Characteristics Of Tinnitus Research Articles

A Prospective Self-Report Survey-Based Cohort Study on Factors That Have an Influence on Tinnitus.

Background: Limited information is available on factors that affect the burden tinnitus. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between tinnitus burden and demographic, patient-specific and tinnitus characteristics. Secondly, it was examined which variables could predict a change in tinnitus burden after 12 months. Method: In a prospective Dutch cohort of 383 tinnitus patients seeking medical help, tinnitus complaints, demographics, tinnitus characteristics, psychological wellbeing and quality of life were assessed using an online self-report survey at three timepoints (start, 6 months, 12 months). The main outcome variables for tinnitus burden are the Tinnitus Questionnaire (TQ) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for tinnitus burden and loudness. Results: Several variables (time, sex, education level, life events, anxiety and depression, sleep issues, tinnitus loudness, hearing impairment and treatment) were significantly associated with tinnitus burden. Additionally, tinnitus burden after 12 months was associated with anxiety, following treatment, sleep issues, negative life events and hearing impairment (increase) and anxiety, total of life events and environmental quality of life (decrease) predicted the tinnitus burden after 12 months. Conclusions: Several factors, such as education level, life events, psychological factors and sleep quality, are related to tinnitus burden and can predict tinnitus burden over time.

Transverse sinus blood flow characteristics of pulsatile tinnitus with dehiscent sigmoid plate based on 4D flow MRI

Objective: To investigate the hemodynamic characteristics of transverse sinus with sigmoid sinus wall dehiscence (SSWD) of pulsatile tinnitus (PT) based on 4D flow MRI. Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed on all patients admitted to Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2019 to January 2021 for dehiscent sigmoid plate pulsatile tinnitus. A total of 26 patients (sides) who met the criteria and underwent 4D flow MRI were included. A total of 26 subjects (46 sides), matched 1∶1 according to gender and age, were included in the normal healthy control group. Nonparametric rank sum test, Student's t test, and ANOVA were performed by SPSS 19.0 software. Binary Logistic regression was applied to the data with statistical significance. Results: There were more patients with dominant drainage on the affected side in PT group than in control group (73.1% vs. 42.3%). The incidence of transverse with a focal intraluminal filling defect and tapered stenosis was higher than that in control group (21.7% vs. 69.2%; 17.4% vs. 42.3%). Average through-plane velocity and maximum through-plane velocity in PT group were higher than those in control group [(33.75±13.88) cm/s vs. (15.84±7.21) cm/s; (93.19±33.55) cm/s vs. (40.40±14.40) cm/s]. The middle part and proximal end of Flowavg (ml/s) in PT group were larger than those in control group [4.69 (2.87; 5.62) ml/s vs. 2.76 (1.67; 4.99) ml/s; 3.41 (2.16; 5.47) ml/s vs. 2.67 (1.68; 4.41) ml/s]. In control group, the velocity of transverse sinus changed relatively gently, while in PT group, the velocity of proximal sinus increased significantly. Binary Logistic regression showed that SSWD PT was independently correlated with proximal maximum flow velocity [OR=1.086(1.029-1.146),P=0.003]. Conclusion: 4D flow MRI showed that the dominant drainage and higher velocity at the proximal end of the transverse sinus might be an important hemodynamic characteristics of dehiscent sigmoid plate pulsatile tinnitus.

