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Hoare DJ, Smith H, Kennedy V, Fackrell K. Tinnitus in Children. J Assoc Res Otolaryngol 2024; 25:239-247. [PMID: 38709437 PMCID: PMC11150219 DOI: 10.1007/s10162-024-00944-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
This perspective reviews the current state of the art and literature on tinnitus in children, prevalence and risk factors, clinical management, and future priorities for healthcare provision and research. Most research in the field to date appears to be prevalence studies, which have reached dramatically different estimates; this reflects the lack of a standard language when asking about the presence of tinnitus, or how bothersome, distressing, or negatively impacting it is for the child. Estimates are also likely affected by a lack of awareness of tinnitus amongst children and parents. Children are less likely to spontaneously report tinnitus than adults, and parents are often unaware their child could even develop tinnitus, considering it a disease of older age for example. It is critical that children are asked and learn about tinnitus. In hearing clinics, clinicians should routinely ask about all children about tinnitus and offer tinnitus care and settings that are child- and family-friendly. As well as asking directly, clinicians should be alert to soft signs of tinnitus such as unexplained listening, speech perception, concentration difficulties, worry or anxiety, or difficulties completing hearing tests or using hearing aids. The recently developed impact of Tinnitus in Children Questionnaire (iTICQ) can then be used to assess problems that are most commonly core to children's experience of tinnitus. Clinical guidelines for tinnitus in children are few but provide recommendations for additional paediatric questionnaires and alternative assessments and for a range of treatment options. Of note, however, is the lack of clinical trials and, therefore, evidence of the effectiveness of any treatment for tinnitus in children. Significant and concerted work is therefore needed to raise awareness of tinnitus in children, understand the scale of clinical need, and standardise and evaluate clinical management options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek J Hoare
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Hearing Sciences, Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
- School of Clinical Therapies, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, T12 EK59, Republic of Ireland.
| | - Harriet Smith
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Hearing Sciences, Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Kathryn Fackrell
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Hearing Sciences, Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Coordinating Centre, School of Healthcare Enterprise and Innovation, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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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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Santacruz JL, de Kleine E, van Dijk P. Comparison between two self-guided tinnitus pitch matching methods. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1095178. [PMID: 36761182 PMCID: PMC9906993 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1095178] [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: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Tinnitus pitch matching is a procedure by which the frequency of an external sound is manipulated in such a way that its pitch matches the one of the tinnitus. The correct measure of the tinnitus pitch plays an important role in the effectiveness of any sound-based therapies. To date, this assessment is difficult due to the subjective nature of tinnitus. Some of the existing pitch matching methods present a challenge for both patients and clinicians, and require multiple adjustments of frequency and loudness, which becomes increasingly difficult in case of coexisting hearing loss. In this paper, we present the comparison in terms of reliability between two self-guided pitch matching methods: the method of adjustment (MOA) and the multiple-choice method (MCM). Methods 20 participants with chronic tinnitus and hearing loss underwent the two assessments in two different sessions, 1 week apart. Measures of intraclass correlation (ICC) and difference in octaves (OD) within-method and within-session were obtained. Results Both methods presented good reliability, and the obtained values of ICC and OD suggested that both methods might measure a different aspect of tinnitus. Discussion Our results suggest that a multiple-choice method (MCM) for tinnitus pitch matching is as reliable in a clinical population as more conventional methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose L. Santacruz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands,Graduate School of Medical Sciences (Research School of Behavioral and Cognitive Neurosciences), University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands,*Correspondence: Jose L. Santacruz, ✉
| | - Emile de Kleine
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands,Graduate School of Medical Sciences (Research School of Behavioral and Cognitive Neurosciences), University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Pim van Dijk
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands,Graduate School of Medical Sciences (Research School of Behavioral and Cognitive Neurosciences), University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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Automatic identification of tinnitus malingering based on overt and covert behavioral responses during psychoacoustic testing. NPJ Digit Med 2022; 5:127. [PMID: 36038708 PMCID: PMC9424223 DOI: 10.1038/s41746-022-00675-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is a prevalent condition that imposes a substantial health and financial burden on the patient and to society. The diagnosis of tinnitus, like pain, relies on patient self-report, which can complicate the distinction between actual and fraudulent claims. Here, we combined tablet-based self-directed hearing assessments with neural network classifiers to automatically differentiate participants with tinnitus (N = 24) from a malingering cohort, who were instructed to feign an imagined tinnitus percept (N = 28). We identified clear differences between the groups, both in their overt reporting of tinnitus features, but also covert differences in their fingertip movement trajectories on the tablet surface as they performed the reporting assay. Using only 10 min of data, we achieved 81% accuracy classifying patients and malingerers (ROC AUC = 0.88) with leave-one-out cross validation. Quantitative, automated measurements of tinnitus salience could improve clinical outcome assays and more accurately determine tinnitus incidence.
