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Vater J, Gröschel M, Szczepek AJ, Olze H. Electrical Ear Canal Stimulation as a Therapeutic Approach for Tinnitus-A Proof of Concept Study. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2663. [PMID: 38731192 PMCID: PMC11084225 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13092663] [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: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Tinnitus-the perception of sound despite the absence of an external source-can be a debilitating condition for which there are currently no pharmacological remedies. Our proof of concept study focused on the immediate effects of non-invasive electrical stimulation through the ear canal on loudness and tinnitus-induced distress. In addition, we aimed to identify variables that may affect the simulation outcomes. Methods: Sixty-six patients (29 women and 37 men, mean age 54.4 ± 10.4) with chronic tinnitus were recruited to the tertiary referral hospital between December 2019 and December 2021. They underwent 10 min of electrical stimulation through the ear canal for three consecutive days. Visual analog scales measured loudness and tinnitus-induced distress immediately before and after stimulation. Results: After three days of electrical stimulation, tinnitus loudness decreased in 47% of patients, 45.5% reported no change, and 7.6% reported worsening. Tinnitus severity decreased in 36.4% of cases, 59.1% of patients reported no change, and 4.5% reported worsening. Women responded positively to therapy earlier than men. In addition, tinnitus distress decreased in patients with compensated tinnitus but not in those with uncompensated tinnitus. Finally, patients with bilateral tinnitus improved earlier than those with unilateral tinnitus, and the age of the patients did not influence the stimulation results. Conclusions: Our proof of concept study confirms the potential of non-invasive electrical stimulation of the ear as a promising screening approach to identifying patients for more advanced electrostimulation treatment, such as an extracochlear anti-tinnitus implant. These findings have practical implications for tinnitus management, offering hope for improved patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Heidi Olze
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität and Berlin Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (J.V.); (M.G.); (A.J.S.)
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Engdahl B, Aarhus L. Prevalence and predictors of self-reported hearing aid use and benefit in Norway: the HUNT study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:474. [PMID: 38355451 PMCID: PMC10867996 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17852-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knowledge on hearing aid use and benefit is important to ensure appropriate and effective treatment. We aimed to assess prevalence and predictors of hearing aid use and benefit in Norway, as well as possible birth cohort changes. METHODS We analyzed two large cross-sectional, population-based hearing surveys of 63,182 adults in 1996-1998 and 2017-2019 (the HUNT study). We used multivariable regression models to examine independent predictors of hearing aid use and benefit, including demography, hearing-related variables, known risk factors for hearing loss and birth cohort. RESULTS The nationally weighted hearing aid use in the adult population increased from 4.2% in 1997 to 5.8% in 2018. The use among individuals with disabling hearing loss (≥ 35 dB HL) increased from 46.3% to 64.4%. Most users reported some (47%) or great (48%) help from their hearing aids. In addition to the level of hearing loss and birth cohort, factors associated with hearing aid use included lower age, tinnitus, childhood-onset hearing loss, higher education, marriage, having children, being exposed to occupational noise or impulse noise, recurrent ear infections, and head injury. In addition to the level of hearing loss, factors related to hearing aid benefit included younger age, female gender, and higher income. Being bothered by tinnitus reduced the benefit. CONCLUSION Our study shows an increase in self-reported hearing aid usage over time in Norway, with lower adoption rates and perceived benefits observed among the elderly. The results suggest that having a spouse and children positively influences the adoption of hearing aids. These findings emphasize the necessity of customized strategies to address demographic disparities and the need for innovative enhancements in hearing rehabilitation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Engdahl
- Department of Physical Health and Ageing, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Postbox 4404 Nydalen, N-0403, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Lisa Aarhus
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Internal Medicine, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Kam ACS. Efficacy of Amplification for Tinnitus Relief in People With Mild Hearing Loss. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2024; 67:606-617. [PMID: 38271299 DOI: 10.1044/2023_jslhr-23-00031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of amplification with hearing aids for people with chronic subjective tinnitus and mild hearing loss. METHOD In this randomized, controlled, three-arm trial, 38 subjects with a primary complaint of tinnitus were randomly assigned to one of the three treatment groups. Twelve subjects received informational counselling (IC) only, 13 received IC with hearing aid fitting, and 13 subjects received IC with individualized music stimulation for 12 months. The primary efficacy analysis in tinnitus severity was based on the change from baseline to 12 months after the 1st day of the intervention. Secondary outcome measures included tinnitus impact, psychological and mental health effects, subjective ratings, and psychoacoustically measured tinnitus loudness. RESULTS A statistically significant treatment difference among the three groups in the Chinese Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI-CH) total score at the predefined end point in Month 12 was observed (F = 3.34, p = .04, partial η2 = .16). Reductions in the TFI-CH scores in both the hearing aid and the customized music group were more prominent than in the IC-only group. Only the hearing aid group showed a significantly greater treatment effect than the IC-only group. CONCLUSION Results from this study support that a combination of hearing aid use and IC can help improve tinnitus in people with mild hearing loss. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.25015979.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Chi Shan Kam
