Tinnitus Frequency Research Articles

Listening to Filtered Music as a Treatment Option for Tinnitus: A Review

TINNITUS IS THE PERCEPTION OF A SOUND IN THE absence of an external acoustic stimulus and it affects roughly 10-15% of the population. This review will discuss the different types of tinnitus and the current research on the underlying neural substrates of subjective tinnitus. Specific focus will be paid to the plasticity of the auditory cortex, the inputs from non-auditory centers in the central nervous system and how these are affected by tinnitus. We also will discuss several therapies that utilize music as a treatment for tinnitus and highlight a novel method that filters out the tinnitus frequency from the music, leveraging the plasticity in the auditory cortex as a means of reducing the impact of tinnitus.

Functional and structural aspects of tinnitus-related enhancement and suppression of auditory cortex activity

The steady-state auditory evoked magnetic field was recorded in tinnitus patients and controls, both either musicians or non-musicians, all of them with high-frequency hearing loss. Stimuli were AM-tones with two modulation frequencies and three carrier frequencies matching the “audiometric edge”, i.e. the frequency above which hearing loss increases more rapidly, the tinnitus frequency or the frequency 1½ octaves above the audiometric edge in controls, and a frequency 1½ octaves below the audiometric edge. Stimuli equated in carrier frequency, but differing in modulation frequency, were simultaneously presented to the two ears. The modulation frequency-specific components of the dual steady-state response were recovered by bandpass filtering. In both hemispheres, the source amplitude of the response was larger for contralateral than ipsilateral input. In non-musicians with tinnitus, this laterality effect was enhanced in the hemisphere contralateral and reduced in the hemisphere ipsilateral to the tinnitus ear, especially for the tinnitus frequency. The hemisphere-by-input laterality dominance effect was smaller in musicians than in non-musicians. In both patient groups, source amplitude change over time, i.e. amplitude slope, was increasing with tonal frequency for contralateral input and decreasing for ipsilateral input. However, slope was smaller for musicians than non-musicians. In patients, source amplitude was negatively correlated with the MRI-determined volume of the medial partition of Heschl's gyrus. Tinnitus patients show an altered excitatory-inhibitory balance reflecting the downregulation of inhibition and resulting in a steeper dominance hierarchy among simultaneous processes in auditory cortex. Direction and extent of this alteration are modulated by musicality and auditory cortex volume.

The Relationship of Frequency between Tinnitus and the Maximal Hearing Loss

Background and ObjectivesZZTinnitus is most commonly accompanied by hearing loss, so there have been several studies that tried to explain that relationship and to apply it for treatment of tinnitus. In this study, we compared tinnitogram with pure tone audiometry (PTA) in order to evaluate the relationship between the frequency of tinnitus and maximal hearing loss. Subjects and MethodZZOne hundred thirty one patients with pure tone-like tinnitus sensation were included in this study. After performing tinnitogram and PTA, we tried to show whether the frequency of tinnitus matched the frequency of the maximal hearing loss. After dividing the patients into two groups (group A: frequency of tinnitus not matching the frequency of the maximal hearing loss, group B: frequency of tinnitus matching the frequency of the maximal hearing loss), we studied the characteristics, including residual inhibition, of these two groups. ResultsZZIn the patients, there was no significant correlation between the frequency of tinnitus and the maximal hearing loss (p=0.131). In comparing the group A and B, we could not show differences in the hearing threshold, residual inhibition, visual analogue scale, and tinnitus handicap inventory score. However, the average duration of tinnitus was statistically prolonged in Group A than in Group B (p<0.05). In addition, there were statistically significant relationships between the two frequencies in the group which show less than six month of duration (p<0.05). ConclusionZZFrom this study, we could not show that a relationship existed between the frequencies of tinnitus and the maximal hearing loss. Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg 2010;53:340-3 Key WordsZZTinnitus·Hearing loss·Auditory cortex·Neuronal plasticity.

Listening to tailor-made notched music reduces tinnitus loudness and tinnitus-related auditory cortex activity.

