sham and with vs. without AS. Thus, it will be possible to evaluate the efficacy of the combined approach to HD-tRNS alone. In addition, the use of different objective and subjective evaluations for tinnitus enable more reliable and valid results. Trial registration Swiss Ethics Committee (BASEC-Nr. 2020-02027); Swiss Federal Complementary Database (kofam.ch: SNCTP000004051); and ClinicalTrials.gov (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04551404).
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Martins ML, Souza DDS, Cavalcante MEDOB, Barboza HN, de Medeiros JF, Dos Santos Andrade SMM, Machado DGDS, da Rosa MRD. Effect of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for tinnitus treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurophysiol Clin 2022; 52:1-16. [PMID: 35027291 DOI: 10.1016/j.neucli.2021.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of tDCS on tinnitus distress, loudness and psychiatric symptoms. METHODS A systematic literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, VHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, OVID, and CINAHL databases was carried out on articles published until July 2021. Inclusion criteria were published controlled trials using tDCS intervention with tinnitus patients, using a sham/control group, and measuring tinnitus loudness, distress and/or psychiatric symptoms. A meta-analysis was performed for the overall effect as well as to compare subgroups according to tDCS target (left temporoparietal area (LTA) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC)). RESULTS Fourteen articles with 1031 participants were included. Six studies applied tDCS over the DLPFC, six over the LTA and two over both areas. Although the overall meta-analysis showed that tDCS significantly decreased tinnitus loudness (SMD=-0.35; 95%CI=-0.62 to -0.08, p = 0.01) and distress (SMD=-0.50, 95%CI=-0.91 to -0.10, p = 0.02).The subgroup analysis showed a significant effect only for tDCS over LTA for loudness (SMD=-0.46, 95%CI=-0.80 to -0.12, p = 0.009), and no other area resulted in significant change. There was no significant effect of treatment on psychiatric symptoms. CONCLUSION tDCS may improve tinnitus loudness and distress with a small to moderate effect size. Despite the overall positive effect, only LTA tDCS yielded a significant effect. Further well-controlled studies with larger sample sizes and broader exploration of tDCS montages and doses are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Lopes Martins
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, PB 58051-900, Brazil.
| | - Dayse da Silva Souza
- Department of Neuroscience and Cognition, Federal University of ABC, São Paulo, SP 09606-070, Brazil
| | | | - Hionara Nascimento Barboza
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, PB 58051-900, Brazil
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Czornik M, Malekshahi A, Mahmoud W, Wolpert S, Birbaumer N. Psychophysiological treatment of chronic tinnitus: A review. Clin Psychol Psychother 2022; 29:1236-1253. [PMID: 34994043 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Subjective chronic tinnitus consists of a more or less continuous perception of sound in the absence of a corresponding acoustic source, which can lead to various psychological problems like depression, anxiety, attentional deficits and sleep disturbances. The prevalence is 10%-15% of the general population. Various therapy and management options have been proposed, but outcomes vary, and no generally accepted cure exists. In this review, the coherence of the most frequently used aetiological models shall be evaluated, and the efficacy of several treatment options will be discussed. With respect to tinnitus treatments, we focus on controlled studies and meta-analyses. Although there are some therapies that outweigh placebo effects such as cognitive behavioural therapy, neurofeedback or neuromodulation techniques, they mainly target secondary symptoms and not the tinnitus tone itself. Furthermore, positive treatment effects only seem to last for a limited period of time. We conclude that long-lasting combination therapies such as neurofeedback of auditory cortex inhibitory EEG signatures, cognitive therapy and sound-tactile stimulation may provide more efficient outcomes if they target the intensity of the tinnitus tone itself and not only secondary psychological symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Czornik
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Azim Malekshahi
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Wala Mahmoud
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stephan Wolpert
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Niels Birbaumer
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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The effectiveness of the combined transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and tailor-made notched music training (TMNMT) on psychoacoustic, psychometric, and cognitive indices of tinnitus patients. Am J Otolaryngol 2022; 43:103274. [PMID: 34715486 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2021.103274] [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: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Tinnitus network(s) consists of pathways in the auditory cortex, frontal cortex, and the limbic system. The cortical hyperactivity caused by tinnitus may be suppressed by neuromodulation techniques. Due to the lack of definitive treatment for tinnitus and limited usefulness of the individual methods, in this study, a combination of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and tailor-made notched music training (TMNMT) was used. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this descriptive-analytic study, 26 patients with chronic unilateral tinnitus of the right ear were randomly divided into the clinical trial group (CTG) and the control group (CG). In both groups, six sessions of tDCS with 2 mA intensity for 20 min, with anode on F4 and cathode on F3, were conducted. Simultaneous with tDCS sessions, and based on TMNMT, the participant was asked to listen passively for 120 min/day, to a CD containing her/his favorite music with a proper notch applied in its spectrum according to the individual's tinnitus The treatment outcome was measured by, psychoacoustic (loudness-matching), psychometric (awareness, loudness and annoyance Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores, and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI)) scores, and cognitive assessments (randomized dichotic digits test (RDDT) and dichotic auditory-verbal memory test (DAVMT)). Repeated measurement test was used for statistical analyses. RESULTS In the CTG, the tinnitus loudness and annoyance VAS scores, and THI were reduced significantly (p = 0.001). In addition, the DAVMT and RDDT scores were enhanced (p = 0.001). Such changes were not observed in the CG (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION The combination of tDCS and TMNMT led to a reduction in the loudness, awareness, annoyance, and also disability induced by tinnitus in CTG. Furthermore, this method showed an improvement of cognitive functions (auditory divided attention, selective attention and working memory) in the CTG.
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Saeed S, Khan QU. The Pathological Mechanisms and Treatments of Tinnitus. Discoveries (Craiova) 2021; 9:e137. [PMID: 35350720 PMCID: PMC8956333 DOI: 10.15190/d.2021.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Tinnitus is defined as the ringing, hissing, clicking or roaring sounds an individual consciously perceives in the absence of an external auditory stimulus. Currently, the literature on the mechanism of tinnitus pathology is multifaceted, ranging from tinnitus generation at the cellular level to its perception at the system level. Cellular level mechanisms include increased neuronal synchrony, neurotransmission changes and maladaptive plasticity. At the system level, the role of auditory structures, non-auditory structures, changes in the functional connectivities in higher regions and tinnitus networks have been investigated. The exploration of all these mechanisms creates a holistic view on understanding the changes the pathophysiology of tinnitus undertakes. Although tinnitus percept may start at the level of cochlear nerve deafferentation, the neuronal changes in the central auditory system to the neuronal and connectivity changes in non-auditory regions, such as the limbic system, become cardinal in chronic tinnitus generation. At the present moment, some tinnitus generation mechanisms are well established (e.g., increased neuronal synchrony) whereas other mechanisms have gained more traction recently (e.g., tinnitus networks, tinnitus-distress networks) and therefore, require additional investigation to solidify their role in tinnitus pathology.