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Ledesma ALL, Leite Rodrigues D, Monteiro de Castro Silva I, Oliveira CA, Bahmad F. The effect of caffeine on tinnitus: Randomized triple-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256275. [PMID: 34543285 PMCID: PMC8452027 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To test the hypothesis that caffeine can influence tinnitus, we recruited 80 patients with chronic tinnitus and randomly allocated them into two groups (caffeine and placebo) to analyze the self-perception of tinnitus symptoms after caffeine consumption, assuming that this is an adequate sample for generalization. Methods The participants were randomized into two groups: one group was administered a 300-mg capsule of caffeine, and the other group was given a placebo capsule (cornstarch). A diet that restricted caffeine consumption for 24 hours was implemented. The participants answered questionnaires (the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory—THI, the Visual Analog Scale—VAS, the profile of mood state—POMS) and underwent examinations (tonal and high frequency audiometry, acufenometry (frequency measure; intensity measure and the minimum level of tinnitus masking), transient otoacoustic emissions—TEOAE and distortion product otoacoustic emissions—DPOAE assessments) at two timepoints: at baseline and after capsule ingestion. Results There was a significant change in mood (measured by the POMS) after caffeine consumption. The THI and VAS scores were improved at the second timepoint in both groups. The audiometry assessment showed a significant difference in some frequencies between baseline and follow-up measurements in both groups, but these differences were not clinically relevant. Similar findings were observed for the amplitude and signal-to-noise ratio in the TEOAE and DPOAE measurements. Conclusions Caffeine (300 mg) did not significantly alter the psychoacoustic measures, electroacoustic measures or the tinnitus-related degree of discomfort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alleluia Lima Losno Ledesma
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | | | | | - Carlos Augusto Oliveira
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Fayez Bahmad
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
- Institute of Otorhinolaryngology, Brasília, DF, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Simoes JP, Daoud E, Shabbir M, Amanat S, Assouly K, Biswas R, Casolani C, Dode A, Enzler F, Jacquemin L, Joergensen M, Kok T, Liyanage N, Lourenco M, Makani P, Mehdi M, Ramadhani AL, Riha C, Santacruz JL, Schiller A, Schoisswohl S, Trpchevska N, Genitsaridi E. Multidisciplinary Tinnitus Research: Challenges and Future Directions From the Perspective of Early Stage Researchers. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:647285. [PMID: 34177549 PMCID: PMC8225955 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.647285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tinnitus can be a burdensome condition on both individual and societal levels. Many aspects of this condition remain elusive, including its underlying mechanisms, ultimately hindering the development of a cure. Interdisciplinary approaches are required to overcome long-established research challenges. This review summarizes current knowledge in various tinnitus-relevant research fields including tinnitus generating mechanisms, heterogeneity, epidemiology, assessment, and treatment development, in an effort to highlight the main challenges and provide suggestions for future research to overcome them. Four common themes across different areas were identified as future research direction: (1) Further establishment of multicenter and multidisciplinary collaborations; (2) Systematic reviews and syntheses of existing knowledge; (3) Standardization of research methods including tinnitus assessment, data acquisition, and data analysis protocols; (4) The design of studies with large sample sizes and the creation of large tinnitus-specific databases that would allow in-depth exploration of tinnitus heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Piano Simoes
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Elza Daoud
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Maryam Shabbir
- Hearing Sciences, Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Sana Amanat
- Otology & Neurotology Group CTS 495, Department of Genomic Medicine, GENYO - Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research Pfizer/University of Granada/Junta de Andalucía, PTS, Granada, Spain
| | - Kelly Assouly
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Cochlear Technology Centre, Mechelen, Belgium
| | - Roshni Biswas
- Hearing Sciences, Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Laboratory of Lifestyle Epidemiology, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Casolani
- Hearing Systems, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
- Oticon A/S, Smoerum, Denmark
- Interacoustics Research Unit, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Albi Dode
- Institute of Databases and Information Systems, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Falco Enzler
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Laure Jacquemin
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
- Department of Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Antwerp University, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Mie Joergensen
- Hearing Systems, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
- WS Audiology, Lynge, Denmark
| | - Tori Kok
- Ear Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nuwan Liyanage
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matheus Lourenco
- Experimental Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Health Psychology Research Group, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Punitkumar Makani
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Graduate School of Medical Sciences (Research School of Behavioral and Cognitive Neurosciences), University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Muntazir Mehdi
- Institute of Distributed Systems, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Anissa L. Ramadhani
- Radiological Sciences, Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Constanze Riha
- Chair of Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jose Lopez Santacruz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Graduate School of Medical Sciences (Research School of Behavioral and Cognitive Neurosciences), University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Axel Schiller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Schoisswohl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Natalia Trpchevska
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Experimental Audiology Laboratory, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eleni Genitsaridi
- Hearing Sciences, Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, National Institute for Health Research, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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7
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Tai Y, Husain FT. Association Between Tinnitus Pitch and Consonant Recognition in Noise. Am J Audiol 2020; 29:916-929. [PMID: 33237797 DOI: 10.1044/2020_aja-20-00050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Difficulties in speech-in-noise understanding are often reported in individuals with tinnitus. Building on our previous findings that speech-in-noise performance is correlated with subjective loudness of tinnitus, this study aimed to investigate the effect of tinnitus pitch on consonant recognition in noise. Method Pure-tone audiometry and the Quick Speech-in-Noise Test were conducted on 66 participants categorized into four groups by their hearing sensitivity and self-report of tinnitus. Consonant recognition scores at various frequency ranges were obtained at the 5 dB SNR condition of the Quick Speech-in-Noise Test. Participants with tinnitus also completed a tinnitus pitch-matching procedure. Correlation analyses were conducted between tinnitus pitch and the frequency of the worst consonant recognition, and the error rates based on word and sentence position were compared. Results Regardless of hearing sensitivity, tinnitus pitch did not correlate with the frequency of the worst consonant recognition. Sentence-initial word recognition was affected by hearing loss, whereas sentence-final word recognition was not affected by hearing loss or tinnitus. In contrast to individuals with normal hearing, participants with hearing loss varied in full-sentence recognition, with those reporting tinnitus exhibiting significantly higher error rates. Conclusions The findings suggest that the effect of tinnitus on consonant recognition in noise may involve higher level functions more than perceptual characteristics of tinnitus. Furthermore, for individuals with speech-in-noise concerns, clinical evaluation should address both hearing sensitivity and the presence of tinnitus. Future speech-in-noise studies should incorporate cognitive tests and, possibly, brain imaging to parse out the contribution of cognitive factors, such as cognitive control, in speech-in-noise in tinnitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihsin Tai
- Department of Speech & Hearing Science, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign
| | - Fatima T. Husain
- Department of Speech & Hearing Science, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign
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Neff P, Langguth B, Schecklmann M, Hannemann R, Schlee W. Comparing Three Established Methods for Tinnitus Pitch Matching With Respect to Reliability, Matching Duration, and Subjective Satisfaction. Trends Hear 2020; 23:2331216519887247. [PMID: 31805822 PMCID: PMC6900670 DOI: 10.1177/2331216519887247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The pitch of tinnitus sound is a key characteristic that is of importance
to research and sound therapies relying on exact tinnitus pitch
matches. The identification of this tinnitus pitch is a challenging
task as there is no objective measurement available. During the
tinnitus pitch-matching procedure, the participant identifies an
external sound that is most similar to the subjective perception of
the tinnitus. Several methods have been developed to perform this
pitch-matching procedure with tinnitus sufferers. In this study, we
aimed to compare the method of adjustment, the two-alternative
forced-choice (2AFC) method, and the likeness rating (LR) with respect
to reliability, matching duration, and subjective satisfaction.
