Tinnitus Handicap Inventory Questionnaire Research Articles

Evaluation of Subjective Tinnitus Severity and Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions and Extended High-Frequency Audiometry.

Tinnitus is a multifactorial phenomenon with quality-of-life detriments for those affected by it. We aim to establish a relationship between subjective tinnitus severity with objective audiometric data in the extended high frequency (EHF) from 9 to 16 khz and with distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE). We hypothesize that severe subjective tinnitus as measured by the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) does not correlate with increased hearing thresholds in the EHF range. Prospective. Single Tertiary Care Center. Patients identified with tinnitus and normal hearing thresholds within standard frequency range (250-8000 Hz) were consented for participation. Those with underlying otologic disease, trauma, radiotherapy, or ototoxic drug use were excluded. The THI questionnaire was given to eligible patients and audiometric test results were collected. THI scores were categorized by severity groups. An n = 20 to 30 was determined to have an effect size of 0.7 with a significance level of P = .05. THI and audiometric data were collected for 38 patients and categorized into mild (n = 18, 47.4%), moderate (n = 8, 21.1%), slight (n = 7, 18.4%), and severe (n = 5, 13.2%) tinnitus severity groups. Mean THI score was 32.3 ± 19.6 with a statistically significant difference in scores by assigned THI severity group (P < .01). There were no significant differences or linear relationship among hearing thresholds in EHF range or DPOAE stratified by subjective tinnitus group (P = .49, r2 = 0.10) CONCLUSION: Subjective tinnitus severity is not predictive of audiometric outcomes. This finding can be used as a counseling tool to help tinnitus patients manage symptoms, expectations, and overall treatment outcomes.

Left prefrontal intermittent theta burst stimulation ameliorates tinnitus distress and symptoms of depression – A feasibility study

Tinnitus remains a notoriously difficult to treat clinical entity. 1–2% of the entire population report relevant emotional distress due to tinnitus, and causal treatments are lacking. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), most commonly of auditory cortical areas, has shown mixed results in the past. Prefrontal rTMS, including intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) has shown more promising results in the treatment of depression, and clinical data suggests a meaningful overlap between tinnitus and depression. Therefore, we performed a feasibility study of 28 consecutive patients with tinnitus treated with an iTBS protocol over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex for three weeks.After treatment, we observed significant ameliorations of tinnitus distress as measured by the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory Questionnaire (THI), the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI), the Mini-Tinnitus Questionnaire (Mini-TQ) and also of depression as measured by the Major Depression Inventory (MDI). Effect sizes were small to moderate and short-lived. Treatment response rates, defined as improvement of the THI of at least 7 points, were 35.7%. At follow-up twelve weeks after end of treatment, severity of tinnitus and depression returned to approximately baseline level on a descriptive level. Amelioration of depressive symptoms correlated only with TFI change, but not that of other measures of tinnitus distress. The data suggest that a prefrontal iTBS protocol might be applied in the treatment of tinnitus and open avenues for future neurostimulatory treatments other than those of auditory regions.

Investigation of Tinnitus Counseling Requirements and Derivation of Counseling Topics through Focus Group Interviews with Tinnitus Patients

Purpose: This study investigated the understanding of tinnitus, counseling requirements, and reduced quality of life of tinnitus patients to derive topics and collect data that can be used to counsel these patients. Methods: Out of 79 tinnitus patients recruited to complete the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory questionnaire, 74 who met the score criteria were selected for evaluation. These patients were separated into groups according to the degree of tinnitus (mild, moderate, severe, or catastrophic) and their scores. Each group of patients participated in a focus group interview consisting of three to six individuals with the same degree of tinnitus. The interview consisted of three questions to obtain basic data regarding tinnitus counseling and five questions to identify experiences related to the decreasing quality of life attributable to tinnitus. Results: A total of 68 main themes were identified through the focus group interviews. The main themes with the highest frequencies for each question were as follows: of the 827 responses, 151 (18.3%) were treatments and relief methods; 126 (15.2%), information each participant want to know; 121 (14.6%), information each participant already know and emotional difficulties, respectively; 97 (11.7%), concentration difficulties; 91 (11.0%), hearing difficulties; 90 (10.9%), sleeping difficulties; and 30 (3.6%), other difficulties. Conclusion: This study collected information regarding tinnitus patients' understanding of their condition, their counseling requirements, and the difficulties they experience because of tinnitus. Therefore, it provides specific guidelines for counseling topics that hearing professionals can refer to when providing information about tinnitus and providing counseling to address these patients' problems effectively.