Maladaptive auditory cortex reorganization may contribute to the generation and maintenance of tinnitus. Because cortical organization can be modified by behavioral training, we attempted to reduce tinnitus loudness by exposing chronic tinnitus patients to self-chosen, enjoyable music, which was modified ("notched") to contain no energy in the frequency range surrounding the individual tinnitus frequency. After 12 months of regular listening, the target patient group (n = 8) showed significantly reduced subjective tinnitus loudness and concomitantly exhibited reduced evoked activity in auditory cortex areas corresponding to the tinnitus frequency compared to patients who had received an analogous placebo notched music treatment (n = 8). These findings indicate that tinnitus loudness can be significantly diminished by an enjoyable, low-cost, custom-tailored notched music treatment, potentially via reversing maladaptive auditory cortex reorganization.

이명환자에서 만성중이염 수술 후 이명의 변화

Background: The central auditory pathway causing tinnitus could be affected by the alterations of peripheral auditory system, like middle ear surgery. There are few datas that the effect of middle ear surgery on tinnitus. In this study, we tried to evaluate the changes of tinnitus after middle ear surgery for treatment of unilateral chronic otitis media with tinnitus. Methods: Retrospective review were performed for 36 patients who had undergone middle ear surgery due to chronic otitis media with tinnitus. The patients underwent a medical and audiological protocol for tinnitus before and after middle ear surgery. We compared pre and postoperative findings such as hearing improvement, tinnitus frequency and loudness, hearing improvement at tinnitus frequency and handicap of tinnitus. Results: Postoperative hearing improvement was seen in 100% of both group B and C, and 22% in group A. The hearing improvement at tinnitus frequency was 92% in group C, 33% in group B and 11% in group A. The loudness of tinnitus was all decreased in group C, no change at 67% of group B and all increased in group A after middle ear surgery. Conclusions: The effect of middle ear surgery on tinnitus in patient with chronic otitis media are closely related with the hearing improvement after ear surgery, especially at the tinnitus frequency. (J Clinical Otolaryngol 2009;20:207–213)

Plasticity at glycinergic synapses in dorsal cochlear nucleus of rats with behavioral evidence of tinnitus

Fifteen percent to 35% of the United States population experiences tinnitus, a subjective “ringing in the ears”. Up to 10% of those afflicted report severe and disabling symptoms. Tinnitus was induced in rats using unilateral, 1 h, 17 kHz-centered octave-band noise (116 dB SPL) and assessed using a gap-startle method. The dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) is thought to undergo plastic changes suggestive of altered inhibitory function during tinnitus development. Exposed rats showed near pre-exposure auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds for clicks and all tested frequencies 16 weeks post-exposure. Sound-exposed rats showed significantly worse gap detection at 24 and 32 kHz 16 weeks following sound exposure, suggesting the development of chronic, high frequency tinnitus. Message and protein levels of α 1–3, and β glycine receptor subunits (GlyRs), and the anchoring protein, gephyrin, were measured in DCN fusiform cells 4 months following sound exposure. Rats with evidence of tinnitus showed significant GlyR α 1 protein decreases in the middle and high frequency regions of the DCN while α 1 message levels were paradoxically increased. Gephyrin levels showed significant tinnitus-related increases in sound-exposed rats suggesting intracellular receptor trafficking changes following sound exposure. Consistent with decreased α 1 subunit protein levels, strychnine binding studies showed significant tinnitus-related decreases in the number of GlyR binding sites, supporting tinnitus-related changes in the number and/or composition of GlyRs. Collectively, these findings suggest the development of tinnitus is likely associated with functional GlyR changes in DCN fusiform cells consistent with previously described behavioral and neurophysiologic changes. Tinnitus related GlyR changes could provide a unique receptor target for tinnitus pharmacotherapy or blockade of tinnitus initiation.