Exploring the Association Between Clinical Characteristics and Etiopathogenesis of Tinnitus: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Tinnitus is the perception of internal noises like ringing or hissing, which can greatly affect quality of life. It involves increased neuronal synchrony and interactions with non-auditory brain structures. There's no universal classification system due to its varied origins and mechanisms, and current protocols often overlook physiotherapy, especially for non-otologic causes such as Cervicogenic and Temporomandibular disorders. This study seeks to link clinical features with tinnitus characteristics to better identify underlying causes and improve diagnostic protocols. Methods A prospective observational cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2022 to March 2024 in a rural hospital in Central India, involving 75 patients with tinnitus. The study included comprehensive history, clinical examination, and physiotherapy assessments to categorize tinnitus into otologic, non-otologic, or central types. Each type was analyzed to correlate its characteristics with underlying causes. The findings aim to improve diagnostic protocols and deepen understanding of tinnitus origins. Results The otologic origin of tinnitus was found in 53 (70.7%) patients. Out of 16 (21.3%) patients in the non-otologic category, three (4%) of patients had a somatosensory origin, seven (9.3%) of patients were found to have a somatosensory cervicogenic origin of tinnitus, and six (8%) of patients had a central origin of tinnitus. The remaining six (8%) were found to have mixed origins. Conclusion Otologic tinnitus was the commonest cause of tinnitus, followed by cervicogenic tinnitus. Ours is probably the first study that classifies tinnitus based on otologic and non-otologic origin, with special emphasis on cervicogenic origin tinnitus. Further research could study tinnitus chronicity, causes, and treatments using objective measures and advanced diagnostics.

Clinical analysis of 50 patients with abnormal pulsatile tinnitus in sigmoid sinus

Objective: To analyze the disease characteristics, diagnosis and treatment methods of venous pulsatile tinnitus treated by intervention of sigmoid sinus. Methods: Fifty patients (from Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Shandong University between February 2014 and July 2020) with venous pulsatile tinnitus treated by sigmoid sinus surgery were analyzed retrospectively. The tinnitus characteristics, imaging findings, surgical methods, intraoperative findings and postoperative tinnitus changes were recorded. The patients were followed up for 6-12 months. The sign rank sum test was used to analyze the difference in tinnitus grading before and after surgery. There were 50 patients with unilateral venous pulsatile tinnitus, including 49 females and 1 male. The age ranged from 17 to 67 years, with a median age of 44 years. There were 45 cases of right tinnitus and 5 cases of left tinnitus. The degree of tinnitus before operation was grade Ⅱ or above, including 4 cases of gradeⅡ, 11 cases of grade Ⅲ, 22 cases of grade Ⅳ and 13 cases of grade Ⅴ. Results: Thirty-seven cases were cured, 8 cases were ineffective (no change in tinnitus), 3 cases were markedly effective (tinnitus grade decreased by 3 in 2 cases, 4 in 1 case), and 2 cases were effective (tinnitus grade decreased by 1). The difference of tinnitus grade before and after operation was statistically significant (Z=-5.70,P<0.05). Temporal bone CT showed 36 cases of sigmoid diverticulum (including 17 cases with sigmoid sinus dehiscence), 12 cases of sigmoid sinus dehiscence and 2 cases of absence of the temporal bone cortex abutting to sigmoid sinus. Thirty-five cases were performed with closure of sigmoid sinus diverticulum, 4 cases were performed with resurfacing of the sigmoid plate, 5 cases were performed with narrowing of sigmoid sinus, 4 cases were performed with simple opening of pre sigmoid mastoid air chamber, 1 case of opening was performed with pre sigmoid mastoid air chamber combined with narrowing of sigmoid sinus, and 1 case was performed with opening of pre sigmoid mastoid air chamber combined with closure of sigmoid sinus diverticulum. Conclusions: Venous pulsatile tinnitus is common in women. The common causes may be sigmoid sinus wall abnormalities such as sigmoid sinus diverticulum and perisigmoid bone defect. Imaging examinations are helpful for diagnosis. Venous pulsatile tinnitus can be treated with surgery.

Performance of hybrid gain formula versus traditional fitting formulas in hearing aid fitting in tinnitus patients with hearing loss.