Fifty-nine participants with chronic tinnitus were recruited and
performed five consecutive runs of tinnitus matching. The participants
were randomized to the three different pitch-matching methods. The
intraclass correlation coefficients were .67 for method of adjustment,
.63 for 2AFC, and .69 for LR, which can be interpreted as good
reliability for all the three methods. However, the 2AFC method
revealed significant larger within-subject variability than the other
measures. Across the five runs and the three different methods, all
participants learned to perform the pitch matching faster and with
better self-rated accuracy. Comparing the three pitch-matching
methods, LR is more time consuming and the participants were less
satisfied with the 2AFC method. Overall, the three pitch-matching
methods show good reliability. However, we identified differential
aspects for improvement in all methods, which are discussed in this
article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Neff
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Germany.,University Research Priority Program "Dynamics of Healthy Aging" University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Berthold Langguth
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Germany
| | - Martin Schecklmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Winfried Schlee
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Germany
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Low inter-rater consistency in semantic profiles of tinnitus-like sounds rated by tinnitus patients. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2020; 262:93-113. [PMID: 33931196 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2020.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Characterizations of the tinnitus sound percept are always based on a subjective description by the person affected. Since the experimenter cannot have access to the tinnitus percept, it is not possible to verify whether individuals use the adjectives describing the sound in the expected way, i.e., whether a label given to the tinnitus percept corresponds to the label that the experimenter or another individual would give to the same sound percept. However, if it is assumed that tinnitus patients can reliably describe their own tinnitus, then they should also be able to reliably describe tinnitus-like sounds, presented acoustically. In this study, 26 tinnitus patients used a tablet computer to rate 18 pre-defined adjectives on their level of descriptiveness for their own tinnitus percept as well as 17 tinnitus-like sounds presented via headphones. The main interest of the current study was to calculate intraclass correlation (ICC) and Krippendorff's alpha coefficients for the rating profiles of the acoustically-presented sounds, in order to quantify how well the individuals agreed on the ratings of known sounds, i.e., whether the adjectives would receive similar ratings from all participants for a specific tinnitus-like sound. The results show that the level of agreement was low for all adjectives and sounds, meaning that the different individuals did not use the adjectives in a consistent manner. The conclusion is that subjective tinnitus descriptions should be interpreted with great caution, and that the inherent variability involved in the characterization of sounds by naïve listeners can contribute to the observed heterogeneity in tinnitus symptoms and treatment outcomes.
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Korth D, Wollbrink A, Lukas C, Ivansic D, Guntinas-Lichius O, Salvari V, Paraskevopoulos E, Pantev C, Dobel C. Comparing pure tone and narrow band noise to measure tonal tinnitus pitch-match frequency. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2020; 262:115-137. [PMID: 33931175 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2020.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Tinnitus assessment is a precursor for individualized treatment and outcome measurement. In the recent years, several studies proposed two-alternative forced choice (2AFC) recursive matching as a method to determine tinnitus pitch-match frequency in a standardized reliable manner. Currently, pure tones are used as comparison stimuli to assess pitch-match frequency. In this study, we investigated the psychometric quality of the method comparing different sound types. We measured 20 chronic tinnitus patients in 2 runs on 3 days. To assess pitch-match frequency, we used 2AFC recursive matching and compared results between pure tones and narrow band noise (NBN). Test-retest reliability between runs and across sound types was high (α>0.9) and increased across days. Perceived matching difficulty and time to completion decreased over repetitions. Importantly, the difference of matched frequencies (DMF) between runs was significantly less for NBN. When patients matched the spectral bandwidth of a test tone to their tinnitus, consistency was high (α=0.86) and no patient indicated continuously a pure tone. In conclusion, we recommend using NBN sounds in 2AFC recursive matching to assess pitch-match frequency as a standardized reliable method. Such a procedure could be offered as smartphone-based application to monitor tinnitus symptomatology for individualized assessment and treatment outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Korth
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller-University of Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Andreas Wollbrink
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Cosima Lukas
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller-University of Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Daniela Ivansic
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller-University of Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Orlando Guntinas-Lichius
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller-University of Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Vasiliki Salvari
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Evangelos Paraskevopoulos
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christo Pantev
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Christian Dobel
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller-University of Jena, Jena, Germany.
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Korth D, Wollbrink A, Wunderlich R, Ivansic D, Guntinas-Lichius O, Salvari V, Pantev C, Dobel C. One Step Closer towards a Reliable Tinnitus Pitch-Match Frequency Determination Using Repetitive Recursive Matching. Audiol Neurootol 2020; 25:190-199. [DOI: 10.1159/000505308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The determination of the tinnitus pitch-match (PM) frequency is not straightforward but an important audiological assessment recommended for clinical and research purposes. We evaluated repetitive recursive matching using an iPod-based matching procedure as a method to estimate a patient’s PM frequency without audiometric equipment. Methods: One hundred and seventeen patients with chronic tonal tinnitus (uni- and bilateral tinnitus) measured their tinnitus in 10 sessions using a self-administered automated iPod-based procedure comprising a recursive 2 interval forced-choice test. Results: Mean SD of the PM frequency of all participants across sessions was 0.41 octaves. The internal consistency measured by Cronbach’s α was very high (0.8–>0.95). As an example, 7 PMs obtained excellent internal consistency (α = 0.93). The exclusion of the first and/or second session led to more definite PMs with a decreased SD. Outliers were identified by PMs departing 2 SDs (i.e., 0.94 octaves) from the mean variability (n = 5). Conclusion: Repetitive recursive matching together with recommendations for the exclusion of initial and redundant sessions as well as outlier identification and treatment can enable a reliable estimation of the PM frequency.
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12
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Vajsakovic D, Maslin M, Searchfield GD. Principles and Methods for Psychoacoustic Evaluation of Tinnitus. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2020; 51:419-459. [PMID: 33550568 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2020_211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Tinnitus, the perception of sound in the absence of a physical sound in the environment, is highly heterogeneous. It varies in its etiology, characteristics, and impact on an individual's life. The sound is commonly described as "ringing," "buzzing," "crickets," "hissing," "humming." Tinnitus can be acute or chronic, mild or disabling. It can be perceived unilaterally or, more commonly, bilaterally. The sound and its location differ from person to person and fluctuate in the same individual over a certain period of time. This heterogeneity in characterization has important implications for research and clinical practice. Identifying patterns in how tinnitus sounds and its relationship to hearing may aid in identifying different forms of tinnitus and revealing their underlying mechanisms. However, the subjective nature of characterizing tinnitus makes it difficult to reliably define and measure. This chapter will focus on reviewing the psychoacoustic assessment of tinnitus, its relationship to cognitive and behavioral aspects of tinnitus, and its neuropathophysiology. In particular, it will describe the heterogeneity of tinnitus and tinnitus matching, and how individual variability in measures may be used to guide treatment and as a prognostic factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dunja Vajsakovic
- Section of Audiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Eisdell Moore Centre, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Centre for Brain Research, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Brain Research New Zealand, A Centre of Research Excellence, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Michael Maslin
- Eisdell Moore Centre, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing, The University of Canterbury, Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - Grant D Searchfield
- Section of Audiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. .,Eisdell Moore Centre, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. .,Centre for Brain Research, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. .,Brain Research New Zealand, A Centre of Research Excellence, Auckland, New Zealand.