Measuring Tinnitus Loudness Using Constrained Psychophysical Scaling

We measured tinnitus loudness using a new method of psychophysical scaling with the aim of introducing a potentially useful new procedure to the literature. Fourteen adults reporting tinnitus were trained to use a standardized loudness scale, and then they used that response scale to assess loudness of nonstandard stimuli and of their tinnitus. We also measured tinnitus loudness and pitch using a computer-based matching procedure, and we measured the impact of tinnitus on daily living using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI; C. W. Newman, G. P. Jacobson, & J. B. Spitzer, 1996) for those 14 individuals and an additional 2 participants. Results and Conclusions Our 14 trained participants judged loudness similarly to normal hearing participants for pure tones at normal hearing, nontinnitus frequencies-implying that their judgments of tinnitus loudness were valid. Constrained scaling of tinnitus loudness yielded measurements that were substantially greater than the sensation level of sounds matched to tinnitus loudness. Our total of 16 participants fell into 2 groups on the basis of hearing loss, extent of abnormal loudness growth at the tinnitus frequency, and several aspects of tinnitus experience. Finally, as previously found, there was little correlation between tinnitus loudness, no matter how measured, and the impact of tinnitus on daily life as measured by the THI.

Subjective tinnitus and hearing problems in adolescents

Objectives We investigated the hearing problems and tinnitus frequencies in adolescents at three public primary and two high schools. Methods This study was carried out at three public primary and two high schools. 428 Turkish school children (244 girls, 184 boys) were asked to voluntarily answer a set of questionnaires in their classrooms at the beginning of the training program. There were 250 students (105 male, 145 female) in Primary School and 178 (79 male, 99 female) students in High School. We used questionnaire to evaluate subjective tinnitus and hearing problems. Walkman usage, listening loud and noisy music, intra-familial physical trauma, concentration difficulty in class and school success were also evaluated. Results In age-related groups (Group 1 = 11–13 years; Group 2 = 13–15 years; Group 3 = 16–18 years), hearing loss was present in 32.1% of Group 1, 19% of Group 2 and 28.3% of Group 3. Listening loud and noisy music was reported in 81.8% of Group 1, 95.4% of Group 2 and 87% of Group 3. Tinnitus was present 36.8% in Group 2, 33.5% in Group 1 and 31.5% in Group 3. Tinnitus after listening loud music was present in 42.7% of Group 2, 36.1% of Group 3 and 25.6% of Group 1. Among all students with tinnitus, 19.5% considered their school success as very good, 41.1% as good and 39.4% as bad. In students, using Walkman, tinnitus was seen both in the right and left ears. Conclusion Tinnitus may be seen in adolescents at primary and high schools. Listening loud and noisy music and Walkman usage may cause an increase in the frequency of tinnitus manifestation. Adolescents should be educated about the hazardous effects of loud music. Education should include families, teachers, students, and whole community. These issues should be taken into public health policy of the countries.

Tinnitus Among Airline Pilots: Prevalence and Effects of Age, Flight Experience, and Other Noise

Frequent or constant tinnitus can be a problem for pilots because it can be distracting and/or interfere with communications in the cockpit. We studied tinnitus in a population of airline pilots to determine its prevalence and identify predictors. A total of 418 male and 42 female pilots on duty in a Swedish airline returned a completed tinnitus questionnaire (response rate 79%). Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed; variables retained in the model included age, smoking, exposure to loud impulse noise during leisure time, previous work as a military pilot, years of employment as a commercial pilot, and type of aircraft. When available, the pilots' most recent routine audiometric test (N = 388) was used to study the association between hearing impairment and tinnitus. A total of 40% of respondents had experienced tinnitus for more than 5 min during the past year, 18% reported constant or severe tinnitus, and 12% had at some time visited a doctor for problems related to tinnitus. There were associations between tinnitus and age, impulse noise, and hearing impairment at 3, 4, and 6 kHz. There was no association with aircraft type or work as a military pilot. Pilots with tinnitus were more likely to report themselves disturbed by noise in the cockpit. These results show that tinnitus is relatively common among pilots and can create problems with sensitivity to noise. The frequency of tinnitus is most closely related to age, gender, exposure to high impulse noise during leisure time, and hearing impairment.