Audiological follow-up in transplant patients treated with calcineurin immunosuppressants "Calcineurin inhibitors and Ototoxicity".

Ototoxicity is a side effect of drugs and medications that usually leads to bilateral and symmetric sensorineural hearing loss that commonly affects the high-frequency range initially, with or preceded by tinnitus. Possible ototoxic side effects of calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressants have been suggested, but this remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate audiological changes in patients undergoing transplantation receiving immunosuppressive treatment with calcineurin inhibitors. Prospective cohort study. Adult patients undergoing liver or kidney transplantation treated with calcineurin inhibitors were included. Pure-tone audiometry, distortion product otoacoustic emissions, and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory questionnaire were completed at baseline, one, three, and six months after transplantation. Hearing thresholds were compared and correlated with plasma concentrations of calcineurin inhibitors. Seventeen patients were included, 59% males, with a median age of 54.7 years (29-68 years). Twelve patients underwent liver transplantation, four underwent kidney transplantation, and one patient underwent both. The medianfollow-up was 5.8 months (4-8 months). Significant pure-tone average shifts were observed in two patients. Both cases presented fluctuations in their hearing levels, which were not bilateral or symmetrical and affected the higher frequencies. All patients received tacrolimus within the therapeutic range during the follow-up period. Three different patients exceeded the expected range once; however, they were rapidly corrected and did not correlate with any changes in hearing. It appears that tacrolimus does not cause hearing loss when levels are within the therapeutic range for a follow-up period of six months post-transplantation.

Cochlear implantation in single-sided deafness: a single-center experience of 138 cases.

Assess the outcomes in patients who underwent cochlear implant (CI) for single-sided deafness (SSD). All patients affected by SSD who underwent CI at Gruppo Otologico, Piacenza, from October 2012 to May 2022 with at least 6months of follow-up were selected in the study group. The analysis included subjective and objective measures performed pre-operative and up to 24months after surgery. Hearing threshold on both sides was evaluated with a weighted four-frequency average (PTA [0.5kHz + 1kHz + 2kHz + 4kHz]/4) on pure tone audiometry and speech audiometry (Speech Discrimination Score, SDS). The Speech Spatial and Qualities of Hearing scale (SSQ Questionnaire) for binaural hearing benefits and sound localization, the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory Questionnaire (THI) and Dizziness Handicap Inventory Questionnaire (DHI) were used for subjective assessment. Data from 138 patients, 69 males and 69 females, (mean age 49years, range 17-77years) underwent CI for SSD were examined. Single-sided hearing deprivation average before undergoing CI surgery was 2.5years (range 3months-35years). There was a significant reduction of THI and DHI scores compared to pre-operative scores alongside a referred improvement in social, physical, and emotional well-being through the SSQ questionnaire. To the best of our knowledge, this paper descried the largest cohort of SSD who underwent CI in a single institution. According to our findings CI in patients affected by SSD represents a valuable tool for an overall improvement of tinnitus and dizziness but also quality of life, after at least 6months of follow-up. Further studies are desirable to improve rehabilitation pathways and possibly set new standards of care of this condition.

Effect of Tinnitus on Sleep Quality and Insomnia.