Hearing aid fitting can be challenging when tinnitus accompanies hearing loss, as speech intelligibility and quality of life are affected by both hearing loss and tinnitus perception. However, studies focusing on the optimal hearing aid fitting for this group are scarce. Here, we aim to investigate the performance of alternative hearing aid fitting scenarios in improving hearing aid benefit and managing tinnitus. Sixty-six participants were included in the study and randomly divided into three groups based on the fitting formula: NAL-NL2, DSL pediatric and hybrid gain fitting procedure (covering NAL-NL2 for low frequencies and DSL pediatric formulas for high frequencies). Hearing aid benefit was evaluated using the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) questionnaire and speech perception in noise (SPIN). To evaluate tinnitus perception, psychoacoustic characteristics of tinnitus were determined, and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) was gathered. The NAL-NL2 fitting procedure showed better results in hearing aid benefit and SPIN compared to the DSL pediatric procedure. In the DSL pediatric procedure, better results were obtained in tinnitus management compared to NAL-NL2. There was no difference between the hybrid fitting procedure and DSL pediatric in tinnitus management. The hybrid fitting procedure also did not differ from NAL-NL2 in SPIN and hearing aid benefit. Here, we propose a hybrid gain fitting procedure that can be a better alternative to boost hearing aid performance and tinnitus management in clinical practice.

Feasibility study on the use of peripheral blood differentially expressed genes for objective classification of chronic subjective tinnitus: a case study on high-frequency tinnitus

Objective: To explore the feasibility of constructing an objective tinnitus subtype model based on peripheral blood differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using a combination of Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) and Random Forest algorithm (RF). Methods: From October 2019 to June 2020, peripheral blood DEGs were obtained from 37 patients (from the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University)with chronic subjective high-frequency tinnitus (21 unbothersome type, 16 bothersome type) and 20 healthy volunteers through high-throughput sequencing. WGCNA was used to construct gene modules with different expression patterns and analyze their relationships with tinnitus characteristics. Subsequently, RF was employed to build subtype models, which were evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), accuracy, and F1-score. Results: A total of 12 351 intergroup DEGs were divided into 9 gene modules. Among them, MEblue, MEgreen, and MEbrown showed significant negative correlations with the healthy volunteer group, while MEpink showed a significant positive correlation with the tinnitus distress group. The "Tinnitus vs. Normal" and "Compensatory vs. Decompensatory" subtype models, based on MEblue and MEpink respectively, both had AUCs greater than 0.80, accuracies above 90%, and F1-scores above 0.90, indicating good performance. Conclusions: Peripheral blood DEGs are potential biological indicators for objective classification of subjective tinnitus. The combined application of WGCNA and the Random Forest algorithm should be a viable approach to constructing an objective tinnitus subtype model. However, further exploration and refinement are needed to validate the model's generalizability, cross-dataset performance, and algorithm optimization.

Customized Music Therapy Combined With the Counseling and Follow-Up System: Stratified Results for Tinnitus Efficacy.

Chronic subjective tinnitus is a worldwide intractable problem. In our previous studies, customized music therapy combined with a follow-up system can reduce tinnitus perception and improve anxiety/depression. This study aims to explore which characteristics of tinnitus patients are more likely to benefit from our therapy. This study included 1031 patients with chronic subjective tinnitus, all of whom completed customized music therapy with the follow-up system. Population demographics, tinnitus characteristics, and tinnitus-related scales at pretherapy and posttherapy were collected. Huadong Hospital affiliated Fudan University, Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery from 2018 to 2022. A paired t test and the one-way analysis of variance were utilized to the overall efficacy and stratified difference based on tinnitus duration/age/tinnitus frequency. There were significant statistical differences in the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Tinnitus Loudness Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)-A/D scores between pretherapy and 3 months posttherapy. THI and HADS (A/D) scores decreased the most in the 1-year duration tinnitus group. The most significant decrease in THI and VAS scores was observed in the 31- to 50-year-old tinnitus group. Patients with high-frequency tinnitus and extended high-frequency tinnitus had greater decreases generally than those with low-frequency tinnitus though no significance. Group with severe and prolonged tinnitus, shorter duration of tinnitus onset, and 31 to 50 years old benefit more from our therapy. Therefore, standardized personalized music and consulting and follow-up systems while promoting early treatment can reduce tinnitus and its comorbidities.