The treatments and therapeutics designed for tinnitus are numerous, with varied levels of success. They are generally two-fold: some treatments focus on tinnitus cessation (including cochlear implants, deep brain stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation) whereas the other set focuses on tinnitus reduction or masking (including hearing aids, sound therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, tinnitus retraining therapy, and tailor made notched musical training). Tinnitus management has focused on implementing tinnitus masking/reducing therapies more than tinnitus cessation, since cessation treatments are still lacking in streamlined treatment protocols and long-term sustainability and efficacy of the treatment.
This review will focus on concisely exploring the current and most relevant tinnitus pathophysiology mechanisms, treatments and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Saeed
- CMH Lahore Medical College & Institute of Dentistry, Lahore, Pakistan
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Kikidis D, Vassou E, Schlee W, Iliadou E, Markatos N, Triantafyllou A, Langguth B. Methodological Aspects of Randomized Controlled Trials for Tinnitus: A Systematic Review and How a Decision Support System Could Overcome Barriers. J Clin Med 2021; 10:1737. [PMID: 33923778 PMCID: PMC8074073 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10081737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Although a wide range of tinnitus management interventions is currently under research and a variety of therapeutic interventions have already been applied in clinical practice, no optimal and universal tinnitus treatment has been reached yet. This fact is to some extent a consequence of the high heterogeneity of the methodologies used in tinnitus related clinical studies. In this manuscript, we have identified, summarized, and critically appraised tinnitus-related randomized clinical trials since 2010, aiming at systematically mapping the research conducted in this area. The results of our analysis of the 73 included randomized clinical trials provide important insight on the identification of limitations of previous works, methodological pitfalls or gaps in current knowledge, a prerequisite for the adequate interpretation of current literature and execution of future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Kikidis
- First Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hippokration General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece; (E.V.); (E.I.); (N.M.); (A.T.)
| | - Evgenia Vassou
- First Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hippokration General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece; (E.V.); (E.I.); (N.M.); (A.T.)
| | - Winfried Schlee
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Universität Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (W.S.); (B.L.)
| | - Eleftheria Iliadou
- First Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hippokration General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece; (E.V.); (E.I.); (N.M.); (A.T.)
| | - Nikolaos Markatos
- First Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hippokration General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece; (E.V.); (E.I.); (N.M.); (A.T.)
| | - Aikaterini Triantafyllou
- First Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hippokration General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece; (E.V.); (E.I.); (N.M.); (A.T.)
| | - Berthold Langguth
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Universität Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (W.S.); (B.L.)
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Abstract
The pathophysiological mechanisms that underlie the generation and maintenance of tinnitus are being unraveled progressively. Based on this knowledge, a large variety of different neuromodulatory interventions have been developed and are still being designed, adapting to the progressive mechanistic insights in the pathophysiology of tinnitus. rTMS targeting the temporal, temporoparietal, and the frontal cortex has been the mainstay of non-invasive neuromodulation. Yet, the evidence is still unclear, and therefore systematic meta-analyses are needed for drawing conclusions on the effectiveness of rTMS in chronic tinnitus. Different forms of transcranial electrical stimulation (tDCS, tACS, tRNS), applied over the frontal and temporal cortex, have been investigated in tinnitus patients, also without robust evidence for universal efficacy. Cortex and deep brain stimulation with implanted electrodes have shown benefit, yet there is insufficient data to support their routine clinical use. Recently, bimodal stimulation approaches have revealed promising results and it appears that targeting different sensory modalities in temporally combined manners may be more promising than single target approaches.While most neuromodulatory approaches seem promising, further research is required to help translating the scientific outcomes into routine clinical practice.
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Langguth B. Non-Invasive Neuromodulation for Tinnitus. J Audiol Otol 2020; 24:113-118. [PMID: 32575951 PMCID: PMC7364190 DOI: 10.7874/jao.2020.00052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Tinnitus is a prevalent disorder that has no cure currently. Within the last two decades, neuroscientific research has facilitated a better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms that underlie the generation and maintenance of tinnitus, and the brain and nerves have been identified as potential targets for its treatment using non-invasive brain stimulation methods. This article reviews studies on tinnitus patients using transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial electrical stimulation, such as transcranial direct current stimulation, alternating current stimulation, transcranial random noise stimulation as well as transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation and bimodal combined auditory and somatosensory stimulation. Although none of these approaches has demonstrated effects that would justify its use in routine treatment, the studies have provided important insights into tinnitus pathophysiology. Moreover bimodal stimulation, which has only been developed recently, has shown promising results in pilot trials and is a candidate for further development into a valuable treatment procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berthold Langguth
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Interdisciplinary Tinnitus Center, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Elyssa Kok T, Schaette R, Shekhawat GS. Impact of tDCS and HD-tDCS on tinnitus perception: A scoping review. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2020; 262:225-244. [PMID: 33931181 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2020.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Tinnitus is the auditory phantom perception of a sound that severely affects the quality of life of over 300,000 people in the United Kingdom alone. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive brain stimulation tool, which has been investigated as a potential tinnitus management option since 2006. This study aimed to investigate the impact of tDCS and high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) on tinnitus perception. A scoping review was undertaken using the framework by Arksey and O'malley (2005). After consideration of relevance, 38 primary research studies were included in the data charting to examine the impact of (HD-)tDCS on tinnitus. Twenty-two of the primary research studies reported significant therapeutic effects of (HD)-tDCS on tinnitus perception. However, only eight of these included a sham-control condition. The tDCS protocols in the studies were highly heterogeneous and sample sizes were generally small. More double-blind, sham-controlled trials are needed that use similar protocols and outcome measures before definitive conclusions about the efficacy of (HD-)tDCS for tinnitus can be drawn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tori Elyssa Kok
- Ear Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Roland Schaette
- Ear Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Giriraj Singh Shekhawat
- Ear Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Tinnitus Research Initiative, Regensburg, Germany.