Introduction Tinnitus is a conscious perception of a sound resulting from abnormal activity within the nervous system. A relevant percentage of tinnitus patients report symptoms severe enough to significantly affect quality of life, including sleep disorders. Objective To analyze the sleep quality, insomnia, daytime sleepiness, and risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in participants with tinnitus. Methods The sample comprised 18 adults and older adults aged between 18 and 85 years old (mean age = 58.7 ± 17.5 years old), females and males, with complaint of continuous tinnitus for > 1 month. The instruments used were the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) questionnaire, the Insomnia Severity Index, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and the STOP-Bang questionnaire. Results By means of the THI questionnaire, the tinnitus severity degree reported by most participants was mild (27.8%) and moderate (27.8%), having a positive (r = 0.582) and significant (0.011) correlation to sleep quality, measured by means of the Pittsburgh questionnaire. There was a positive correlation between the Insomnia Severity Index and tinnitus handicap (r = 0.499; p = 0.035). A total of 72.2% of the participants self-assessed their sleep quality as poor, in addition to moderate insomnia (27.8%), although there is low risk of OSA (66.7%), without complaints of excessive daytime sleepiness (72.2%). Conclusion Subjects with tinnitus complaint self-rated their sleep quality as poor. Moreover, the higher the reported tinnitus handicap, the greater the symptoms of insomnia. There was no influence of tinnitus in relation to daytime sleepiness and no relationship between the severity of tinnitus and the risk of OSA.

The Effect of Electrical Stimulation Therapy on Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Patients with Tinnitus.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of electric stimulation therapy on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in patients with tinnitus. Materials and methods: In this before-after clinical trial study, 45 patients aged 30-80 years old with tinnitus were involved. The hearing threshold, loudness, and frequency of tinnitus were assessed. Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) questionnaire was completed by the patients. Before holding electrical stimulation sessions, the patients were evaluated for serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level. Patients underwent five electrical stimulation sessions of 20min for 5 consecutive days. After completion of electrical stimulation session, THI questionnaire was re-completed by the patients and they were evaluated for serum BDNF level. Results: Mean BDNF level before and after the intervention was (1238 ± 494.2) and (1148.2 ± 496.7), respectively (P = 0.04). Mean loudness score before and after the intervention was (6.36 ± 1.47) and (5.27 ± 1.68), respectively (P = 0.01). Mean THI score before and after the intervention was (58.21 ± 11.8) and (53.17 ± 15.19), respectively (p = 0.01). In patients with severe THI1, there was a significant difference between serum BDNF level (p = 0.019) and loudness (p = 0.003) before and after the intervention. However, in patients with mild, moderate, and very severe THI1, no such effect was observed (p > 0.05). Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, electrical stimulation therapy significantly decreased the mean plasma BDNF level in patients with tinnitus, especially in patients with severe tinnitus so it can be used as a marker to define the response to treatment and determine the severity of tinnitus in primary evaluations.

A study of efficacy of Nigella sativa in treatment of Meniere's disease: A randomized, placebo controlled clinical trial

PurposeMeniere's disease (MD), first introduced by Prosper Meniere, is characterized mainly by vertigo, tinnitus, aural fullness and sensorineural hearing loss. Though the exact pathophysiology of MD is unknown, immunologic and inflammatory interactions are possible underlying mechanisms involved in MD. This study is aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effect of Nigella sativa on MD as a therapeutic agent. MethodsWe divided 40 patients with definite MD into two groups of 20 cases. The study group received 1 g of Nigella sativa oil daily for three months and the control group received a placebo. Changes in hearing, tinnitus and vertigo were estimated by pure tone audiometry, tinnitus handicap inventory questionnaire and dizziness handicap inventory questionnaire, respectively. ResultsAt the end of the study we did not observe any significant improvement in study's group hearing threshold, tinnitus and vertigo compared to the control group. ConclusionsIn this study, statistical analysis showed that Nigella sativa failed to improve signs and symptoms of MD. However, further investigations with a larger study population are needed to ascertain the current conclusion.