Investigation of the effectiveness of sound enrichment in the treatment of tinnitus due to hearing loss.

In previous animal studies, sound enhancement reduced tinnitus perception in cases associated with hearing loss. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of sound enrichment therapy in tinnitus treatment by developing a protocol that includes criteria for psychoacoustic characteristics of tinnitus to determine whether the etiology is related to hearing loss. A total of 96 patients with chronic tinnitus were included in the study. Fifty-two patients in the study group and 44 patients in the placebo group considered residual inhibition (RI) outcomes and tinnitus pitches. Both groups received sound enrichment treatment with different spectrum contents. The tinnitus handicap inventory (THI), visual analog scale (VAS), minimum masking level (MML), and tinnitus loudness level (TLL) results were compared before and at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in THI, VAS, MML, and TLL scores from the first month to all months after treatment (p<.01). For the study group, there was a statistically significant decrease in THI, VAS, MML, and TLL scores in the first month (p<.01). This decrease continued at a statistically significant level in the third month of posttreatment for THI (p<.05) and at all months for VAS-1 (tinnitus severity) (p<.05) and VAS-2 (tinnitus discomfort) (p<.05). In clinical practice, after excluding other factors related to the tinnitus etiology, sound enrichment treatment can be effective in tinnitus cases where RI is positive and the tinnitus pitch is matched with a hearing loss between 45 and 55dB HL in a relatively short period of 1 month.

Help-seeker satisfaction with diagnosis and treatment of tinnitus

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.

Comprehensive Characterization of Hearing Loss and Tinnitus in Military-Affiliated and Non-Military-Affiliated Individuals.

Military-affiliated individuals (MIs) are at a higher risk of developing hearing loss and tinnitus. While these disorders are well-studied in MIs, their impact relative to non-military-affiliated individuals (non-MIs) remains understudied. Our study compared hearing, speech-in-noise (SIN) perception, and tinnitus characteristics between MIs and non-MIs. MIs (n = 84) and non-MIs (n = 193) underwent hearing threshold assessment and Quick Speech-in-Noise Test. Participants with tinnitus completed psychoacoustic tinnitus matching, numeric rating scale (NRS) for loudness and annoyance, and Tinnitus Functional Index. Comorbid conditions such as anxiety, depression, and hyperacusis were assessed. We used a linear mixed-effects model to compare hearing thresholds and SIN scores between MIs and non-MIs. A multivariate analysis of variance compared tinnitus characteristics between MIs and non-MIs, and a stepwise regression was performed to identify predictors of tinnitus severity. MIs exhibited better hearing sensitivity than non-MIs; however, their SIN scores were similar. MIs matched their tinnitus loudness to a lower intensity than non-MIs, but their loudness ratings (NRS) were comparable. MIs reported greater tinnitus annoyance and severity on the relaxation subscale, indicating increased difficulty engaging in restful activities. Tinnitus severity was influenced by hyperacusis and depression in both MIs and non-MIs; however, hearing loss uniquely contributed to severity in MIs. Our findings suggest that while MIs may exhibit better or comparable listening abilities, they were significantly more affected by tinnitus than non-MIs. Furthermore, our study highlights the importance of assessing tinnitus-related distress across multiple dimensions, facilitating customization of management strategies for both MIs and non-MIs.

Characteristics of Tinnitus and its Association with Clinico-Demograhic Factors &amp; Mental Health