- Department of Special Education and Counselling, The Education University of Hong Kong
- Integrated Centre for Wellbeing, The Education University of Hong Kong
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Dadgarnia M, Mandegari M, Zand V, Vaziribozorg S, Zare-Zardini H, Mousaviyazdi K, Kheradmandi M. The effect of vitamin B12 on idiopathic tinnitus. Am J Otolaryngol 2024; 45:104028. [PMID: 37647778 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2023.104028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tinnitus is one of the most important challenges in the field of ear, nose and throat diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of vitamin B12 on idiopathic tinnitus. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this double-blind clinical trial study, 140 patients with idiopathic tinnitus were divided into two groups, the group receiving vitamin B12 and the group receiving placebo. The first group received vitamin B12 for a month and the other group received placebo. All patients filled a THI questionnaire before the participation, one month and three months after the participation. VAS evaluation questionnaires were also filled for the patients before the participation, one month and three months after the participation. The effect of vitamin B12 on tinnitus was also assessed according to hearing loss status. The two groups were also compared regarding the side effects. RESULTS There was no significant differences between two groups regarding age (p.value = 0.523), gender (females (p.value = 0.810) and males (p.value = 0.789), and hearing loss status (p value = 0.651). According to VAS score, there was no significant statistical differences in tinnitus severity in each group (B12 group, p.value = 0.851 and placebo group, p.value = 0.386). There was no significant statistical differences in tinnitus severity based on VAS score between two groups before the participation (p.value = 0.560), one month (p.value = 0.485) and three months (p.value = 0.254) after the participation. According to THI criterion, there was no significant statistical differences in tinnitus severity in each group (B12 group, p.value = 0.259 and placebo group, p.value = 0.521). There was no significant statistical differences in tinnitus severity based on THI score between two groups before the participation (p.value = 0.651), one month (p.value = 0.125) and three months (p.value = 0.089) after the participation. None of the patients of the two groups had any noticeable side effects. The mean of VAS and THI also had no statistically significant difference before and after the intervention in term of hearing loss status (p.value>0.05). These results were not significantly different between the two groups in term of hearing loss status (p value>0.05). CONCLUSION The result of this study indicated that vitamin B12 has no distinctive effect on reducing tinnitus severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadhossein Dadgarnia
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Otorhinolaryngology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mandegari
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Otorhinolaryngology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Vahid Zand
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Otorhinolaryngology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Sedighe Vaziribozorg
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Otorhinolaryngology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Hadi Zare-Zardini
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Kimia Mousaviyazdi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mohammadali Kheradmandi
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Otorhinolaryngology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
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Carmody N, Hunter M, Eikelboom RH. Help-seeker satisfaction with diagnosis and treatment of tinnitus. Int J Audiol 2023:1-8. [PMID: 38117006 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2023.2292964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine help-seeker satisfaction with the first communication of a tinnitus diagnosis by a healthcare provider, whether help-seekers undertook treatment and how they rated this treatment. DESIGN A survey design assessed tinnitus characteristics and distress, health status, help-seeking, diagnosis communication, treatment and patient satisfaction. STUDY SAMPLE A self-selected cohort and a population-based cohort. RESULTS Satisfaction scores were examined against demographic, clinical factors, and type of healthcare provider. A total of 281 adults participated (median age 61.6, IQR = 10.8 years), 52.3% sought help for tinnitus and 22.4% received treatment. The most frequently seen healthcare providers were general practitioners (34.0%), audiologists (29.3%) and ear, nose and throat specialists (25.9%). About two-thirds (64.1%) of help-seekers were unsatisfied with the first communication of a tinnitus diagnosis they received, and 56.5% rated their first tinnitus treatment as poor. Help-seekers were significantly more satisfied with audiologists than other providers regarding the communication of the first tinnitus diagnosis. Higher tinnitus distress scores were significantly associated with lower patient satisfaction with communication of first tinnitus diagnosis. No other factors were associated with patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION There are significant communication barriers along the tinnitus clinical pathway. Identifying and addressing these barriers could improve patient satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Carmody
- Centre for Ear Sciences, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, Australia
| | - Michael Hunter
- Busselton Health Study Centre, Busselton Population Medical Research Institute, Busselton, Australia
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Robert H Eikelboom
- Centre for Ear Sciences, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, Australia
- Department of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley, Australia