Impact of occupational noise on the postural control of older adults

Introduction: The studies on the consequences of noise to the auditory system are well documented, particularly in workers’ health. Nevertheless, few studies in the field yet have related postural control to occupational noise exposure. Objective: To investigate the association between the history of occupational noise and the postural control in older adults. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study that included individuals of both sexes older than 60 years. All of them had their postural control assessed on a force platform. The occupational noise was assessed with an audiological anamnesis questionnaire. The hearing loss was assessed using the pure-tone threshold audiometry. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory questionnaire was used to quantify the impact of tinnitus on daily life of the older adults. Results: 90 older adults (87.8% women, 70[64-75] years old) were analyzed. The history of occupational noise exposure was associated with a worse postural control in older adults, regardless of the person’s age (ANCOVA; P &lt; 0.05). Moreover, the greater the hearing loss, the greater the body instability of the older adults (r≤0.36 for all). Finally, postural control was related to tinnitus presenting correlations with catastrophic Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (r = 0.314; P = 0.038) and functional Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (r = 0.430; P = 0.010). Conclusion: Postural control of older adults is related to the history of occupational noise exposure, hearing loss and tinnitus impact on older adult’s daily life.

Comparing the Efficacy of Amitriptyline and Melatonin on Tinnitus Treatment

Background: Tinnitus is described as the perception of sounds occurring in one or both ears or inside the human head without external auditory stimuli. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of amitriptyline and melatonin in the treatment of tinnitus. Methods: This study was a randomized double-blind clinical trial of 60 patients referred to the neurology clinics of Kashani and Al-Zahra hospitals in Isfahan, Iran in 2020. Each patient was randomly assigned 1 code. Patients first filled in the tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) and visual analogue scales (VAS) questionnaires and were given either one of the two drugs (melatonin and amitriptyline) for 6 weeks. After collecting the desired information using an independent t test and paired t test in SPSS 26 software and error level of 0.05 the results were analyzed. Results: Thirty patients were in the amitriptyline group and 30 patients were in the melatonin group, of which 25 were men (41.7%) and 35 were women (58.3%) with a minimum age of 18 years and a maximum of 65 years. There was no significant difference between the reduction of tinnitus before and after taking the drugs based on VAS scale in amitriptyline and melatonin groups (P=0.234), however there was a significant difference between the effect of two amitriptyline and melatonin drugs on the reduction of tinnitus based on the THI questionnaire (P=0.018). Conclusion: The rate of tinnitus in patients decreased for 6 weeks with the use of amitriptyline and melatonin, but amitriptyline had a better effect on reducing the complications and pain of tinnitus.

The effects of tinnitus on the patients' quality of life

Introduction: Tinnitus can be considered a common complaint that may significantly affect the patients’ quality of life. Tinnitus may be examined based on the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) questionnaire. Method: The current study involved a total of 559 patients with primary tinnitus who have filled in the validated Hungarian version of the THI questionnaire. The collected data were analysed using the IBM SPSS V24 software. Results: According to sociographic variables, a mild female dominance was observed in the study population, while the average age of the tinnitus sufferers was about 60 years. In terms of laterality of the complaint, left and bilateral tinnitus dominated (39.1% and 40%). The median value was 22 months, considering the duration of the onset of the symptoms. By analysing the categories of the THI questionnaire, it was seen that the ratio of patients categorised into normal handicap was approximately 24% and that most patients were categorized into the mild handicap category (36.1%). In contrast, only 5.5% of patients reported a severe handicap. There was a significant difference between the values of all three groups (p<0.0001*, Kruskal–Wallis test), comparing the values of the individual subscores (functional, emotional, and catastrophic). Conclusion: The use of the THI questionnaire is essential to assess the deterioration in the quality of life caused by tinnitus.

Is Serum Uric Acid Level a Prognostic Value for Tinnitus Severity?