Objectives: To determine the characteristics of tinnitus and its association with clinical and demographic variables including psychological health. Methodology: This cross-sectional study recruited 80 tinnitus cases from ENT outpatients of District Head Quarter Hospital Chakwal from over a period of 6 months from 1st Jan 2019 to 31st June, 2019, using convenience sampling. Sample included both genders, aged 18-75 years with tinnitus for at least three months. Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) &amp; Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21) were used for data collection &amp; analysis done using SPSS-version 20. Anova statistics &amp; Pearsons correlation was determined for THI and DASS-21. Chi-square test was used to see any association with clinic-demographic variables. P&lt;0.05 was considered significant. Results: Study revealed 30(37.5%) cases with mild, 20(25%) each with moderate and severe while least 4(5%) catastrophic tinnitus. Tinnitus severity was significant associated with gender (p=0.005), age (p=0.035), educational level (p=0.049), occupation (p=0.002), duration of tinnitus (p=0.038), site of tinnitus (P&lt;0.001) and type of tinnitus sound (P=0.003). Duration of tinnitus was associated with anxiety (p=0.024), site of tinnitus was associated with THI (p=0.016), anxiety (p=0.021), stress (p&lt;0.001) and depression (p=0.02) and total DASS-21 (p=0.005). A significant positive correlation was present between tinnitus handicap, Anxiety, stress, depression and DASS-21 total score (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Mild tinnitus was most prevalent (37.5%) with Tinnitus severity having significant association with gender, age, educational level, occupation, duration of tinnitus, site of tinnitus, and type of tinnitus sound. Duration of tinnitus was also associated with anxiety while site of tinnitus has association with THI, anxiety, stress, depression and total DASS-21. Significant positive correlation is present between THI and Anxiety, stress, depression and DASS-21 total score.

Heterogeneity in response to treatment across tinnitus phenotypes

The clinical heterogeneity of chronic tinnitus poses major challenges to patient management and prompts the identification of distinct patient subgroups (or phenotypes) that respond more predictable to a particular treatment. We model heterogeneity in treatment response among phenotypes of tinnitus patients concerning their change in self-reported health burden, psychological characteristics, and tinnitus characteristics. Before and after a 7-day multimodal treatment, 989 tinnitus patients completed 14 assessment questionnaires, from which 64 variables measured general tinnitus characteristics, quality of life, pain experiences, somatic expressions, affective symptoms, tinnitus-related distress, internal resources, and perceived stress. Our approach encompasses mechanisms for patient phenotyping, visualizations of the phenotypes and their change with treatment in a projected space, and the extraction of patient subgroups based on their change with treatment. On average, all four distinct phenotypes identified at the pre-intervention baseline showed improved values for nearly all the considered variables following the intervention. However, a considerable intra-phenotype heterogeneity was noted. Five clusters of change reflected variations in the observed improvements among individuals. These patterns of treatment effects were identified to be associated with baseline phenotypes. Our exploratory approach establishes a groundwork for future studies incorporating control groups to pinpoint patient subgroups that are more likely to benefit from specific treatments. This strategy not only has the potential to advance personalized medicine but can also be extended to a broader spectrum of patients with various chronic conditions.

Differential cortical activation patterns: pioneering sub-classification of tinnitus with and without hyperacusis by combining audiometry, gamma oscillations, and hemodynamics.

The ongoing controversies about the neural basis of tinnitus, whether linked with central neural gain or not, may hamper efforts to develop therapies. We asked to what extent measurable audiometric characteristics of tinnitus without (T) or with co-occurrence of hyperacusis (TH) are distinguishable on the level of cortical responses. To accomplish this, electroencephalography (EEG) and concurrent functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) were measured while patients performed an attentionally demanding auditory discrimination task using stimuli within the individual tinnitus frequency (fTin) and a reference frequency (fRef). Resting-state-fMRI-based functional connectivity (rs-fMRI-bfc) in ascending auditory nuclei (AAN), the primary auditory cortex (AC-I), and four other regions relevant for directing attention or regulating distress in temporal, parietal, and prefrontal cortex was compiled and compared to EEG and concurrent fNIRS activity in the same brain areas. We observed no group differences in pure-tone audiometry (PTA) between 10 and 16 kHz. However, the PTA threshold around the tinnitus pitch was positively correlated with the self-rated tinnitus loudness and also correlated with distress in T-groups, while TH experienced their tinnitus loudness at minimal loudness levels already with maximal suffering scores. The T-group exhibited prolonged auditory brain stem (ABR) wave I latency and reduced ABR wave V amplitudes (indicating reduced neural synchrony in the brainstem), which were associated with lower rs-fMRI-bfc between AAN and the AC-I, as observed in previous studies. In T-subjects, these features were linked with elevated spontaneous and reduced evoked gamma oscillations and with reduced deoxygenated hemoglobin (deoxy-Hb) concentrations in response to stimulation with lower frequencies in temporal cortex (Brodmann area (BA) 41, 42, 22), implying less synchronous auditory responses during active auditory discrimination of reference frequencies. In contrast, in the TH-group gamma oscillations and hemodynamic responses in temporoparietal regions were reversed during active discrimination of tinnitus frequencies. Our findings suggest that T and TH differ in auditory discrimination and memory-dependent directed attention during active discrimination at either tinnitus or reference frequencies, offering a test paradigm that may allow for more precise sub-classification of tinnitus and future improved treatment approaches.