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Abstract
Lifeworld-led care provides a route through which research and practice can navigate the 'biopsychosocial' allowing us to overcome the shortfalls of the medical model and enabling us to prioritise humanity in the care of people living with tinnitus. In this article, we sought to explore qualitative descriptions of life with tinnitus. We aimed to address the question 'what it is like to live with tinnitus?' In doing so we examined qualitative studies and provide suggestions about key themes that seem consistent. This is a narrative, thematic overview of the way lifeworld has been conceptualised and explored in tinnitus research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Pryce
- Audiology Department, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Rachel Shaw
- Psychology Department, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
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14
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Xiong B, Liu Z, Liu Q, Peng Y, Wu H, Lin Y, Zhao X, Sun W. Missed hearing loss in tinnitus patients with normal audiograms. Hear Res 2019; 384:107826. [DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2019.107826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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15
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The Fear of Tinnitus Questionnaire: Toward a Reliable and Valid Means of Assessing Fear in Adults with Tinnitus. Ear Hear 2019; 40:1467-1477. [DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000000728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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16
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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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17
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Deklerck AN, Degeest S, Dhooge IJM, Keppler H. Test-Retest Reproducibility of Response Duration in Tinnitus Patients With Positive Residual Inhibition. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2019; 62:3531-3544. [PMID: 31433704 DOI: 10.1044/2019_jslhr-h-18-0514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Functional imaging is often used to try to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanism of tinnitus. Residual inhibition, the temporary suppression of tinnitus after application of a masking noise, could be an interesting technique to modulate tinnitus perception in functional imaging paradigms. The purposes of this study were to primarily assess reproducibility of the (partial) positive residual inhibition response duration in patients with tinnitus and to explore its utility in experimental designs. Method Patients with tinnitus exhibiting a (partial) positive residual inhibition response or tinnitus reduction after a 1-min white noise presentation were selected from a broad consulting tinnitus population. In 27 patients, this response was tested 4 times: twice during initial testing and twice during a retest of the psychoacoustic tinnitus measures, 4-8 weeks after initial consultation. In 17 patients with stable residual inhibition responses, reproducibility of response duration, the duration of tinnitus reduction up to pretesting state, was analyzed. Results Initial testing showed a residual inhibition duration of 29.5 s on average. Test-retest reproducibility of response duration was shown to be reliable with an ICC(3, 4) of .871 (95% CI [0.733, 0.948]) and a standard error of measurement of 6.64 s. Conclusions This study indicates the good test-retest reproducibility of residual inhibition duration in our subset of 17 patients with stable (partial) positive residual inhibition. Residual inhibition is, therefore, a technique that can potentially be used for temporary tinnitus manipulation in experimental paradigms to unravel tinnitus pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann N Deklerck
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Head and Skin, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Sofie Degeest
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Ingeborg J M Dhooge
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Head and Skin, Ghent University, Belgium
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium
| | - Hannah Keppler
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium
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18
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Pienkowski M. Rationale and Efficacy of Sound Therapies for Tinnitus and Hyperacusis. Neuroscience 2019; 407:120-134. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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19
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20
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Aazh H, Moore BCJ. Tinnitus loudness and the severity of insomnia: a mediation analysis. Int J Audiol 2019; 58:208-212. [DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2018.1537524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hashir Aazh
- Audiology Department, Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, UK
| | - Brian C. J. Moore
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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21
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Abstract
Tinnitus is the sensation of hearing a sound with no external auditory stimulus present. It is a public health issue correlated with multiple comorbidities and precipitating factors such as noise exposure, military service, and traumatic brain injury, migraine, insomnia, small vessel disease, smoking history, stress exposure, anxiety, depression, and socioeconomic status. Clinical experience and a recent literature review point at tinnitus as a neuropsychiatric condition involving both auditory and nonauditory cortical areas of the brain and affecting brain-auditory circuitry. In fact, brain-ear connections have been highlighted in different models. Forward management of this disorder should take this body of research into consideration as tinnitus remains a challenging condition to evaluate and treat with current management protocols still symptomatic at best. With a better understanding of the etiologic factors and comorbidities of tinnitus, additional research trials and new therapeutic approaches could see the light to tackle this public health disability bringing hope to patients and doctors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeina Chemali
- Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - R Nehmé
- Cambridge Health Alliance, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Gregory Fricchione
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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22
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Paul BT, Schoenwiesner M, Hébert S. Towards an objective test of chronic tinnitus: Properties of auditory cortical potentials evoked by silent gaps in tinnitus-like sounds. Hear Res 2018; 366:90-98. [DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2018.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To search for distinctive clinical features of patients with double tinnitus in a single ear. Design retrospective: Study sample: Six hundred and fourteen tinnitus patients were interviewed using a detailed questionnaire. They underwent thorough audiological evaluation. Records of seven patients reporting double tinnitus in 10 ears were identified and analysed. There were three women and four men in the group (mean age 40, range 29-49 years). RESULTS All but two individuals declared sudden onset of the complaints. Three patients had been diagnosed with sudden sensorineural hearing loss. In all the patients, the components of double tinnitus were compared both to a pure tone and to a narrow band noise. The sounds were considered by the patients to be primary (more prominent) or secondary. All but one patient declared hypersensitivity to loud sounds. Vertigo was present in only two of the double tinnitus sufferers. Abnormal DPOAEs frequency values and audiogram notch frequencies were closer to the primary than the secondary tinnitus matches. CONCLUSIONS In our study, double tinnitus was rare, mostly perceived by patients with a sudden onset of tinnitus. This is the first report presenting audiological findings in patients with double tinnitus in a single ear. Prospective search of cohorts of tinnitus sufferers for such patients and functional neuroimaging of their auditory pathways for determining underlying mechanisms of the complaints is advocated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olaf Zagólski