Objective: Tinnitus is a disease that concerns a large part of society and its pathophysiology and etiology have not been exactly clarified. This study will investigate the association between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and idiopathic subjective tinnitus. Material and Methods: Ninety-one tinnitus patients and 45 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups as mild tinnitus and severe tinnitus according to the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory questionnaire. They underwent otolaryngologic examination, routine hematological and biochemical analyses, pure tone audiometry, doppler ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging to exclude possible causes of tinnitus. Patients with abnormalities in any test result were excluded from the study. The blood test results were statistically compared between the groups. Results: Except for SUA levels, no significant difference was found between groups in any blood test results (p&gt;0.05). Significant differences among the groups were determined in SUA levels (p=0.001). SUA levels were found to be significantly higher in the severe tinnitus group than in the mild tinnitus or control group (p=0.002, p=0.001). However, there is no statistically significant difference between the mild tinnitus group and the control group (p=0.617). Conclusion: In this study, it was observed that there was a clear correlation between higher SUA levels and severe tinnitus. But this association did not reveal SUA levels as an accurate biological marker for tinnitus. It could only be utilized as a marker of disease severity. Further studies will help to reveal the exact relation.

Hearing Aid Effects and Satisfaction in Patients with Tinnitus.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of and satisfaction with hearing aids as a treatment option for tinnitus with hearing loss. Methods: This retrospective study used the tinnitus handicap inventory (THI), the satisfaction with amplification in daily life (SADL) questionnaire, and a medical chart review. A total of 116 patients treated between August 2018 and December 2020 were included. All patients with tinnitus and hearing loss underwent the same counseling sessions. Sixty patients chose to have hearing aids fitted (aided group), whereas 56 patients chose not to (non-aided group). Both the groups had similar audiometric configurations, durations of tinnitus, and ages. Structured interviews were performed, with various measures evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) and the THI questionnaire, before and six months after fitting the hearing aids. The SADL questionnaire was administered 6 months after fitting the hearing aids. Results: The patients’ THI scores reduced 6 months after the counseling, but the improvement in the THI scores was only significant in the group that received hearing aids. There were significant differences between the VAS scores of the two groups, and the changes in the VAS scores in the groups were statistically different. Subjective satisfaction with a hearing aid increased with improvements to tinnitus-related discomfort. Conclusion: The study’s results indicated that patients with hearing loss and tinnitus can be treated with hearing aids and counseling.

A Comparative Study of the Effectiveness of Anticonvulscants in the Treatment of Tinnitus

Introduction: Tinnitus is defined perception of an audiological sensory impulse in the absence of any external force. There are various causes considered for the pathophysiology of tinnitus but none are established. Carbamazepine is a commonly used anti-epileptic drug that functions by depressing the CNS response to excitatory stimuli. Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter throughout the central nervous system and is also expressed in the inner ear. Piracetam is a commonly used anti-epileptic that is known to increase cerebral blood flow and perfusion. Methods: A group of 80 patients were evaluated by taking a detailed history and a subjective assessment of the tinnitus using Tinnitus Handicap Inventory Questionnaire. The patients were followed up for 3 months and were assessed with Pure Tone Audiometry both pre and post treatment to evaluate which drug is better. The patients were randomized into 3 groups and one control group. Each group consisted of 20 patients. Results: The study consisted of 46 males and 34 females. A significant difference was seen when the results of group A and C were compared with p-value 0.00512, 0.00512 and 0.0083 and U value 0, 0 and 1 showing improvement from severe to moderate, moderate to mild and mild to normal. A comparison of group A and D showed a significant change from severe to moderate, moderate to mild and mild to normal with p-value 0.00512, 0.00512 and 0.0512 respectively and U values 0, 0 and 0 respectively. Conclusions: In our study, we concluded that use of Piracetam helps in reducing tinnitus and the treatment should continue as long it persists. Thus, Piracetam and Gabapentin are effective as a modality of treatment in suppressing tinnitus according to this study. We hope that our outcomes will be helpful for patients suffering from chronic tinnitus.