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Abstract
Tinnitus is a common symptom. Standard therapies aim at improving the quality of life and reducing the psychological stress associated with tinnitus. Most interventions have little or no effect on the main symptom. Those affected subjects, however, want such a change and prefer a specific solution, such as pharmacologic therapy to other modalities. Scientific efforts have not yet led to significant improvement in the range of therapies. This article outlines existing efforts and develops ideas on how research for improved tinnitus therapy might look in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Kleinjung
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 24, Zurich CH 8091, Switzerland.
| | - Berthold Langguth
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Interdisciplinary Tinnitus Center, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 84, Regensburg D 93053, Germany
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Neff P, Zielonka L, Meyer M, Langguth B, Schecklmann M, Schlee W. Comparison of Amplitude Modulated Sounds and Pure Tones at the Tinnitus Frequency: Residual Tinnitus Suppression and Stimulus Evaluation. Trends Hear 2019; 23:2331216519833841. [PMID: 30871419 PMCID: PMC6421608 DOI: 10.1177/2331216519833841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have compared tinnitus suppression, or residual inhibition, between amplitude- and frequency-modulated (AM) sounds and noises or pure tones (PT). Results are indicative, yet inconclusive, of stronger tinnitus suppression of modulated sounds especially near the tinnitus frequency. Systematic comparison of AM sounds at the tinnitus frequency has not yet been studied in depth. The current study therefore aims at further advancing this line of research by contrasting tinnitus suppression profiles of AM and PT sounds at the matched tinnitus frequency (i.e., 10 and 40 Hz AM vs. PT). Participants with chronic, tonal tinnitus (n = 29) underwent comprehensive psychometric, audiometric, tinnitus matching, and acoustic stimulation procedures. Stimuli were presented for 3 minutes in two loudness regimes (60 dB sensation level [SL], minimum masking level [MML] + 6 dB, control sound: SL -6 dB) and amplitude modulated with 0, 10, or 40 Hz. Tinnitus loudness suppression was measured after the stimulation every 30 seconds. In addition, stimuli were rated regarding their valence and arousal. Results demonstrate only trends for better tinnitus suppression for the 10 Hz modulation and presentation level of 60 dB SL compared with PT, whereas nonsignificant results are reported for 40 Hz and MML + 6 dB, respectively. Furthermore, the 10 Hz AM at 60 dB SL and the 40 Hz AM at MML + 6 dB (trend) stimuli were better tolerated as elicited by valence ratings. We conclude that 10 Hz AM sounds at the tinnitus frequency may be useful to further elucidate the phenomenon of residual inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Neff
- 1 Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Germany.,2 University Research Priority Program Dynamics of Healthy Aging, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lisa Zielonka
- 3 Department of Medicine, University of Regensburg, Germany
| | - Martin Meyer
- 2 University Research Priority Program Dynamics of Healthy Aging, University of Zurich, Switzerland.,4 Division of Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Switzerland.,5 Tinnitus-Zentrum, Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Berthold Langguth
- 1 Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Germany
| | - Martin Schecklmann
- 1 Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Germany
| | - Winfried Schlee
- 1 Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Germany
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Hébert S. Individual Reliability of the Standard Clinical Method vs Patient-Centered Tinnitus Likeness Rating for Assessment of Tinnitus Pitch and Loudness Matching. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2019; 144:1136-1144. [PMID: 30267085 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2018.2416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Importance Current individualized sound therapies for tinnitus rely on tinnitus pitch assessment, which is commonly derived from the standard clinical 2-alternative forced-choice (2-AFC) approach driven by the examiner. However, this method is limited by lack of individual test-retest reliability and focuses on a single rather than multiple tinnitus frequencies. Objective To assess individual test-retest reliability of the 2-AFC, with a single final frequency (and corresponding loudness), and the tinnitus likeness rating (TLR), with the participant exposed to the entire audible frequency spectrum, from which 3 dominant frequencies and corresponding loudness were extracted. Design, Setting, and Participants In this case series, participants with tinnitus underwent testing twice with both methods at a 1-month interval by experienced clinicians from January 6 through March 17, 2017. Each clinician tested each patient only once at visit 1 or 2 in a university audiology training setting with standardized equipment and was blind to previous assessment. Participants with bilateral or unilateral chronic tinnitus for longer than 6 months, in good health, without total deafness in either ear, and without cerumen in the ear canal were recruited through advertisements (community and clinics) and word of mouth (volunteer sample). The audiologists were likewise participants in the planned comparison between TLR and 2-AFC in the test-retest measures. Main Outcomes and Measures Test-retest concordance with 95% CIs for each method, calculated as the proportion of participants with the same final frequency between the 2 visits (2-AFC) or with at least 1 concordant dominant frequency (TLR) as well as loudness differences of no greater than 10 dB. Results The study sample included 31 participants (55% men; mean [SD] age, 50.7 [13.7] years). For TLR, 26 of 31 participants had at least 1 concordant dominant frequency between the 2 visits (proportion, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.66-0.95), whereas for 2-AFC, 7 of 31 participants had a concordant final tinnitus pitch in either ear (proportion, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.10-0.41). Loudness reliability followed the same pattern, with more concordant loudness levels in the TLR (proportion, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.52-0.88) than in the 2-AFC (proportion, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.05-0.85). Mean time taken to complete the tests was less than 15 minutes, and general appreciation by participants with tinnitus and audiologists were overall similar for both. Conclusions and Relevance Superior test-retest concordance can be demonstrated at the individual level using the several dominant frequencies extracted from the patient-centered TLR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Hébert
- School of Speech Pathology and Audiology, Faculty of Medicine, University de Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,International Laboratory for Research on Brain, Music, and Sound, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Abstract
In recent years, applications (apps) for medical purposes have been developed and introduced, including apps that perform diagnostics and documentation for hearing loss and tinnitus in combination with smartphones. Even therapeutic apps, particularly for chronic tinnitus, have been launched. This review discusses the existing scientific literature for these smartphone applications. For tinnitus, Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy has been developed and evaluated. For tinnitus therapy, introduced apps combine acoustic stimulation and music, or serve acoustic stimulation of cortical regions around the tinnitus frequency. Although these apps appear very innovative, their effectiveness has not yet been scientifically proven. A general problem associated with using smartphone apps lies in their safety in terms of possible side effects and personal data protection. However, Internet programs and apps can be a useful supplement to multimodal tinnitus therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Hesse
- Tinnitus-Klinik am Krankenhaus Bad Arolsen, Große Allee 50, 34454, Bad Arolsen, Deutschland. .,Universität Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Deutschland.