- a ENT Department , St. John Grande's Hospital , Kraków , Poland and
| | - Paweł Stręk
- b Department of Otolaryngology , Jagiellonian University , Kraków , Poland
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24
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Searchfield GD, Durai M, Linford T. A State-of-the-Art Review: Personalization of Tinnitus Sound Therapy. Front Psychol 2017; 8:1599. [PMID: 28970812 PMCID: PMC5609106 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: There are several established, and an increasing number of putative, therapies using sound to treat tinnitus. There appear to be few guidelines for sound therapy selection and application. Aim: To review current approaches to personalizing sound therapy for tinnitus. Methods: A "state-of-the-art" review (Grant and Booth, 2009) was undertaken to answer the question: how do current sound-based therapies for tinnitus adjust for tinnitus heterogeneity? Scopus, Google Scholar, Embase and PubMed were searched for the 10-year period 2006-2016. The search strategy used the following key words: "tinnitus" AND "sound" AND "therapy" AND "guidelines" OR "personalized" OR "customized" OR "individual" OR "questionnaire" OR "selection." The results of the review were cataloged and organized into themes. Results: In total 165 articles were reviewed in full, 83 contained sufficient details to contribute to answering the study question. The key themes identified were hearing compensation, pitched-match therapy, maskability, reaction to sound and psychosocial factors. Although many therapies mentioned customization, few could be classified as being personalized. Several psychoacoustic and questionnaire-based methods for assisting treatment selection were identified. Conclusions: Assessment methods are available to assist clinicians to personalize sound-therapy and empower patients to be active in therapy decision-making. Most current therapies are modified using only one characteristic of the individual and/or their tinnitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant D. Searchfield
- Section of Audiology, Eisdell Moore Centre, The University of AucklandAuckland, New Zealand
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25
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Tyler R, Cacace A, Stocking C, Tarver B, Engineer N, Martin J, Deshpande A, Stecker N, Pereira M, Kilgard M, Burress C, Pierce D, Rennaker R, Vanneste S. Vagus Nerve Stimulation Paired with Tones for the Treatment of Tinnitus: A Prospective Randomized Double-blind Controlled Pilot Study in Humans. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11960. [PMID: 28931943 PMCID: PMC5607328 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12178-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the pilot study was to evaluate the effect of Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) paired with sounds in chronic tinnitus patients. All participants were implanted and randomized to a paired VNS (n = 16) or control (n = 14) group. After 6 weeks of home therapy, all participants received paired VNS. The device was used on 96% of days with good compliance. After 6 weeks, the paired VNS group improved on the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) (p = 0.0012) compared to controls (p = 0.1561). The between-group difference was 10.3% (p = 0.3393). Fifty percent of the participants in the paired VNS group showed clinically meaningful improvements compared to 28% in controls. At one year, 50% of participants had a clinically meaningful response. The therapy had greater benefits for participants with tonal and non-blast induced tinnitus at the end of 6 (24.3% vs. 2%, p = 0.05) and 12 weeks (34% vs. 2%, p = 0.004) compared to controls with 80% and 70% responding at 6 months and 1 year, respectively. Adverse effects were mild and well-tolerated and the therapy had a similar safety profile to VNS for epilepsy. VNS paired with tones may be effective for a subgroup of tinnitus patients and provides impetus for a larger pivotal study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Tyler
- University of Iowa Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Communication Sciences and Disorders, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| | - Anthony Cacace
- Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Christina Stocking
- Department of Communicative Disorders and Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Brent Tarver
- MicroTransponder, Inc., 2802 Flintrock Trace, Suite 226, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Navzer Engineer
- MicroTransponder, Inc., 2802 Flintrock Trace, Suite 226, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey Martin
- Callier Center for Communication Disorders, School for Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Aniruddha Deshpande
- Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Nancy Stecker
- Department of Communicative Disorders and Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Melissa Pereira
- Department of Communicative Disorders and Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Michael Kilgard
- Texas Biomedical Device Center, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Chester Burress
- MicroTransponder, Inc., 2802 Flintrock Trace, Suite 226, Austin, TX, USA
| | - David Pierce
- MicroTransponder, Inc., 2802 Flintrock Trace, Suite 226, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Robert Rennaker
- Texas Biomedical Device Center, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Sven Vanneste
- Lab for Clinical and Integrative Neuroscience, School for Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
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26
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Hall DA, Mehta RL, Fackrell K. How to Choose Between Measures of Tinnitus Loudness for Clinical Research? A Report on the Reliability and Validity of an Investigator-Administered Test and a Patient-Reported Measure Using Baseline Data Collected in a Phase IIa Drug Trial. Am J Audiol 2017; 26:338-346. [PMID: 28841725 DOI: 10.1044/2017_aja-16-0129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Loudness is a major auditory dimension of tinnitus and is used to diagnose severity, counsel patients, or as a measure of clinical efficacy in audiological research. There is no standard test for tinnitus loudness, but matching and rating methods are popular. This article provides important new knowledge about the reliability and validity of an audiologist-administered tinnitus loudness matching test and a patient-reported tinnitus loudness rating. METHOD Retrospective analysis of loudness data for 91 participants with stable subjective tinnitus enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of a novel drug for tinnitus. There were two baseline assessments (screening, Day 1) and a posttreatment assessment (Day 28). RESULTS About 66%-70% of the variability from screening to Day 1 was attributable to the true score. But measurement error, indicated by the smallest detectable change, was high for both tinnitus loudness matching (20 dB) and tinnitus loudness rating (3.5 units). Only loudness rating captured a sensation that was meaningful to people who lived with the experience of tinnitus. CONCLUSIONS The tinnitus loudness rating performed better against acceptability criteria for reliability and validity than did the tinnitus loudness matching test administered by an audiologist. But the rating question is still limited because it is a single-item instrument and is probably able to detect only large changes (at least 3.5 points).