Clinical Findings That Differentiate Co-Occurrence of Hyperacusis and Tinnitus from Tinnitus Alone.

We aimed to assess the characteristics of patients with concurrent tinnitus and hyperacusis, determine the best audiological criteria for predicting hyperacusis, and confirm whether objective evidence of changes in the brain exists. The medical records of patients with tinnitus who visited the hospital between March 2020 and December 2021 were reviewed. Data on accompanying hyperacusis, audiological profiles, and questionnaires including the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Beck Depression Inventory, and numerical rating scale were analyzed. Resting-state quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) using power spectral density (PSD) and event-related spectral perturbation (ERSP) were performed to objectively quantify changes in the brain. A total of 194 patients were analyzed. Among them, 51 (26.3%) reported combined subjective hyperacusis with tinnitus. However, the proportions widely varied from 7.4% to 68.4% based on three audiological criteria for assessment. A higher score on the THI questionnaire was independently associated with the co-occurrence of tinnitus and hyperacusis. Fair agreement was observed between subjective hyperacusis and the audiological criterion based on a loudness discomfort level (LDL) of ≤90 dB at two or more frequencies for the diagnosis of hyperacusis. An increased beta-PSD and decreased levels of gamma-PSD, all-ERSP, and delta-ERSP were observed in patients with hyperacusis (p<0.05). Patients with co-occurring tinnitus and hyperacusis had more severe tinnitus distress. An LDL of ≤90 dB at two or more frequencies may be applicable to predict accompanying hyperacusis in subjects with tinnitus, and qEEG also provides more objective information.

Association Of Tinnitus With Depression And Anxiety In Hypertensive Patients

Background: Tinnitus is a condition that can be objective or subjective. The form of tinnitus most often associated with psychosocial co-morbidities is subjective tinnitus.Objective: The aim of our study was to determine the association of tinnitus with depression and anxiety in hypertensive patients.Methodology: It was cross sectional study. A total of 159 (100) % patients with hypertension were screened for presence of tinnitus in medical outpatient department of district headquarter hospital Vehari from July 2020 to March 2021. All of them were asked to complete a standardized Tinnitus handicap inventory questionnaire (THI) to assess severity of tinnitus followed by otoscopy. Depression and anxiety were measured using the Beck depression and anxiety inventories.Results: Tinnitus is strongly linked to anxiety and depression, according to the findings.Conclusions: All tinnitus patients should be screened for mental illness because of the strong connection between tinnitus, depression, and anxiety. These complex disorders should be handled by a multidisciplinary team that includes cognitive behavioral treatment and likely pharmacological therapy.

Validation of a Moroccan Arabic Version of the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI-M).

Cultural adaptation of the tinnitus handicap inventory questionnaire to the Moroccan dialect version. We conducted a prospective study over a 3 years period (January 2017-January 2020) in the Otolaryngology Department of Casablanca University hospital. Translation was produced by a forward-backward procedure with analysis of the psychometric properties of the Moroccan version of the tinnitus handicap inventory. The final Moroccan version of Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) was given to 83 otosclerosis patients suffering from tinnitus. They filled the questionnaire twice before surgery and 1 year after surgery.The item-total correlations are all statistically significant (p < 0.001) and vary between 0.279 (item 15) and 0.817 (item 12).The internal consistency of the Moroccan version of THI, assessed through Cronbach's α, was found to be excellent at 0.953. The interclass correlation showed an excellent reliability for all subscales (0.999-1).THI scores decreased significantly from baseline to 1-year postoperative follow-up on all subscale scores, indicating clinical improvement. The Moroccan version of THI has a good reliability comparable with translations in other languages and the original version. It is a valid tool to assess tinnitus improvement after otosclerosis surgery.

Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAEs) In Tinnitus Patients.