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Yuan T, Yadollahpour A, Salgado-Ramírez J, Robles-Camarillo D, Ortega-Palacios R. Transcranial direct current stimulation for the treatment of tinnitus: a review of clinical trials and mechanisms of action. BMC Neurosci 2018; 19:66. [PMID: 30359234 PMCID: PMC6202858 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-018-0467-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the absence of any external acoustic stimulation. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has shown promising though heterogeneous therapeutic outcomes for tinnitus. The present study aims to review the recent advances in applications of tDCS for tinnitus treatment. In addition, the clinical efficacy and main mechanisms of action of tDCS on suppressing tinnitus are discussed. Methods The study was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The databases of the PubMed (1980–2018), Embase (1980–2018), PsycINFO (1850–2018), CINAHL, Web of Science, BIOSIS Previews (1990–2018), Cambridge Scientific Abstracts (1990–2018), and google scholar (1980–2018) using the set search terms. The date of the most recent search was 20 May, 2018. The randomized controlled trials that have assessed at least one therapeutic outcome measured before and after tDCS intervention were included in the final analysis. Results Different tDCS protocols were used for tinnitus ranging single to repeated sessions (up to 10) consisting of daily single session of 15 to 20-min and current intensities ranging 1–2 mA. Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and auditory cortex are the main targets of stimulation. Both single and repeated sessions showed moderate to significant treatment effects on tinnitus symptoms. In addition to improvements in tinnitus symptoms, the tDCS interventions particularly bifrontal DLPFC showed beneficial outcomes on depression and anxiety comorbid with tinnitus. Heterogeneities in the type of tinnitus, tDCS devices, protocols, and site of stimulation made the systematic reviews of the literature difficult. However, the current evidence shows that tDCS can be developed as an adjunct or complementary treatment for intractable tinnitus. TDCS may be a safe and cost-effective treatment for tinnitus in the short-term application. Conclusions The current literature shows moderate to significant therapeutic efficacy of tDCS on tinnitus symptoms. Further randomized placebo-controlled double-blind trials with large sample sizes are needed to reach a definitive conclusion on the efficacy of tDCS for tinnitus. Future studies should further focus on developing efficient disease- and patient-specific protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tifei Yuan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ali Yadollahpour
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Golestan Blvd, Ahvaz, 61357-33118, Iran.
| | - Julio Salgado-Ramírez
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Polytechnic University of Pachuca, Zempoala, Mexico
| | | | - Rocío Ortega-Palacios
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Polytechnic University of Pachuca, Zempoala, Mexico
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Shekhawat GS, Vanneste S. Optimization of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation of Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex for Tinnitus: A Non-Linear Dose-Response Effect. Sci Rep 2018; 8:8311. [PMID: 29844532 PMCID: PMC5974180 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26665-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuromodulation is defined as the process of augmenting neuroplasticity via invasive or non-invasive methods. Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the absence of its external source. The objective of this study was to optimize the parameters of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) for tinnitus suppression. The following factors were optimized in the dose-response design (n = 111): current intensity (1.5 mA or 2 mA), stimulation duration (20 min or 30 min), and number of stimulation sessions (2, 4, 6, 8, or 10), with a 3-4 day washout period between each session. Participants underwent a minimum of 2 sessions in 1 week or maximum of 10 sessions in 5 weeks' time. Tinnitus loudness was measured in pre-post design using a 10-point numeric rating scale. There was a significant reduction in tinnitus loudness after tDCS of DLPFC. There was no significant difference between the intensity and duration of stimulation. As the number of sessions increased, there was a higher reduction in the tinnitus loudness; however, this effect plateaued after 6 sessions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giriraj Singh Shekhawat
- Section of Audiology and Health Systems, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Center for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Tinnitus Research Initiative, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sven Vanneste
- Lab for Clinical & Integrative Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas, Dallas, USA.
- Center for Brain Health, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA.
- Callier Center of Communication Disorders, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA.
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Abtahi H, Okhovvat A, Heidari S, Gharagazarloo A, Mirdamadi M, Nilforoush MH, Ghazavi H. Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on short-term and long-term treatment of chronic tinnitus. Am J Otolaryngol 2018; 39:94-96. [PMID: 29336898 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of anodal and cathodal methods in reducing the intensity of tinnitus and to compare them with the control. METHODOLOGY This randomized double-blind clinical trial with case and control groups was conducted in Al-Zahra Hospital in Isfahan between 2015 and 2016. In this trial, 51 patients with tinnitus, for at least one year, were selected among those outpatients visiting the throat, nose and ear clinic within this period. Inclusion criteria were patients on electrical stimulation prohibition, with Ménière's disease, otosclerosis, chronic headache, and pulsatile tinnitus. Patients were randomly divided in three equal-sized groups: anodal stimulation group, cathodal stimulation group, and control group. The subjects received 20-min current stimulation (2 mA). Five subjects were selected from those with a significant difference between the stimulated states (anodal or cathodal) and/or control. They received weekly transcranial electrical stimulation for two months, and their long-term recovery from tinnitus was investigated. Data analysis was done with SPSS20. RESULTS Findings showed no significant between-groups difference in mean scores of tinnitus before the intervention (p = .68); whereas, this difference was significant immediately after the intervention (p = .02) and 1 h after it (p = .03). The mean score of tinnitus in the anodal stimulation group was significantly lower than the control; whereas, no significant difference was observed between the anodal and cathodal stimulation groups, and between the cathodal and control groups (p < .05). Findings also showed that the mean scores of tinnitus in two cathodal stimulation groups (p = .24) and control group (p = .62) were not significantly different at three different points of time; whereas, this score was significantly different in the anodal group at these time points (p = .01). CONCLUSION In conclusion, anodal stimulation was more effective than the cathodal and control stimulation in reducing the intensity of tinnitus in the short term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamidreza Abtahi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ahmadreza Okhovvat
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Somaiie Heidari
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Azar Gharagazarloo
