ORCID Profile
0000-0002-8845-2401
Current Organisations
Flinders University
,
The University of Auckland
,
University College London
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Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 28-07-2017
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-08-2022
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 11-09-2015
DOI: 10.3109/17483107.2015.1079266
Abstract: It has been suggested that frequency lowering may be a superior tinnitus reducing digital signal processing (DSP) strategy in hearing aids than conventional lification. A crossover trial was undertaken to determine if frequency compression (FC) was superior to wide dynamic range compression (WDRC) in reducing tinnitus. A 6-8-week crossover trial of two digital signal-processing techniques (WDRC and 2 WDRC with FC) was undertaken in 16 persons with high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss and chronic tinnitus. WDRC resulted in larger improvements in Tinnitus Functional Index and rating scale scores than WDRC with FC. The tinnitus improvements obtained with both processing types appear to be due to reduced hearing handicap and possibly decreased tinnitus audibility. Hearing aids are useful assistive devices in the rehabilitation of tinnitus. FC was very successful in a few in iduals but was not superior to WDRC across the s le. It is recommended that WDRC remain as the default first choice tinnitus hearing aid processing strategy for tinnitus. FC should be considered as one of the many other options for selection based on in idual hearing needs. Implications of Rehabilitation Hearing aids can significantly reduce the effects of tinnitus after 6-8 weeks of use. Addition of frequency compression digital signal processing does not appear superior to standard litude compression alone. Improvements in tinnitus were correlated with reductions in hearing handicap.
Publisher: Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Date: 09-2013
DOI: 10.3766/JAAA.24.8.11
Abstract: Background: Tinnitus can have a devastating impact on the quality of life of the sufferer. Although the mechanisms underpinning tinnitus remain uncertain, hearing loss is often associated with its onset, and hearing aids are among the most commonly used tools for its management. Purpose: To conduct a scoping review to explore the role of hearing aids in tinnitus management. Research Design: Scoping review based on the six-stage framework of Arksey and O'Malley (2005). Study S le: Relevant studies were identified using various databases (Scopus, Google Scholar, SpringerLink, and PubMed) and hand searching of journals and a reference list of articles. Out of 277 shortlisted articles, 29 studies (18 research studies and 11 reviews) were chosen for charting of data based on their abstracts. Data Collection and Analysis: Tinnitus assessment measures used in studies were recorded along with changes in their scores. Measures used in studies included the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaire (THQ), Tinnitus Severity Index (TSI), Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire (TRQ), German version of Tinnitus Questionnaire (TQ), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and visual analogue scale (VAS) of tinnitus intensity. Where possible Cohen's d effect size statistic was calculated. Results: Although the quality of evidence for hearing aids' effect on tinnitus is not strong, the weight of evidence (17 research studies for, 1 against) suggests merit in using hearing aids for tinnitus management. Conclusions: The majority of studies reviewed support the use of hearing aids for tinnitus management. Clinicians should feel reassured that some evidence shows support for the use of hearing aids for treating tinnitus, but there is still a need for stronger methodology and randomized control trials.
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 02-10-2020
DOI: 10.1101/2020.10.02.20173237
Abstract: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) aims to induce cortical plasticity by modulating the activity of brain structures. The broad stimulation pattern, which is one of the main limitations of tDCS, can be overcome with the recently developed technique called High-Definition tDCS (HD-TDCS). Investigation of the effect of HD-tDCS on tinnitus in a large patient cohort. This prospective study included 117 patients with chronic, subjective, non-pulsatile tinnitus who received six sessions of anodal HD-tDCS of the right Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC). Therapy effects were assessed by use of a set of standardized tinnitus questionnaires filled out at the pre-therapy (T pre ), post-therapy (T 3w ) and follow-up visit (T 10w ). Besides collecting the questionnaire data, the perceived effect (i.e. self-report) was also documented at T 10w . The Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) and Tinnitus Questionnaire (TQ) total scores improved significantly over time (p TFI .01 p TQ .01), with the following significant post-hoc comparisons: T pre vs. T 10w (p TFI .05 p TQ .05) and T 3w vs. T 10w (p TFI .01 p TQ .01). The percentage of patients reporting an improvement of their tinnitus at T 10w was 47%. Further analysis revealed a significant effect of gender with female patients showing a larger improvement on the TFI and TQ (p TFI .01 p TQ .05). The current study reported the effects of HD-tDCS in a large tinnitus population. HD-tDCS of the right DLPFC resulted in a significant improvement of the tinnitus perception, with a larger improvement for the female tinnitus patients.