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah A. Hall
- National Institute for Health Research Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, England
- Otology and Hearing Group, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, England
| | - Rajnikant L. Mehta
- National Institute for Health Research Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, England
- Otology and Hearing Group, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, England
| | - Kathryn Fackrell
- National Institute for Health Research Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, England
- Otology and Hearing Group, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, England
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27
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Probst T, Pryss RC, Langguth B, Rauschecker JP, Schobel J, Reichert M, Spiliopoulou M, Schlee W, Zimmermann J. Does Tinnitus Depend on Time-of-Day? An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study with the "TrackYourTinnitus" Application. Front Aging Neurosci 2017; 9:253. [PMID: 28824415 PMCID: PMC5539131 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2017.00253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Only few previous studies used ecological momentary assessments to explore the time-of-day-dependence of tinnitus. The present study used data from the mobile application “TrackYourTinnitus” to explore whether tinnitus loudness and tinnitus distress fluctuate within a 24-h interval. Multilevel models were performed to account for the nested structure of assessments (level 1: 17,209 daily life assessments) nested within days (level 2: 3,570 days with at least three completed assessments), and days nested within participants (level 3: 350 participants). Results revealed a time-of-day-dependence of tinnitus. In particular, tinnitus was perceived as louder and more distressing during the night and early morning hours (from 12 a.m. to 8 a.m.) than during the upcoming day. Since previous studies suggested that stress (and stress-associated hormones) show a circadian rhythm and this might influence the time-of-day-dependence of tinnitus, we evaluated whether the described results change when statistically controlling for subjectively reported stress-levels. Correcting for subjective stress-levels, however, did not change the result that tinnitus (loudness and distress) was most severe at night and early morning. These results show that time-of-day contributes to the level of both tinnitus loudness and tinnitus distress. Possible implications of our results for the clinical management of tinnitus are that tailoring the timing of therapeutic interventions to the circadian rhythm of individual patients (chronotherapy) might be promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Probst
- Georg-Elias-Müller-Institute for Psychology, Georg-August-University GöttingenGöttingen, Germany.,Department for Psychotherapy and Biopsychosocial Health, Danube University KremsKrems an der Donau, Austria
| | - Rüdiger C Pryss
- Department for Psychotherapy and Biopsychosocial Health, Danube University KremsKrems an der Donau, Austria
| | - Berthold Langguth
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy of the University of Regensburg at Bezirksklinikum RegensburgRegensburg, Germany
| | - Josef P Rauschecker
- Program in Cognitive and Computational Systems, Georgetown University WashingtonWashington, DC, United States.,Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University MunichMunich, Germany
| | - Johannes Schobel
- Department for Psychotherapy and Biopsychosocial Health, Danube University KremsKrems an der Donau, Austria
| | - Manfred Reichert
- Department for Psychotherapy and Biopsychosocial Health, Danube University KremsKrems an der Donau, Austria
| | - Myra Spiliopoulou
- Department of Technical and Business Information Systems, Otto-von-Guericke-University MagdeburgMagdeburg, Germany
| | - Winfried Schlee
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy of the University of Regensburg at Bezirksklinikum RegensburgRegensburg, Germany
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28
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Manning C, Mermagen T, Scharine A. The effect of sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus on speech recognition over air and bone conduction military communications headsets. Hear Res 2017; 349:67-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2016.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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29
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Ku Y, Ahn JW, Kwon C, Kim DY, Suh MW, Park MK, Lee JH, Oh SH, Kim HC. The gap-prepulse inhibition deficit of the cortical N1-P2 complex in patients with tinnitus: The effect of gap duration. Hear Res 2017; 348:120-128. [DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2017.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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30
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Eggermont JJ. Can Animal Models Contribute to Understanding Tinnitus Heterogeneity in Humans? Front Aging Neurosci 2016; 8:265. [PMID: 27895575 PMCID: PMC5107573 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2016.00265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The brain activity of humans with tinnitus of various etiologies is typically studied with electro- and magneto-encephalography and functional magnetic resonance imaging-based imaging techniques. Consequently, they measure population responses and mostly from the neocortex. The latter also underlies changes in neural networks that may be attributed to tinnitus. However, factors not strictly related to tinnitus such as hearing loss and hyperacusis, as well as other co-occurring disorders play a prominent role in these changes. Different types of tinnitus can often not be resolved with these brain-imaging techniques. In animal models of putative behavioral signs of tinnitus, neural activity ranging from auditory nerve to auditory cortex, is studied largely by single unit recordings, augmented by local field potentials (LFPs), and the neural correlates of tinnitus are mainly based on spontaneous neural activity, such as spontaneous firing rates and pair-wise spontaneous spike-firing correlations. Neural correlates of hyperacusis rely on measurement of stimulus-evoked activity and are measured as increased driven firing rates and LFP amplitudes. Connectivity studies would rely on correlated neural activity between pairs of neurons or LFP amplitudes, but are only recently explored. In animal models of tinnitus, only two etiologies are extensively studied; tinnitus evoked by salicylate application and by noise exposure. It appears that they have quite different neural biomarkers. The unanswered question then is: does this different etiology also result in different tinnitus?