Tinnitus prevalence, associated characteristics, and related healthcare use in the United States: a population-level analysis

Tinnitus is a potentially disabling condition with few treatments. We examined the prevalence and characteristics of tinnitus among demographic groups in the United States (US) and assessed associated factors and tinnitus-related healthcare. We included adults with and without bothersome tinnitus from the nationally representative 2014 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS; raw n=36,697), the latest year with tinnitus data. We evaluated tinnitus prevalence and characteristics (frequency, severity, duration) overall and among groups defined by sex and race/ethnicity. Logistic regression with adjusted Wald tests were used for comparisons in NHIS-weighted populations by sex and race/ethnicity, and to evaluate associations between demographic/medical characteristics and noise exposure on tinnitus risk. The US prevalence of tinnitus was 11.2% (95% CI: 10.8%, 11.7%; ∼27 million people) in 2014. Of those with tinnitus, 41.2% always had symptoms and 28.3% had ≥15 years symptom duration; the rates were significantly higher among men vs. women and non-Hispanic (nHW) vs. Hispanic Whites (HW), Blacks, or other ethnicity. Significantly more women vs. men and HW vs. nHW reported severe tinnitus. Sex and race/ethnicity, except Asian, were not significantly associated with tinnitus when age, otologic/medical disorders, and noise exposure were included in the model. Significantly lower rates of all minority groups discussed tinnitus with a doctor compared to nHW, and among those who did, Blacks were significantly less likely to receive tinnitus evaluation than nHWs. Tinnitus prevalence varies across US demographic groups and racial differences were identified in the delivery of tinnitus-related healthcare. Rich Robbins, Bertarelli Foundation Endowed Professorship.

Tinnitus features and masking in patients with normal hearing and with high frequency hearing loss

To access tinnitus features and effectiveness of its masking in relation to sensorineural hearing loss (SHL), gender, age, affected side and tinnitus pitch. 53 patients (32 (60.4%) females and 21 (39.6%) males) aged 20 to 46 years with unilateral chronic tinnitus without any external or middle ear pathology were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent pure tone audiometry, evaluating SHL, tinnitus pitch and tinnitus masking. Pure-tone thresholds were measured at all standard frequencies from 0.25 to 8 kHz, and at 10 kHz, 12.5 kHz, 14 kHz, 16 kHz, and 20 kHz. Normal hearing at the studied frequencies was observed in 24 patients, and 29 patients were found to have SHL. Patients with high-frequency SHL identified tinnitus pitch more often identified tinnitus pitch compared to those with normal hearing (75.9% vs. 45%, respectively; p=0.02). Tinnitus pitch in patients with normal hearing was 8 (6-13) kHz, whereas in all patients with SHL tinnitus pitch was always located in the range of maximum hearing loss and reached 10 (8-12) kHz. The mean tinnitus pitch, which was successfully masked, was 8 Hz, and tinnitus pitches with mean value above 12 kHz were not associated with effective masking (p=0.04). No statistically significant differences were found between the effectiveness of tinnitus masking and the affected side, gender, presence of SHL. The higher tinnitus pitch (above 12 kHz) was more common in younger patients and was associated with less successful masking. Our study included patients of predominantly young age (up to 48 years old), in whom, probably, the factors influencing the tinnitus characteristic differ and have a correlation with anxiety-depressive spectrum disorders prevailing at a younger age. In this regard, further research is needed.