Tinnitus after cochlear implantation

Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate properties of tinnitus which starts after cochlear implantation. Of the 17 adult patients in our cochlear implant group, four (23.5%) who had no pre-implantation tinnitus were eligible for the study. Methods Each patient was requested to complete a short questionnaire regarding his or her experience with tinnitus. Tinnitus match test was performed for each patient by using an Interacoustic Clinical Audiometer (model AC40; Assens, Denmark). Results Tinnitus match test revealed a tinnitus frequency of a 4 KHz for three and of a 6 KHz for one patient. Mean value of the loudness score was calculated as 17.5 dB SL. Conclusions The results of this study emphasize the importance of counseling patients regarding risks of tinnitus after cochlear implantation.

Maintenance Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Can Inhibit the Return of Tinnitus

A single patient was tested to examine the safety and feasibility of using maintenance sessions of low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (1 Hz rTMS) to reduce tinnitus loudness and prevent its return over time. Interrupted time series with multiple replications. Tinnitus loudness was assessed using a visual analogue rating (VAR) with 0 = no tinnitus, and 100 = loudest tinnitus experienced; 1,800 TMS pulses delivered at 1 Hz and 110% of motor threshold were administered over the posterior, superior lateral temporal gyrus of the subject's right hemisphere until subjective tinnitus fell to a VAR of 25. TMS was reapplied as tinnitus returned to a VAR of 25 or higher. Cerebral metabolism was measured using positron emission tomography before and after treatment. In this patient, tinnitus could be reduced to a VAR of 6 or lower each time it reoccurred using one to three maintenance sessions of rTMS. Tinnitus loudness remained at or below a VAR of 25 and was reported to be unobtrusive in daily life when last assessed 4 months after the third and final round of maintenance treatment. Asymmetric increased cerebral metabolism in the right hemisphere reduced following treatment and as tinnitus improved. Maintenance treatment was well tolerated with no side effects. Although a case study cannot establish treatment efficacy, this study demonstrates for the first time that it is feasible to use maintenance rTMS to manage chronic tinnitus. Maintenance rTMS might impede cortical expansion of the tinnitus frequency into adjacent cortical areas, but group studies are necessary to confirm this speculation.

소위 무난청이명 환자에서 순음 및 연속주파수 자기청력검사(Be´ke`sy Audiometry) 소견

Background and Objectives: Tinnitus is one of the most widespread disorder of the auditory system. Tinnitus frequency is usually similar to hearing loss frequency. However, there are few study about tinnitus frequency with normal hearing. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relation between tinnitus frequency and dip frequency of the pure tone and continuous frequency automatic recording audiogram (Bèkésy) in tinnitus patients with normal hearing. Materials and Methods: From May 2005 to Dec 2007, 35 tinnitus patients (48 ears) with normal hearing were encountered in our audiologic clinic. Pure tone and Bèkésy audiometry were performed. Results: Patients complained usually high tone pitch (66.7%). The correlation percentage between tinnitus frequency and dip frequency of pure tone audiogram is 74.3% (γ =0.60323) and that between tinnitus frequency and dip frequency of Bèkésy audiogram is 83.9% (γ =0.66867) in tinnitus patients with normal hearing. Conclusion: Tinnitus frequency is highly related to dip frequency in tinnitus patients with normal hearing. Bèkésy audiometer and additional high frequency audiometry should be more helpful in the tinnitus study. (J Clinical Otolaryngol 2008;19:36–42)

Heparin Induced Extracorporeal LDL Precipitation (H.E.L.P.) in Treatment of Tinnitus: A Randomised, Multicentre Trial