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Motahare Mirdamadi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nilforoush
- Communication Disorders Research Center, Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hossein Ghazavi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
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Vielsmeier V, Schecklmann M, Schlee W, Kreuzer PM, Poeppl TB, Rupprecht R, Langguth B, Lehner A. A Pilot Study of Peripheral Muscle Magnetic Stimulation as Add-on Treatment to Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Chronic Tinnitus. Front Neurosci 2018. [PMID: 29515350 PMCID: PMC5826218 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
While brain stimulation techniques have been examined as treatment options for chronic tinnitus for many years, they have recently been extended to multimodal treatment approaches. As chronic tinnitus is often accompanied by comorbid muscular tension in the neck and back, we performed a one-arm pilot study to explore the feasibility of a new multimodal treatment approach. In detail, repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) of the back was performed before and after each session of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the brain. Data of 41 patients were analyzed, all of which were treated with ten sessions of rTMS of the left prefrontal and left temporoparietal cortex followed by rPMS of the neck and back muscles. Tinnitus severity was measured using the tinnitus questionnaire (TQ). Neck pain was assessed using the neck pain and disability scale (NPAD). The new treatment approach was feasible and well accepted by the majority of patients. However, the overall patient group did not improve significantly in either of the questionnaires. If patients were divided in different subgroups depending on whether they were suffering from neck pain or somatosensory tinnitus, explorative post-hoc tests suggested differential effects: patients with both neck pain and somatosensory tinnitus had better outcomes than patients without those conditions or with neck pain only. This was true for both the TQ and the NPAD. This effect was of transient nature though: the TQ score went back to its baseline level after a follow-up period of 12 weeks. Based on our results we recommend that in studies that investigate tinnitus treatments targeting somatosensory afferents patients should be stratified according to somatic co-morbidities and somatosensory influence on the tinnitus percept. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02306447.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Vielsmeier
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Martin Schecklmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Winfried Schlee
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Peter M Kreuzer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Timm B Poeppl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Rainer Rupprecht
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Berthold Langguth
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Astrid Lehner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex for tinnitus modulation: a preliminary trial. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2017; 125:163-171. [DOI: 10.1007/s00702-017-1808-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Lee HY, Choi MS, Chang DS, Cho CS. Combined Bifrontal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Tailor-Made Notched Music Training in Chronic Tinnitus. J Audiol Otol 2017; 21:22-27. [PMID: 28417104 PMCID: PMC5392009 DOI: 10.7874/jao.2017.21.1.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Revised: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives We evaluated the short-term treatment outcomes of combined bifrontal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and tailor-made notched music training (TMNMT) in tinnitus patients. The associations of patient characteristics with treatment responsiveness were investigated. Subjects and Methods Four sessions of bifrontal tDCS (F4: anode, F3: cathode) and TMNMT were conducted over a 2-week period in tinnitus patients. For tDCS, the stimulation intensity was 1.5 mA and the duration was approximately 20 min. During tDCS, patients listened to music lacking the frequency band within 1 octave of the tinnitus frequency. Patients were also instructed to listen to this music at home for at least 2 hours per day. One month after the final tDCS session, loudness (LD), awareness (AW), annoyance (AN), and effect on life (EL) of tinnitus were assessed subjectively using a visual analog scale. Results A total of 14 patients were enrolled in this study. After treatment, a 50% or greater improvement in AN, AW, EL, and LD was observed in 57.1, 42.9, 35.7, and 28.6% of patients, respectively. Furthermore, 78.6% of patients showed a 50% or greater improvement in their tinnitus handicap inventory scores. For AN, the absence of sleep disturbance was significantly associated with treatment responsiveness (p=0.041, OR=24.0). Conclusions Combined bifrontal tDCS and TMNMT is a promising treatment for chronic tinnitus. To maximize the treatment outcomes of this therapy, sleep disturbances should also be addressed in candidate patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Yun Lee
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eulji University Medical Center, Eulji University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Myoung Su Choi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eulji University Medical Center, Eulji University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Dong Sik Chang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eulji University Medical Center, Eulji University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Chin-Saeng Cho
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eulji University Medical Center, Eulji University, Daejeon, Korea
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Zenner HP, Delb W, Kröner-Herwig B, Jäger B, Peroz I, Hesse G, Mazurek B, Goebel G, Gerloff C, Trollmann R, Biesinger E, Seidler H, Langguth B. A multidisciplinary systematic review of the treatment for chronic idiopathic tinnitus. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2016; 274:2079-2091. [DOI: 10.1007/s00405-016-4401-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Hesse G. Evidence and evidence gaps in tinnitus therapy. GMS CURRENT TOPICS IN OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY, HEAD AND NECK SURGERY 2016; 15:Doc04. [PMID: 28025604 PMCID: PMC5169077 DOI: 10.3205/cto000131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
A nearly endless number of procedures has been tried and in particular sold for the treatment of tinnitus, unfortunately they have not been evaluated appropriately in an evidence-based way. A causal therapy, omitting the tinnitus still does not exist, actually it cannot exist because of the various mechanisms of its origin. However or perhaps because of that, medical interventions appear and reappear like fashion trends that can never be proven by stable and reliable treatment success. This contribution will discuss and acknowledge all current therapeutic procedures and the existing or non-existing evidence will be assessed. Beside external evidence, the term of evidence also encompasses the internal evidence, i.e. the experience of the treating physician and the patient's needs shall be included. While there is no evidence for nearly all direct procedures that intend modulating or stimulating either the cochlea or specific cervical regions such as the auditory cortex, there are therapeutic procedures that are acknowledged in clinical practice and have achieved at least a certain degree of evidence and generate measurable effect sizes. Those are in particular habituation therapy and psychotherapeutic measures, especially if they are combined with concrete measures for improved audio perception (hearing aids, CI, hearing therapies).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerhard Hesse