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Affiliation(s)
- Jos J Eggermont
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, CalgaryAB, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, CalgaryAB, Canada
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31
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Probst T, Pryss R, Langguth B, Schlee W. Emotion dynamics and tinnitus: Daily life data from the "TrackYourTinnitus" application. Sci Rep 2016; 6:31166. [PMID: 27488227 PMCID: PMC4973236 DOI: 10.1038/srep31166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well established that emotions influence tinnitus, but the role of emotion dynamics remains unclear. The present study investigated emotion dynamics in N = 306 users of the “TrackYourTinnitus” application who completed the Mini-Tinnitus Questionnaire (Mini-TQ) at one assessment point and provided complete data on at least five assessment points for the following state variables: tinnitus loudness, tinnitus distress, arousal, valence. The repeated arousal and valence ratings were used for two operationalizations of emotion dynamics: intra-individual variability of affect intensity (pulse) as well as intra-individual variability of affect quality (spin). Pearson correlation coefficients showed that the Mini-TQ was positively correlated with pulse (r = 0.19; p < 0.05) as well as with spin (r = 0.12; p < 0.05). Multilevel models revealed the following results: increases in tinnitus loudness were more strongly associated with increases in tinnitus distress at higher levels of pulse as well as at higher levels of spin (both p < 0.05), whereby increases in tinnitus loudness correlated even stronger with increases in tinnitus distress when both pulse as well as spin were high (p < 0.05). Moreover, increases in spin were associated with a less favorable time course of tinnitus loudness (p < 0.05). To conclude, equilibrating emotion dynamics might be a potential target in the prevention and treatment of tinnitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Probst
- Department of Psychology, Regensburg University, Germany.,Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, Witten/Herdecke University, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Pryss
- Institute of Databases and Information System, Ulm University, Germany
| | - Berthold Langguth
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Regensburg University, Germany
| | - Winfried Schlee
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Regensburg University, Germany
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Combination of gaps in noise detection and visual analog scale for measuring tinnitus components in patients treated with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. Auris Nasus Larynx 2016; 43:254-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anl.2015.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Revised: 08/26/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Tegg-Quinn S, Bennett RJ, Eikelboom RH, Baguley DM. The impact of tinnitus upon cognition in adults: A systematic review. Int J Audiol 2016; 55:533-40. [DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2016.1185168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Susan Tegg-Quinn
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, Perth, Australia,
- Ear Sciences Centre, School of Surgery, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Perth, Australia,
| | - Rebecca J. Bennett
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, Perth, Australia,
- Ear Sciences Centre, School of Surgery, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Perth, Australia,
| | - Robert H. Eikelboom
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, Perth, Australia,
- Ear Sciences Centre, School of Surgery, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Perth, Australia,
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa,
| | - David M. Baguley
- Department of Audiology and Otolaryngology, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, UK, and
- Department of Audiology, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
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Ibraheem OA, Hassaan MR. Psychoacoustic Characteristics of Tinnitus versus Temporal Resolution in Subjects with Normal Hearing Sensitivity. Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2016; 21:144-150. [PMID: 28382121 PMCID: PMC5375708 DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1583526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 03/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cochlear or neural mechanisms of tinnitus generation may affect auditory temporal resolution in tinnitus patients even with normal audiometry. Thus, studying the correlation between tinnitus characteristics and auditory temporal resolution in subjects with tinnitus may help in proper modification of tinnitus management strategy. Objective This study aims to examine the relationship between the psychoacoustic measures of tinnitus and the auditory temporal resolution in subjects with normal audiometry. Methods Two normal hearing groups with ages ranging from 20 to 45 years were involved: control group of 15 adults (30 ears) without tinnitus and study group of 15 adults (24 ears) with tinnitus. Subjective scaling of annoyance and sleep disturbance caused by tinnitus, basic audiological evaluation, tinnitus psychoacoustic measures and Gaps in Noise test were performed. Data from both groups were compared using independent sample t-test. Psychoacoustic measures of tinnitus and Gaps in Noise test parameters of the tinnitus group were correlated with Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results Significantly higher hearing threshold, higher approximate threshold and lower correct Gaps in Noise scores were observed in tinnitus ears. There was no significant correlation between psychoacoustic measures of tinnitus and Gaps in Noise test parameters of the tinnitus group. Conclusion Auditory temporal resolution impairment was found in tinnitus patients, which could be attributed to cochlear impairment or altered neural firing within the auditory pathway. It is recommended to include temporal resolution testing in the tinnitus evaluation battery to provide a proper management planning.
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Probst T, Pryss R, Langguth B, Schlee W. Emotional states as mediators between tinnitus loudness and tinnitus distress in daily life: Results from the "TrackYourTinnitus" application. Sci Rep 2016; 6:20382. [PMID: 26853815 PMCID: PMC4745045 DOI: 10.1038/srep20382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The psychological process how tinnitus loudness leads to tinnitus distress remains unclear. This cross-sectional study investigated the mediating role of the emotional state "stress level" and of the two components of the emotional state "arousal" and "valence" with N = 658 users of the "TrackYourTinnitus" smartphone application. Stress mediated the relationship between tinnitus loudness and tinnitus distress in a simple mediation model and even in a multiple mediation model when arousal and valence were held constant. Arousal mediated the loudness-distress relationship when holding valence constant, but not anymore when controlling for valence as well as for stress. Valence functioned as a mediator when controlling for arousal and even when holding arousal and stress constant. The direct effect of tinnitus loudness on tinnitus distress remained significant in all models. This study demonstrates that emotional states affect the process how tinnitus loudness leads to tinnitus distress. We thereby could show that the mediating influence of emotional valence is at least equally strong as the influence of stress. Implications of the findings for future research, assessment, and clinical management of tinnitus are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Probst
- Department of Psychology, University of Regensburg, Germany.,Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Witten/Herdecke, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Pryss
- Institute of Databases and Information System, Ulm University, Germany
| | - Berthold Langguth
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Germany
| | - Winfried Schlee
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Germany
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Whole scalp resting state EEG of oscillatory brain activity shows no parametric relationship with psychoacoustic and psychosocial assessment of tinnitus: A repeated measures study. Hear Res 2015; 331:101-8. [PMID: 26584760 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2015.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Revised: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Tinnitus is a perception of sound that can occur in the absence of an external stimulus. A brief review of electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) literature demonstrates that there is no clear relationship between tinnitus presence and frequency band power in whole scalp or source oscillatory activity. Yet a preconception persists that such a relationship exists and that resting state EEG could be utilised as an outcome measure for clinical trials of tinnitus interventions, e.g. as a neurophysiological marker of therapeutic benefit. To address this issue, we first examined the test-retest correlation of EEG band power measures in tinnitus patients (n = 42). Second we examined the evidence for a parametric relationship between numerous commonly used tinnitus variables (psychoacoustic and psychosocial) and whole scalp EEG power spectra, directly and after applying factor reduction techniques. Test-retest correlation for both EEG band power measures and tinnitus variables were high. Yet we found no relationship between whole scalp EEG band powers and psychoacoustic or psychosocial variables. We conclude from these data that resting state whole scalp EEG should not be used as a biomarker for tinnitus and that greater caution should be exercised in regard to reporting of findings to avoid confirmation bias. The data was collected during a randomised controlled trial registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT01541969).