Introduction Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the absence of external sound stimulation. There is a general agreement that it is a direct consequence of irreversible and permanent cochlear damage. Objectives The present work is designed to study the distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) in tinnitus patients with normal hearing in comparison with normal hearing control and to study any possible correlation between DPOAEs recording and patients' complaints. Methods The present study included 80 subjects divided into 2 groups: Control group: consisted of 30 normal-hearing adults not complaining of tinnitus and Study group: consisted of 50 normal-hearing adults complaining of tinnitus. The methodology includes full audiological history, otoscopic examination, basic audiological evaluation, DPOAEs including both DP-gram and DPOAEs input/output functions. Results Basic audiological evaluation showed within normal hearing sensitivity in both groups, however, with significant higher hearing thresholds in tinnitus patients at all frequency ranges. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory Questionnaire showed mean scores of 35.2 ± 16.9 in the study group. The DP-gram showed higher amplitudes in the control group when compared with tinnitus patients. The DPOAEs input-output functions at different frequencies (1, 2, 4 and 6kHz) also showed higher amplitudes at all frequencies and different input levels. The slope of the I/O function tends to be steeper in tinnitus cases. Conclusion Patients with tinnitus might have neural dysfunction at either the level of the cochlea, as shown in reduced DPOAE levels, and changes in the normal DP-I/O function recorded in the present work.

Cognitive Communicative Abilities in Tinnitus Patients with Normal Hearing

Background: Tinnitus is a bothersome complain , some studies show that 13-18 percent of the people suffer from tinnitus, almost 5 percent of which, have chronic or bothersome tinnitus. Chronic tinnitus may be accompanied by anxiety, depression, insomnia, and impairment in cognitive functions such as memory and attention.The Aim of this Study: To compare the auditory memory and auditory attention between two groups with and without tinnitus all of them have normal hearing.Methods: This study were performed on 30 tinnitus patients (10 men and 20 women) aged from 20 to 50 years old and 30 healthy volunteers (12 men and 18 women) aged from 21 to 50 years old with normal hearing thresholds. Pure tone audiometry (PTA), auditory continuous performance test (ACPT), Memory for recognition (MR), memory for content (MC) and memory for sequence (MS) were employed for all participants. Tinnitus evaluation and tinnitus handicap inventory questionnaire (THI) was done for the study group only.Results: Comparing the results of ACPT between study and control groups show no statistically significant difference. While comparing the results of memory battery test between both groups were statistically highly significant.Conclusion: Tinnitus decreased the memory battery test scores at the study group in comparison with the control group. Auditory continuous performance test (ACPT) results show no difference between study and control group. Duration of tinnitus affect significantly ACPT results. Bilateral tinnitus affects memory for sequence results. While loudness decreased results of memory for recognition.

Analysis of the audiological characteristics and comorbidity in patients with chronic tinnitus.

Tinnitus is defined as perception of a sound without sound stimulation. This study aims to investigate the correlation between chronic tinnitus and the most significant clinical comorbidities and pharmacological treatments. We recruited 130 consecutive outpatients with a tinnitus for least from three months and 100 subjects without tinnitus. All patients had a full medical and audiological evaluation and all filled in Tinnitus Handicap Inventory questionnaire and Khalfa’s Hyperacusis questionnaire. We also analyzed the qualitative variables: audiometry exam, tinnitus characteristics and psychometric questionnaires. Univariate logistic regression was performed to evaluate the associations between the presence of tinnitus and the presence of comorbidities and drug intake. The statistical analysis provided the following results in the group of patients with tinnitus. We obtained an Odds Ratio statistically significant for the following categories taken into consideration: the presence of anxiety and depression, neurological diseases, headache, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, intake of levothyroxine and proton-pump inhibitor. In this study, we tried to evaluate the audiological characteristics in the subjects affected by chronic tinnitus in order to find a possible correlation with the comorbidities and any drugs intake. We found a statistically significant correlation between tinnitus and comorbidities like anxiety, depression, TMJ disorders, dysthyroidism, headache and levothyroxine and PPI intake.