- Tinnitus-Klinik, Bad Arolsen, Germany; University of Witten-Herdecke, Germany
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Henin S, Fein D, Smouha E, Parra LC. The Effects of Compensatory Auditory Stimulation and High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (HD-tDCS) on Tinnitus Perception - A Randomized Pilot Study. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0166208. [PMID: 27832140 PMCID: PMC5104367 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0166208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Tinnitus correlates with elevated hearing thresholds and reduced cochlear compression. We hypothesized that reduced peripheral input leads to elevated neuronal gain resulting in the perception of a phantom sound. Objective The purpose of this pilot study was to test whether compensating for this peripheral deficit could reduce the tinnitus percept acutely using customized auditory stimulation. To further enhance the effects of auditory stimulation, this intervention was paired with high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS). Methods A randomized sham-controlled, single blind study was conducted in a clinical setting on adult participants with chronic tinnitus (n = 14). Compensatory auditory stimulation (CAS) and HD-tDCS were administered either individually or in combination in order to access the effects of both interventions on tinnitus perception. CAS consisted of sound exposure typical to daily living (20-minute sound-track of a TV show), which was adapted with compressive gain to compensate for deficits in each subject's individual audiograms. Minimum masking levels and the visual analog scale were used to assess the strength of the tinnitus percept immediately before and after the treatment intervention. Results CAS reduced minimum masking levels, and visual analog scale trended towards improvement. Effects of HD-tDCS could not be resolved with the current sample size. Conclusions The results of this pilot study suggest that providing tailored auditory stimulation with frequency-specific gain and compression may alleviate tinnitus in a clinical population. Further experimentation with longer interventions is warranted in order to optimize effect sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Henin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City College of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, New York 10027, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Dovid Fein
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City College of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, New York 10027, United States of America
| | - Eric Smouha
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Lucas C. Parra
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City College of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, New York 10027, United States of America
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Evidence-based guidelines on the therapeutic use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Clin Neurophysiol 2016; 128:56-92. [PMID: 27866120 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2016.10.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1011] [Impact Index Per Article: 126.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Revised: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
A group of European experts was commissioned by the European Chapter of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology to gather knowledge about the state of the art of the therapeutic use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) from studies published up until September 2016, regarding pain, Parkinson's disease, other movement disorders, motor stroke, poststroke aphasia, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, consciousness disorders, Alzheimer's disease, tinnitus, depression, schizophrenia, and craving/addiction. The evidence-based analysis included only studies based on repeated tDCS sessions with sham tDCS control procedure; 25 patients or more having received active treatment was required for Class I, while a lower number of 10-24 patients was accepted for Class II studies. Current evidence does not allow making any recommendation of Level A (definite efficacy) for any indication. Level B recommendation (probable efficacy) is proposed for: (i) anodal tDCS of the left primary motor cortex (M1) (with right orbitofrontal cathode) in fibromyalgia; (ii) anodal tDCS of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) (with right orbitofrontal cathode) in major depressive episode without drug resistance; (iii) anodal tDCS of the right DLPFC (with left DLPFC cathode) in addiction/craving. Level C recommendation (possible efficacy) is proposed for anodal tDCS of the left M1 (or contralateral to pain side, with right orbitofrontal cathode) in chronic lower limb neuropathic pain secondary to spinal cord lesion. Conversely, Level B recommendation (probable inefficacy) is conferred on the absence of clinical effects of: (i) anodal tDCS of the left temporal cortex (with right orbitofrontal cathode) in tinnitus; (ii) anodal tDCS of the left DLPFC (with right orbitofrontal cathode) in drug-resistant major depressive episode. It remains to be clarified whether the probable or possible therapeutic effects of tDCS are clinically meaningful and how to optimally perform tDCS in a therapeutic setting. In addition, the easy management and low cost of tDCS devices allow at home use by the patient, but this might raise ethical and legal concerns with regard to potential misuse or overuse. We must be careful to avoid inappropriate applications of this technique by ensuring rigorous training of the professionals and education of the patients.
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Aparício LV, Guarienti F, Razza LB, Carvalho AF, Fregni F, Brunoni AR. A Systematic Review on the Acceptability and Tolerability of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Treatment in Neuropsychiatry Trials. Brain Stimul 2016; 9:671-681. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2016.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
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Tinnitus treatment with precise and optimal electric stimulation: opportunities and challenges. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2016. [PMID: 26208122 DOI: 10.1097/moo.0000000000000187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Electric stimulation is a potent means of neuromodulation that has been used to restore hearing and minimize tremor, but its application on tinnitus symptoms has been limited. We examine recent evidence to identify the knowledge gaps in the use of electric stimulation for tinnitus treatment. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies using electric stimulation to suppress tinnitus in humans are categorized according to their points of attacks. First, noninvasive, direct current stimulation uses an active electrode in the ear canal, tympanic membrane, or temporal scalp. Second, inner ear stimulation uses charge-balanced biphasic stimulation by placing an active electrode on the promontory or round window, or a cochlear implant array in the cochlea. Third, intraneural implants can provide targeted stimulation of specific sites along the auditory pathway. Although these studies demonstrated some success in tinnitus suppression, none established a link between tinnitus suppression efficacy and tinnitus-generating mechanisms. SUMMARY Electric stimulation provides a unique opportunity to suppress tinnitus. Challenges include matching electric stimulation sites and patterns to tinnitus locus and type, meeting the oftentimes-contradictory demands between tinnitus suppression and other indications, such as speech understanding, and justifying the costs and risks of electric stimulation for tinnitus symptoms.