Mit Apps gegen den Tinnitus? Ein systematisches Review zu Qualität, Interventionselementen und Techniken der Verhaltensänderung

ZusammenfassungHintergrundÜber App-Stores werden Applikationen (Apps) für Tinnitusbetroffene angeboten und versprechen schnelle Hilfe gegen die Ohrgeräusche. Für Betroffene und Behandelnde ist es jedoch gleichermaßen schwierig, deren Qualität, Potenziale oder Risiken einzuschätzen. Ziel dieser Studie war es, eine Übersicht zu deutschsprachigen Tinnitus-Apps zu erstellen und damit eine Orientierung für Forschung und Versorgung zu geben.MethodenEs wurde eine systematische Recherche (November 2020–April 2021) in den umsatzstärksten Stores (Google Play Store und Apple App Store) durchgeführt. Spezifisch für Tinnitus entwickelte Apps wurden von unabhängigen Wissenschaftlerinnen multiperspektivisch bewertet: (a) ein Qualitäts-Screening erfolgte anhand der deutschen Version der Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS-G), (b) Interventionselemente wurden mittels neu entwickelten Kategoriensystems und (c) implementierte Strategien für aktives Tinnitus-Management anhand von Techniken der Verhaltensänderung (Behavior Change Techniques, BCTs) analysiert.ErgebnisseDie Suche ergab 1073 Apps, wobei 21 Apps in die Analyse eingingen. Die Apps wiesen nach MARS‑G eine mittlere Qualität auf (M = 3,37; SD = 0,39). Die meisten Apps boten Geräusche (n = 18) und Informationen (n = 9) an oder erfassten Charakteristika des Tinnitus (n = 13). 24 der 93 BCTs wurden mindestens einmal identifiziert. Nur eine App wurde in nicht-randomisierten Studien evaluiert.DiskussionWenngleich eine Vielzahl von Apps vorliegt, fokussiert die Mehrzahl auf wenige Elemente (z. B. Geräusche und Informationen). Das Potenzial, über die Apps wichtige, evidenzbasierte Inhalte zur Tinnitusbewältigung zu vermitteln, wird damit nicht ausgeschöpft. Die multiperspektivische Evaluation zeigt Verbesserungspotenzial für Tinnitus-Apps auf.

Tinnitus characteristics and risk factors in the Bali region

Introduction: It has been recognized that suitable external sounds can reduce or even make tinnitus impossible to hear. The working principle of sound therapy will be used to create a new tool or approach that suits the conditions of Indonesian society. This study aimed to describe the characteristics of tinnitus and its associated risk factors. Method: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Denpasar City, Gianyar Regency, and Badung Regency for one year. Patients who visited the ENT doctors' practices in these areas were interviewed with prepared instruments. The patients were then subjected to clinical and audiometric examinations. The data will be analyzed descriptively to get an overview of tinnitus's sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Result: A total of 101 participants were included in this study. Most tinnitus patients were unilateral on the left side of the ear. The most common sound is ringing, up to 70.3% of 101 research subjects, followed by sound types such as pulse and roaring sound. Furthermore, the frequency and amplitude of tinnitus sounds are quite varied, but the majority is dominated by high frequencies (3000 - 8000Hz). Based on the ear affected, the largest number of tinnitus sufferers were found in the left ear (47.0%). In this study, 82 people (81.2%) had a history of frequently using earphones, while 19 other people never used earphones in everyday life. Among all participants, 95 people (94.1%) were not exposed to noise at work. Conclusion: The clinical characteristics of the tinnitus sound type were mostly ringing sounds, followed by pulse-like sounds and buzzing sounds. The frequency and amplitude of tinnitus sounds quite varied. Stress factors and the use of earphones occur in most tinnitus sufferers.