Background: At the beginning, cochlear tinnitus seems to arise from a dysfunction of cochlear outer hair cells. Similar to other inner ear disorders a disturbance of cochlear microcirculation is one of the most frequently discussed reasons. Animal studies and clinical evidence show a negative effect of high cholesterol and fibrinogen on hearing function. Acutely lowering serum LDL and fibrinogen by means of LDL and fibrinogen apheresis increases cochlear blood flow and has been proven to be effective in treatment of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Therefore we aimed to determine whether acute reduction of plasma fibrinogen and serum LDL is effective for treatment of subacute tinnitus. Methods: Between January, 2004 and December, 2006 we included patients of 18 through 80 years of age suffering from subacute cochlear tinnitus between 3 to 12 months on one or both ears and having serum LDL-cholesterol between 130 and 190 mg/dl. Tinnitus was evaluated using a standardised questionnaire designed by Goebel and Hiller. Patients meeting inclusion criteria were provided with the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor simvastatin 40 mg once daily for 3 months. This procedure was done due to ethical reasons to reduce cholesterol and LDL non invasively in a first step. After 3 months tinnitus was re-evaluated and patients were excluded from the study if severity fell by more than 20 on the tinnitus score. 27 included participants were randomly assigned in a one to one ratio either to triple fibrinogen/LDL apheresis or triple sham therapy. Differences between tinnitus score on the day of randomisation and after 12 weeks were used as main outcome measure. Development of tinnitus score after every treatment, differences in loudness and frequency of tinnitus (masking and matching) after every treatment and after 12 weeks and the development of hearing thresholds after 12 weeks were used as secondary outcome measures. Findings: Main outcome measure tinnitus score 12 weeks after first therapy showed no significant differences between the groups. Though, there was a strong tendency towards an relieve of tinnitus in the apheresis group (p = 0.069 for the difference of the baseline value and the 12 weeks value between apheresis vs sham-therapy). Neither pure tone thresholds after 12 weeks, nor tinnitus masking and matching after every therapy and after 12 weeks showed significant differences between the groups. Conclusions: In our study, all patients suffered from subacute tinnitus and tinnitus score was stable or slightly worse in the placebo group over time. The improvement of tinnitus score in the apheresis group – although not statistically significant – is therefore a remarkable observation. For a more conclusive evaluation of this observation further studies with a larger number of patients should be conducted.

Diagnostyka i leczenie szumów usznych na podstawie własnych doświadczeń

The aim of the study was to analise tinnitus diagnosis and treatment on the basis of our experiences. 137 patients hospitalizated in Otolaryngology and Laryngological Oncology Clinic because of tinnitus (88 women - 64% and 49 men - 35,8%) were included to the study. The diagnostic procedures were unified that enabled put forward correct diagnosis. After history and otoscopy, detailed audiologic diagnostic procedures (pure tone audiometry, suprathreshold audiometry, speech audiometry, acoustic immittance measures, auditory brainstem responses) were taken. Electronystagmography and videonystagmography, tinnitus loudness match, head and neck radiologic examinations supplemented diagnostic procedures. Alternative tinnitus treatment options were applied. Study confirmed that tinnitus is the most frequent in patients above 50 years old (67,8% of participants). Tinnitus frequently coexist with bilateral sensorineural hearing impairment (69,1% of participants). 40,1% from asalysed group of patients complained of tinnitus of medium frequencies and 30,6% of patients complained of high frequency tinnitus. 42,3% of participants suffered from vertigo. The risk of tinnitus increases in patients above 55 years old that suffer from metabolic conditions and cervical spondylosis. Tinnitus frequently coexist with bilateral sensorineural hearing impairment and are bilateral or they are noticeable in better hearing ear. The most beneficial to tinnitus is causal and symptomatic treatment with several methods application.