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Stein A, Wunderlich R, Lau P, Engell A, Wollbrink A, Shaykevich A, Kuhn JT, Holling H, Rudack C, Pantev C. Clinical trial on tonal tinnitus with tailor-made notched music training. BMC Neurol 2016; 16:38. [PMID: 26987755 PMCID: PMC4797223 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-016-0558-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tinnitus is a result of hyper-activity/hyper-synchrony of auditory neurons coding the tinnitus frequency, which has developed due to synchronous mass activity owing to the lack of inhibition. We assume that removal of exactly these frequencies from a complex auditory stimulus will cause the brain to reorganize around tonotopic regions coding the tinnitus frequency through inhibition-induced plasticity. Based on this assumption, a novel treatment for tonal tinnitus - tailor-made notched music training (TMNMT) - has been introduced and was tested in this clinical trial. Methods A randomized controlled trial in parallel group design was performed in a double-blinded manner. We included 100 participants with chronic, tonal tinnitus who listened to tailor-made notched music for two hours a day for three consecutive months. Our primary outcome measures were the Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaire and Visual Analog Scales measuring perceived tinnitus loudness, awareness, distress and handicap. Participants rated their tinnitus before and after the training as well as one month after cessation of the training. Results While no effect was found for the primary outcome measures, tinnitus distress, as measured by the Tinnitus Questionnaire, a secondary outcome measure, developed differently in the two groups. The treatment group showed higher distress scores while the placebo group revealed lower distress scores after the training. However, this effect did not reach significance in post-hoc analysis and disappeared at follow-up measurements. At follow-up, tinnitus loudness in the treatment group was significantly reduced as compared to the control group. Post hoc analysis, accounting for low reliability scores in the Visual Analog Scales, showed a significant reduction of the overall Visual Analog Scale mean score in the treatment group even at the post measurement. Conclusion This is the first study on TMNMT that was planned and conducted following the CONSORT statement standards for clinical trials. The current work is one more step towards a final evaluation of TMNMT. Already after three months the effect of training with tailor-made notched music is observable in the most direct rating of tinnitus perception – the tinnitus loudness, while more global measures of tinnitus distress do not show relevant changes. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN04840953; Trial registration date: 17.07.2013
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Affiliation(s)
- Alwina Stein
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University of Münster, Malmedyweg 15, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Robert Wunderlich
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University of Münster, Malmedyweg 15, 48149, Münster, Germany.,Institute for Physiological Psychology, University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Pia Lau
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University of Münster, Malmedyweg 15, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Alva Engell
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University of Münster, Malmedyweg 15, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Andreas Wollbrink
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University of Münster, Malmedyweg 15, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Jörg-Tobias Kuhn
- Institute for Psychology, University of Münster, Fliednerstraße 21, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Heinz Holling
- Institute for Psychology, University of Münster, Fliednerstraße 21, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Claudia Rudack
- Department of ENT, University Clinic Münster, University of Münster, Cardinal-von-Galen Ring 10, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Christo Pantev
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University of Münster, Malmedyweg 15, 48149, Münster, Germany.
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Heimrath K, Fiene M, Rufener KS, Zaehle T. Modulating Human Auditory Processing by Transcranial Electrical Stimulation. Front Cell Neurosci 2016; 10:53. [PMID: 27013969 PMCID: PMC4779894 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2016.00053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) has become a valuable research tool for the investigation of neurophysiological processes underlying human action and cognition. In recent years, striking evidence for the neuromodulatory effects of transcranial direct current stimulation, transcranial alternating current stimulation, and transcranial random noise stimulation has emerged. While the wealth of knowledge has been gained about tES in the motor domain and, to a lesser extent, about its ability to modulate human cognition, surprisingly little is known about its impact on perceptual processing, particularly in the auditory domain. Moreover, while only a few studies systematically investigated the impact of auditory tES, it has already been applied in a large number of clinical trials, leading to a remarkable imbalance between basic and clinical research on auditory tES. Here, we review the state of the art of tES application in the auditory domain focussing on the impact of neuromodulation on acoustic perception and its potential for clinical application in the treatment of auditory related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tino Zaehle
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University MagdeburgMagdeburg, Germany
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Transcranial direct current stimulation as a tool in the study of sensory-perceptual processing. Atten Percept Psychophys 2016; 77:1813-40. [PMID: 26139152 DOI: 10.3758/s13414-015-0932-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive neuromodulatory technique with increasing popularity in the fields of basic research and rehabilitation. It is an affordable and safe procedure that is beginning to be used in the clinic, and is a tool with potential to contribute to the understanding of neural mechanisms in the fields of psychology, neuroscience, and medical research. This review presents examples of investigations in the fields of perception, basic sensory processes, and sensory rehabilitation that employed tDCS. We highlight some of the most relevant efforts in this area and discuss possible limitations and gaps in contemporary tDCS research. Topics include the five senses, pain, and multimodal integration. The present work aims to present the state of the art of this field of research and to inspire future investigations of perception using tDCS.
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Forogh B, Mirshaki Z, Raissi GR, Shirazi A, Mansoori K, Ahadi T. Repeated sessions of transcranial direct current stimulation for treatment of chronic subjective tinnitus: a pilot randomized controlled trial. Neurol Sci 2015; 37:253-9. [PMID: 26498289 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-015-2393-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Subjective tinnitus is an auditory phantom sensation characterized by the perception of sound in the absence of an identifiable external source. This distressing audiological symptom can severely affect the quality of life. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive technique that can induce short-term relief in tinnitus in some patients. The purpose of this pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial was to investigate whether repeated application of anodal tDCS over left temporoparietal area could induce long-lasting relief in patients with chronic tinnitus. Twenty-two patients with chronic tinnitus for at least 6 months were randomly allocated into two groups and received five sessions of anodal (N = 11) or sham (N = 11) stimulation in five consecutive days. A current intensity of 2 mA for 20 min was used for anodal stimulation. Outcomes were assessed using Persian version of tinnitus handicap inventory (THI), loudness and distress visual analog scale (VAS) scores and clinical global impression (CGI) scale. The trial is registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) with the reference ID of IRCT2014082018871N1. No statistically significant difference was found between anodal and sham stimulation regarding either immediate or long-lasting effects over the 2 weeks follow-up period. Deterioration of symptoms and alteration in tinnitus characteristics were reported by a few patients. There were no significant long-term beneficial effects following tDCS of the left temporoparietal area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijan Forogh
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Firoozgar Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Valiasr Square, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohre Mirshaki
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist at Iran University of Medical Sciences, Firoozgar Hospital, Valiasr Square, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholam Reza Raissi
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Firoozgar Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Valiasr Square, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Shirazi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Firoozgar Hospital, Valiasr square, Tehran, Iran
| | - Korosh Mansoori
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Firoozgar Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Valiasr Square, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tannaz Ahadi
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Firoozgar Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Valiasr Square, Tehran, Iran.