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Mothemela B, Manchaiah V, Mahomed-Asmail F, Knoetze M, Swanepoel DW. Factors influencing hearing aid use, benefit and satisfaction in adults: a systematic review of the past decade. Int J Audiol 2023:1-14. [PMID: 37962300 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2023.2272562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This systematic review examined the audiological and non-audiological factors that influence hearing aid use, benefit and satisfaction in adults based on studies published during the last decade (2010 and 2023). DESIGN Studies were identified by using PRISMA guidelines for systematic searches on five platforms (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, EBSCOhost including CINAHL and Academic Search Complete). The National Institute of Health Quality assessment tool and the Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine tool were used for quality assessment and grading of level of evidence. RESULTS Forty-six articles were included in the review. A total of 101 significant factors influencing hearing aid use (n = 47), benefit (n = 17) and satisfaction (n = 37) were identified. Clear determinants of hearing aid use, benefit and satisfaction included hearing sensitivity, self-reported hearing difficulty, speech perception, attitude and beliefs. 34 cross-sectional studies in this review were graded level 4, 9 cohort studies rated level 3, and 3 randomised control trials rated level 2. CONCLUSION Factors associated with hearing aid outcomes identified in the past decade support previous evidence. New factors like social networks and service-delivery models, have also been identified. These factors require further investigations through high quality studies to further strengthen existing evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bopane Mothemela
- Department of Speech-language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Virtual Hearing Lab, Collaborative initiative between University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Vinaya Manchaiah
- Department of Speech-language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Virtual Hearing Lab, Collaborative initiative between University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- UCHealth Hearing and Balance, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Speech and Hearing, School of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Faheema Mahomed-Asmail
- Department of Speech-language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Virtual Hearing Lab, Collaborative initiative between University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Megan Knoetze
- Department of Speech-language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Virtual Hearing Lab, Collaborative initiative between University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - De Wet Swanepoel
- Department of Speech-language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Virtual Hearing Lab, Collaborative initiative between University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- UCHealth Hearing and Balance, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, Australia
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Sanchez VA, Dinh PC, Rooker J, Monahan PO, Althouse SK, Fung C, Sesso HD, Einhorn LH, Dolan ME, Frisina RD, Travis LB. Prevalence and risk factors for ototoxicity after cisplatin-based chemotherapy. J Cancer Surviv 2023; 17:27-39. [PMID: 36637632 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-022-01313-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Ototoxicity is a prominent side effect of cisplatin-based chemotherapy. There are few reports, however, estimating its prevalence in well-defined cohorts and associated risk factors. METHODS Testicular cancer (TC) survivors given first-line cisplatin-based chemotherapy completed validated questionnaires. Descriptive statistics evaluated the prevalence of ototoxicity, defined as self-reported hearing loss and/or tinnitus. We compared patients with and without tinnitus or hearing loss using Chi-square test, two-sided Fisher's exact test, or two-sided Wilcoxon rank sum test. To evaluate ototoxicity risk factors, a backward selection logistic regression procedure was performed. RESULTS Of 145 TC survivors, 74% reported ototoxicity: 68% tinnitus; 59% hearing loss; and 52% reported both. TC survivors with tinnitus were more likely to indicate hypercholesterolemia (P = 0.008), and difficulty hearing (P < .001). Tinnitus was also significantly related to age at survey completion (OR = 1.79; P = 0.003) and cumulative cisplatin dose (OR = 5.17; P < 0.001). TC survivors with hearing loss were more likely to report diabetes (P = 0.042), hypertension (P = 0.007), hypercholesterolemia (P < 0.001), and family history of hearing loss (P = 0.044). Risk factors for hearing loss included age at survey completion (OR = 1.57; P = 0.036), hypercholesterolemia (OR = 3.45; P = 0.007), cumulative cisplatin dose (OR = 1.94; P = 0.049), and family history of hearing loss (OR = 2.87; P = 0.071). CONCLUSIONS Ototoxicity risk factors included age, cisplatin dose, cardiovascular risk factors, and family history of hearing loss. Three of four TC survivors report some type of ototoxicity; thus, follow-up of cisplatin-treated survivors should include routine assessment for ototoxicity with provision of indicated treatments. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Survivors should be aware of risk factors associated with ototoxicity. Referrals to audiologists before, during, and after cisplatin treatment is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria A Sanchez
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 73, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.
| | - Paul C Dinh
- Department of Medical Oncology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jennessa Rooker
- College of Nursing, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Patrick O Monahan
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Sandra K Althouse
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Chunkit Fung
- J.P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Howard D Sesso
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lawrence H Einhorn
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - M Eileen Dolan
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Robert D Frisina
- Department of Medical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Lois B Travis
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Technological Advances in the Diagnosis and Management of Tinnitus. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11154597. [PMID: 35956212 PMCID: PMC9369963 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11154597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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