Magnitude of extended high frequency hearing loss associated with auditory related tinnitus distress, when controlling for magnitude of hearing loss at standard frequenciesa).

Impaired thresholds at extended high frequencies (EHF) are tightly linked to the prevalence of tinnitus, but little is known about how EHF status relates to tinnitus characteristics. In the present study, 93 individuals with tinnitus underwent standard (from 0.125 to 8 kHz) and EHF (from 10 to 16 kHz) audiometry and indicated their degree of tinnitus distress by completing the tinnitus functional index and their perceived tinnitus loudness by using a numeric rating scale. Partial correlation analyses indicated that the magnitude of EHF loss was significantly associated with degree of auditory related tinnitus distress (r = 0.343, p < 0.001) when controlling for pure tone average at standard frequencies and compensating for multiple testing. It is concluded that EHF status is related specifically to auditory related tinnitus distress, but not to intrusive-, sense of control-, cognitive-, sleep-, relaxation-, quality of life-, emotional-related tinnitus distress, total tinnitus distress, or perceived tinnitus loudness.

Impact of SARS-Cov-2 Virus and The Pandemic on Tinnitus Patients: A Comparative Cross-sectional Study

The WHO declared Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) a "Public Health Emergency" before the end of January 2020. Over 6M people have died out of 593 million recorded cases. Objective: To determine the effect of the COVID-19 and the pandemic on tinnitus patients. Methods: Comparative Cross-sectional study was conducted at Mayo Hospital, Lahore. Total 110 patients with tinnitus were included in this study using convenience sampling. Sample included both genders, aged 17 and above with Group A including patients who were inflicted from SARS-COV-2 and group B who did not encounter the virus. Tinnitus Severity Index and a questionnaire was used for data collection. A relationship between the tinnitus severity scale scores obtained before suffering from the coronavirus and after suffering from it. Similarly, a relationship between tinnitus severity scale scores obtained before the occurrence of pandemic and after it, was determined in COVID-19 negative group. T-test, Chi-square and ANOVA statistics were utilized to determine difference between groups with p&lt;0.05 considered significant. Results: Tinnitus was significantly (p=0.000) more bothersome during pandemic compared to before COVID-19 became pandemic, however having COVID-19 infection or not before (p=0.067) and during (p=0.234) pandemic did not reveal significant difference. TSI scores were higher in patients who picked COVID-19 infection compared to living in pandemic though not significant (p=0.375), however there was differences in characteristics of tinnitus. Conclusions: COVID-19 pandemic has produced a significant impact on tinnitus patients with more impact resulting from COVID-19 infection compared to pandemic itself, however this was not significant.

Acoustic differences in tinnitus between noise-induced and non-noise-induced hearing loss

Background Tinnitus, the perception of sound without external stimuli, varies across hearing loss types. The present study compared the acoustic characteristics of tinnitus in patients with noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and in those with hearing loss unrelated to noise exposure. Objective This study compared the acoustic characteristics of tinnitus in patients with noise-induced and non-noise-induced hearing loss. Methods A total of 403 patients with tinnitus were divided into those with noise-induced and non-noise-induced hearing loss. Patients were evaluated by pure tone audiometry (PTA), tinnitogram, transient evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE), distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE), and auditory brainstem evoked response (ABR) tests. Results Patients with NIHL exhibited significantly higher hearing thresholds across all frequencies (125–8000 Hz) (p < .05) and reported significantly higher tinnitus intensity (p < .05). Otoacoustic emission tests showed that response rates were significantly lower (p < .05), and ABR tests found that latency periods were significantly more prolonged (p < .05), in patients with NIHL. Conclusions Tinnitus differs acoustically between patients with NIHL and those with non-noise-induced hearing loss, with specific patterns of intensity and auditory responses. These findings emphasize the need for tailoring the management of tinnitus according to the underlying type of hearing loss.