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Wunderlich R, Lau P, Stein A, Engell A, Wollbrink A, Rudack C, Pantev C. Impact of Spectral Notch Width on Neurophysiological Plasticity and Clinical Effectiveness of the Tailor-Made Notched Music Training. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0138595. [PMID: 26406446 PMCID: PMC4583393 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tinnitus, the ringing in the ears that is unrelated to any external source, causes a significant loss in quality of life, involving sleep disturbance and depression for 1 to 3% of the general population. While in the first place tinnitus may be triggered by damage to the inner ear cells, the neural generators of subjective tinnitus are located in central regions of the nervous system. A loss of lateral inhibition, tonotopical reorganization and a gain-increase in response to the sensory deprivation result in hypersensitivity and hyperactivity in certain regions of the auditory cortex. In the tailor-made notched music training (TMNMT) patients listen to music from which the frequency spectrum of the tinnitus has been removed. This evokes strong lateral inhibition from neurons tuned to adjacent frequencies onto the neurons involved in the tinnitus percept. A reduction of tinnitus loudness and tinnitus-related neural activity was achieved with TMNMT in previous studies. As the effect of lateral inhibition depends on the bandwidth of the notch, in the current study we altered the notch width to find the most effective notch width for TMNMT. We compared 1-octave notch width with ½-octave and ¼-octave. Participants chose their favorite music for the training that included three month of two hours daily listening. The outcome was measured by means of standardized questionnaires and magnetoencephalography. We found a general reduction of tinnitus distress in all administered tinnitus questionnaires after the training. Additionally, tinnitus-related neural activity was reduced after the training. Nevertheless, notch width did not have an influence on the behavioral or neural effects of TMNMT. This could be due to a non-linear resolution of lateral inhibition in high frequencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Wunderlich
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Institute for Physiological Psychology, University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Pia Lau
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Alwina Stein
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Alva Engell
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Andreas Wollbrink
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Claudia Rudack
- Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Christo Pantev
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Shekhawat GS, Sundram F, Bikson M, Truong D, De Ridder D, Stinear CM, Welch D, Searchfield GD. Intensity, Duration, and Location of High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Tinnitus Relief. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2015; 30:349-59. [DOI: 10.1177/1545968315595286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objective. Tinnitus is the perception of a phantom sound. The aim of this study was to compare current intensity (center anode 1 mA and 2 mA), duration (10 minutes and 20 minutes), and location (left temporoparietal area [LTA] and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex [DLPFC]) using 4 × 1 high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) for tinnitus reduction. Methods. Twenty-seven participants with chronic tinnitus (>2 years) and mean age of 53.5 years underwent 2 sessions of HD-tDCS of the LTA and DLPFC in a randomized order with a 1 week gap between site of stimulation. During each session, a combination of 4 different settings were used in increasing dose (1 mA, 10 minutes; 1 mA, 20 minutes; 2 mA, 10 minutes; and 2 mA, 20 minutes). The impact of different settings on tinnitus loudness and annoyance was documented. Results. Twenty-one participants (77.78%) reported a minimum of 1 point reduction on tinnitus loudness or annoyance scales. There were significant changes in loudness and annoyance for duration of stimulation, F(1, 26) = 10.08, P < .005, and current intensity, F(1, 26) = 14.24, P = .001. There was no interaction between the location, intensity, and duration of stimulation. Higher intensity (2 mA) and longer duration (20 minutes) of stimulation were more effective. Conclusions. A current intensity of 2 mA for 20-minute duration was the most effective setting used for tinnitus relief. The stimulation of the LTA and DLPFC were equally effective for suppressing tinnitus loudness and annoyance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Dirk De Ridder
- Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Tinnitus Research Initiative, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Grant D. Searchfield
- University of Auckland, New Zealand
- Tinnitus Research Initiative, Regensburg, Germany
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Pal N, Maire R, Stephan MA, Herrmann FR, Benninger DH. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for the Treatment of Chronic Tinnitus: A Randomized Controlled Study. Brain Stimul 2015. [PMID: 26198363 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2015.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tinnitus is an often disabling condition for which there is no effective therapy. Current research suggests that tinnitus may develop due to maladaptive plastic changes and altered activity in the auditory and prefrontal cortex. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) modulates brain activity and has been shown to transiently suppress tinnitus in trials. OBJECTIVE To investigate the efficacy and safety of tDCS in the treatment of chronic subjective tinnitus. METHODS In a randomized, parallel, double-blind, sham-controlled study, the efficacy and safety of cathodal tDCS to the auditory cortex with anode over the prefrontal cortex was investigated in five sessions over five consecutive days. Tinnitus was assessed after the last session on day 5, and at follow-up visits 1 and 3 months post stimulation using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI, primary outcome measure), Subjective Tinnitus Severity Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale, Visual Analogue Scale, and Clinical Global Impression scale. RESULTS 42 patients were investigated, 21 received tDCS and 21 sham stimulation. There were no beneficial effects of tDCS on tinnitus as assessed by primary and secondary outcome measures. Effect size assessed with Cohen's d amounted to 0.08 (95% CI: -0.52 to 0.69) at 1 month and 0.18 (95% CI: -0.43 to 0.78) at 3 months for the THI. CONCLUSION tDCS of the auditory and prefrontal cortices is safe, but does not improve tinnitus. Different tDCS protocols might be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natassja Pal
- Clinic of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Raphael Maire
- Clinic of Otolaryngology, Head Neck & Ear Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marianne A Stephan
- Clinic of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - François R Herrmann
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - David H Benninger
- Clinic of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Shekhawat GS, Stinear CM, Searchfield GD. Modulation of Perception or Emotion? A Scoping Review of Tinnitus Neuromodulation Using Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2015; 29:837-46. [DOI: 10.1177/1545968314567152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Background. Tinnitus is the phantom perception of sound and can have negative effect on the quality of life. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive neuromodulation technique, which can increase or decrease the cortical excitability in the brain region to which it is applied. tDCS has been used for tinnitus research since 2006. Objective. To investigate whether tDCS affects tinnitus perception, related emotion, or both, and the potential implications for tinnitus management. Methods. A scoping review was undertaken using the methods proposed by Arksey and O’Malley. After initial consideration of title relevance and reading abstracts, 15 studies were included in this review. The data from these studies were charted to investigate the impact of tDCS on tinnitus perception and emotions. Results. tDCS results in transient suppression of tinnitus loudness and annoyance; however, it does not lead to long-term impact on tinnitus related emotion. Local stimulation of different sites of stimulation (left temporoparietal area, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and auditory cortex) might modulate tinnitus perception (loudness) and emotions differently; however, further research is needed to explore this hypothesis. This review has identified aspects of methodologies that require attention in upcoming tinnitus and tDCS trials to offer better insights. Conclusions. tDCS is an effective research tool for transient tinnitus neuromodulation. However, efforts should be invested in designing clinical trials using local and multiple sites of stimulation, optimized parameters, and objective outcome measures before it can be translated in to a clinical tool for tinnitus management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Grant D. Searchfield
- University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Tinnitus Research Initiative, Regensburg, Germany
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