Feasibility of Auditory Cortical Stimulation for the Treatment of Tinnitus

To investigate the feasibility and safety of an implantable epidural cortical stimulator for the treatment of severe tinnitus. Prospective, controlled, single-blinded study of cortical stimulation for 4 weeks, and then an open-label stimulation period. Tertiary care referral center. Adults (n = 8) with constant tinnitus of at least 1 year with a tinnitus reaction questionnaire score greater than 33. Tinnitus was predominantly unilateral with a frequency less than 8,000 Hz. Surgical implantation of an investigational epidural electrode over the posterior superior temporal gyrus using functional magnetic resonance imaging targeting. A 2-week stimulation period alternated with a 2-week sham period in random order to which subjects were blinded. This was followed by continuous stimulation with parameter adjustments to maximize tinnitus suppression. Subjective rating of tinnitus severity, loudness, and device efficacy. Objective measures of hearing thresholds, tinnitus frequency, loudness, and minimum masking levels. Outcome measures using the Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaire, Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire, and Beck Depression Inventory. There were no effects of stimulation during the 4-week blinded period. With continuous chronic stimulation, 2 patients had persistent reduction of pure-tone tinnitus, and 6 patients had short periods of total tinnitus suppression. Significant improvements in the Beck Depression Inventory and tinnitus questionnaires were found, although objective measures of tinnitus loudness remained fairly stable. No surgical or stimulation-related complications were noted. Chronic electrical stimulation of the secondary auditory cortex seems safe and warrants further investigation as a potential therapeutic intervention for the suppression of tinnitus.

정상청력자에서 순음청력계기의 각 주파수별 발진음에 대한 의성어 표현： (2) 협대역잡음에 대하여

Background and Object: We have used the pure tone audiometer or tinnitometer for checking tinnitus pitch. And we have also used the pure tone of audiometer for tinnitus pitch checking. But if there was not suitable sound at the pure tone, we can use the narrow-band noise. So when we know the onomatopoeia of the narrowband noise of each frequency of audiometer, we can make a reverse use of presuming the tinnitus frequency of tinnitus patients. Subjects and Method: The most comfortable level sound of narrow-band noise of nine frequencies (125, 250, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, 6,000, 8,000 Hz) of the pure tone audiometer was given for 5 – 10 sec. to the 100 normal hearers (32 males, 68 females) of third decade, then let them to record the onomatopoeia of each sound. Result: 1) “pi:, pu (???? ), ph (u:u???? ), pha: , phw, phi: ” and “u (u???? ), hu:(???? ), hw, hi: , hui (???? )” distributed in 125 to 2,000 Hz indiscriminately. 2) “tu (???? ), th (u: ), t (u???? )” and “k (u???? ), kh (u: , u???? ), kh (w???? )” appeared at only 125 Hz. 3) “su (u???? ), sw (u: ), si (ik

Ocena skuteczności leczenia pacjentów z szumami usznymi za pomocą krioterapii ogólnoustrojowej

The aim of the study was evaluation of effectiveness of whole-body cryotherapy in patients with tinnitus. The research was carried out in 120 patients (aged 20-68) with tinnitus, divided into two groups: I--80 patients treated by cryotherapy and II--40 patients non treated. There were: 73 women and 47 men. Among patients of I group: 39 reported bilateral tinnitus, 20 reported right tinnitus, 15 reported left tinnitus and 6 reported tinnitus in head. Duration of the ailment took from 1 month to 23 years. The methods included: taking a history, otolaryngological physical examination, audiometry establishing level of tinnitus, medical consultation, X-ray examination of chest and cervical spine and CT of head. After examinations and additional consultations the patients were qualified for cryotherapy unless there were some contraindications. The patients underwent 10 procedures in two cycles with the weekend break. They were in cryochamber in temperature of -110 degrees C for 3 minutes. After cryotherapy they used kinesitherapy for 45 minutes. Intensity and troublesomeness of tinnitus was evaluated using self-assessment chart (point scale 0-100) and audiometry establishing level of tinnitus before and after treatment. The results indicates complete elimination of tinnitus in 4 patients, decrease in their intensity in 47 patients, maintenance of the ailment on the same level in 13 people and slightly increase of tinnitus in 16 patients. In audiometry we could observe in I group changes in frequency of tinnitus in 138 ears and changes in intensity of tinnitus in 91 ears. After treatment decrease of average hearing loss and average hearing damage were observed. Treatment of tinnitus may be effective by using whole-body cryotherapy.