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Schecklmann M, Lehner A, Gollmitzer J, Schmidt E, Schlee W, Langguth B. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation induces oscillatory power changes in chronic tinnitus. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:421. [PMID: 26557055 PMCID: PMC4617176 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 10/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic tinnitus is associated with neuroplastic changes in auditory and non-auditory cortical areas. About 10 years ago, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of auditory and prefrontal cortex was introduced as potential treatment for tinnitus. The resulting changes in tinnitus loudness are interpreted in the context of rTMS induced activity changes (neuroplasticity). Here, we investigate the effect of single rTMS sessions on oscillatory power to probe the capacity of rTMS to interfere with tinnitus-specific cortical plasticity. We measured 20 patients with bilateral chronic tinnitus and 20 healthy controls comparable for age, sex, handedness, and hearing level with a 63-channel electroencephalography (EEG) system. Educational level, intelligence, depressivity and hyperacusis were controlled for by analysis of covariance. Different rTMS protocols were tested: Left and right temporal and left and right prefrontal cortices were each stimulated with 200 pulses at 1 Hz and with an intensity of 60% stimulator output. Stimulation of central parietal cortex with 6-fold reduced intensity (inverted passive-cooled coil) served as sham condition. Before and after each rTMS protocol 5 min of resting state EEG were recorded. The order of rTMS protocols was randomized over two sessions with 1 week interval in between. Analyses on electrode level showed that people with and without tinnitus differed in their response to left temporal and right frontal stimulation. In tinnitus patients left temporal rTMS decreased frontal theta and delta and increased beta2 power, whereas right frontal rTMS decreased right temporal beta3 and gamma power. No changes or increases were observed in the control group. Only non-systematic changes in tinnitus loudness were induced by single sessions of rTMS. This is the first study to show tinnitus-related alterations of neuroplasticity that were specific to stimulation site and oscillatory frequency. The observed effects can be interpreted within the thalamocortical dysrhythmia model assuming that slow waves represent processes of deafferentiation and that high frequencies might be indicators for tinnitus loudness. Moreover our findings confirm the role of the left temporal and the right frontal areas as relevant hubs in tinnitus related neuronal network. Our results underscore the value of combined TMS-EEG measurements for investigating disease related changes in neuroplasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Schecklmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Interdisciplinary Tinnitus Clinic, University of Regensburg Regensburg, Germany
| | - Astrid Lehner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Interdisciplinary Tinnitus Clinic, University of Regensburg Regensburg, Germany
| | - Judith Gollmitzer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Interdisciplinary Tinnitus Clinic, University of Regensburg Regensburg, Germany
| | - Eldrid Schmidt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Interdisciplinary Tinnitus Clinic, University of Regensburg Regensburg, Germany
| | - Winfried Schlee
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Interdisciplinary Tinnitus Clinic, University of Regensburg Regensburg, Germany
| | - Berthold Langguth
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Interdisciplinary Tinnitus Clinic, University of Regensburg Regensburg, Germany
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Hyperacusis Questionnaire as a Tool for Measuring Hypersensitivity to Sound in a Tinnitus Research Population. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:290425. [PMID: 26557658 PMCID: PMC4628763 DOI: 10.1155/2015/290425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Revised: 06/17/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Hypersensitivity to external sounds is often comorbid with tinnitus and may be significant for adherence to certain types of tinnitus management. Therefore, a clear measure of sensitivity to sound is important. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Hyperacusis Questionnaire (HQ) for use as a measurement tool using data from a sample of 264 adults who took part in tinnitus research. We evaluated the HQ factor structure, internal consistency, convergent and discriminant validity, and floor and ceiling effects. Internal consistency was high (Cronbach's alpha = 0.88) and moderate correlations were observed between the HQ, uncomfortable loudness levels, and other health questionnaires. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the original HQ three-factor solution and a one-factor solution were both a poor fit to the data. Four problematic items were removed and exploratory factor analysis identified a two-factor (attentional and social) solution. The original three-factor structure of the HQ was not confirmed. All fourteen items do not accurately assess hypersensitivity to sound in a tinnitus population. We propose a 10-item (2-factor) version of the HQ, which will need to be confirmed using a new tinnitus and perhaps nontinnitus population.
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Fackrell K, Hall DA, Barry JG, Hoare DJ. Psychometric properties of the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI): Assessment in a UK research volunteer population. Hear Res 2015; 335:220-235. [PMID: 26415998 PMCID: PMC5708524 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2015.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Revised: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Questionnaires are essential for measuring tinnitus severity and intervention-related change but there is no standard instrument used routinely in research settings. Most tinnitus questionnaires are optimised for measuring severity but not change. However, the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) claims to be optimised for both. It has not however been fully validated for research purposes. Here we evaluate the relevant psychometric properties of the TFI, specifically the questionnaire factor structure, reproducibility, validity and responsiveness guided by quality criteria for the measurement properties of health-related questionnaires. Methods The study involved a retrospective analysis of data collected for 294 members of the general public who participated in a randomised controlled trial of a novel tinnitus device (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01541969). Participants completed up to eight commonly used assessment questionnaires including the TFI, Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaire (THQ), a Visual Analogue Scale of loudness (VAS-Loudness), Percentage Annoyance question, the Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck's Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the World Health Organisation Quality of Life-Bref (WHOQOL-BREF). A series of analyses assessed the study objectives. Forty four participants completed the TFI at a second visit (within 7–21 days and before receiving any intervention) providing data for reproducibility assessments. Results The 8-factor structure was not fully confirmed for this general (non-clinical) population. Whilst it was acceptable standalone subscale, the ‘auditory’ factor showed poor loading with the higher order factor ‘functional impact of tinnitus’. Reproducibility assessments for the overall TFI indicate high internal consistency (α = 0.80) and extremely high reliability (ICC: 0.91), whilst agreement was borderline acceptable (93%). Construct validity was demonstrated by high correlations between scores on the TFI and THI (r = 0.82) and THQ (r = 0.82), moderate correlations with VAS-L (r = 0.46), PR-A (r = 0.58), BDI (r = 0.57), BAI (r = 0.39) and WHOQOL (r = −0.48). Floor effects were observed for more than 50% of the items. A smallest detectable change score of 22.4 is proposed for the TFI global score. Conclusion Even though the proposed 8-factor structure was not fully confirmed for this population, the TFI appears to cover multiple symptom domains, and to measure the construct of tinnitus with an excellent reliability in distinguishing between patients. While the TFI may discriminate those whose tinnitus is not a problem, floor effects in many items means it is less appropriate as a measure of change in this subgroup. Further investigation is needed to determine whether these effects are relevant in other populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Fackrell
- NIHR Nottingham Hearing Biomedical Research Unit, Nottingham, NG1 5DU, UK; Otology and Hearing Group, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Deborah A Hall
- NIHR Nottingham Hearing Biomedical Research Unit, Nottingham, NG1 5DU, UK; Otology and Hearing Group, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Johanna G Barry
- MRC Institute of Hearing Research, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK; Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Derek J Hoare
- NIHR Nottingham Hearing Biomedical Research Unit, Nottingham, NG1 5DU, UK; Otology and Hearing Group, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
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