A Modified Version of Tinnitus Retraining Therapy: Observing Long-Term Outcome and Predictors

Tinnitusretraining therapy (TRT) in Germany includes not only directive counseling and sound therapy but also stress management and facultative psychotherapeutic treatment. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of this modified version of TRT on certain tinnitus-related aspects of distress and variables that may predict treatment outcome. Clinical data from 92 patients undergoing outpatient TRT in the Charité Tinnitus Centre were evaluated retrospectively over 1 year. Treatment outcome was defined by changes in specific areas of tinnitus-related distress and assessed by the Tinnitus Questionnaire. Changes in audiometric frequency and loudness of tinnitus were examined by regular audiometric testing. The overall Tinnitus Questionnaire score was significantly reduced after 1 year. Severely affected tinnitus sufferers (decompensated tinnitus) profited more than less affected patients (compensated tinnitus). In cases of indicated psychotherapy, improvement was significant for the patients who took advantage of psychotherapeutic treatment during TRT but was not significant for those who interrupted or dismissed an indicated psychotherapy. Changes in tinnitus-specific areas of distress were most pronounced in the scales for emotional and cognitive distress and intrusiveness. Significant changes in sleep disturbances, auditory perceptual difficulties and somatic complaints were observed in patients with decompensated tinnitus. In patients with chronic tinnitus, modified TRT may lead to significant subjective improvement in certain tinnitus-related symptoms like emotional and cognitive distress and intrusiveness. Particularly patients suffering from severe tinnitus distress take advantage of therapy. Careful psychotherapeutic diagnostics and therapies and, if necessary, motivation to make use of psychotherapy seem to be essential preconditions for therapeutic success in patients with severe psychosomatic comorbidity.

정상청력자에서 순음청력계기의 각 주파수별 발진음에 대한 의성어 표현: (1) 순음에 대하여

Background and Objectives: The most useful tool for checking tinnitus frequency is pure tone audiometer. If we know the onomatopoeia of each frequency sound of pure tone audiometer in normal hearers, we can make a reverse use of presuming the tinnitus frequency of tinnitus patients. Subjects and Methods: To the 100 normal hearers (33 ears of 32 males, 72 ears of 68 females) of third decade, the most comfortable level sound of each frequncy (125, 250, 500, 1k, 2k, 3k, 4k, 6k and 8 kHz) of the pure tone audiometer was given for 5-10 seconds, then let them to record the onomatopoiea of each sound. Results: 1) “pwu:, pwug, pu:, pu:????, pu????, pi????” and “tu:, tu????” are expressed at 125 and 250 Hz. 2) “i:, i????, u:, u????, w????, ui????” are presented 59.7% at low tones of 125, 250 and 500 Hz. 3) “p’u:, p’u????, p’o, p’i:, p’i????, p’i:k, phi:, phi????” belong to 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 Hz in 66.2%. 4) “ts’i:, ts’ik, ts’i????, shi, shi????, shik” come under high tones of 4000 to 8000 Hz as 80% but no under low tones. 5) “k’i:, k’i:k, k’ik, k’i????” appear at only 6000 and 8000 Hz. 6) “t’i, t’u:, t’u????” are distributed at all test frequencies except 125, 1000 and 8000 Hz. 7) “shi, shi , shik, ts’i:, ts’ik, ts’i????” are stastically predomi-nant in male at 8 kHz. Conclusion: We can suggest that it is reasonable to use the onomatopoeia of each fre-quency sound of the pure tone audiometer assuming the expression sound of tinnitus. (J Clinical Otolaryngol 2006;17:106-113)

オージオグラムの型と耳鳴周波数から検討した耳鳴局在に関する検討

The relationship between tinnitus and hearing loss has been studied previously. In this paper, we examined the relationship of tinnitus frequencies, pure tone audiometric patterns and diseases causing hearing loss. As a result, we reconfirmed the strong relationship between tinnitus frequency and hearing loss, and considered that analysis of tinnitus frequency, pure tone audiometric pattern, and the disease causing the hearing loss can be used to suggest the lesion location.