Publisher: Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Date: 07-2018
DOI: 10.3766/JAAA.16171
Abstract: The effects of treatments on tinnitus have been difficult to quantify. The Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) has been proposed as a standard questionnaire for measurement of tinnitus treatment outcomes. For a questionnaire to achieve wide acceptance, its psychometric properties need to be confirmed in different populations. To determine if the TFI is a reliable and valid measure of tinnitus, and if its psychometric properties are suitable for use as an outcome measure. A psychometric evaluation of the TFI from secondary data obtained from a cross-sectional clinic survey and a clinical trial undertaken in New Zealand. Confirmatory factor analysis and evaluation of internal consistency reliability were undertaken on a s le of 318 patients with the primary complaint of tinnitus. In a separate s le of 40 research volunteers, test–retest reliability, convergent and ergent validity were evaluated. Both s les consisted of predominantly older Caucasian male patients with tinnitus. The internal structure of the original US TFI was confirmed. The Cronbach’s Alpha and Intraclass correlation coefficients were .7 for the TFI overall and each of its subscales, indicating high internal consistency and test–retest reliability. Strong Pearson correlations with the Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaire and tinnitus numerical rating scales indicated excellent convergent validity, and a moderate correlation with the Hearing Handicap Inventory, indicated moderate ergent validity. Evaluation of the clinical trial showed good test–retest reliability and agreement between no-treatment baselines with a smallest detectable change of 4.8 points. The TFI is a reliable and valid measure of tinnitus severity in the population tested and is responsive to treatment-related change. Further research as to the TFI’s responsiveness to treatment is needed across different populations.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 08-11-2013
Abstract: Background. The perception of sound in the absence of an external sound is tinnitus. Tinnitus can have a severe negative impact on quality of life. Objective. This trial investigated whether multisession anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the left temporoparietal area would enhance sound therapy from hearing aids. Methods. Forty participants (mean age = 54 years) experiencing chronic tinnitus (minimum 2 years) completed a 7-month long double-blind randomized clinical trial. Participants were randomized into 2 groups: control receiving sham tDCS and experimental receiving tDCS. Each group underwent multisession (5 consecutive sessions with 24-hour gap) anodal tDCS (2 mA intensity and 20 minutes duration) of the left temporoparietal area, followed by hearing aid use for 6 months. The impact of tDCS and hearing aid use on tinnitus was assessed using questionnaires (primary measure: Tinnitus Functional Index) and minimum masking level measurement. Results. There was a significant reduction in the overall Tinnitus Functional Index score with time, F(2, 37) = 11.9, P = .0001, for both the groups. Similar patterns were seen for secondary measures. tDCS appeared to have a positive effect on minimum masking levels but not questionnaire responses. Conclusions. After 3 months of hearing aid use, there were significant improvements in tinnitus, which were sustained at 6 months of use. The hearing aid effects appeared independent of tDCS. Further investigations of tDCS or other neuromodulators priming the auditory system for sound therapy based tinnitus treatments are warranted.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1155/2017/2723715
Abstract: Background. There is no universally accepted definition for hyperacusis, but in general it is characterised by decreased sound tolerance to ordinary environmental sounds. Despite hyperacusis being prevalent and having significant clinical implications, much remains unknown about current management strategies. Purpose. To establish the current position of research on hyperacusis and identify research gaps to direct future research. Design and S le. Using an established methodological framework, electronic and manual searches of databases and journals identified 43 records that met our inclusion criteria. Incorporating content and thematic analysis approaches, the definitions of hyperacusis, management strategies, and outcome measures were catalogued. Results . Only 67% of the studies provided a definition of hyperacusis, such as “reduced tolerance” or “oversensitivity to sound.” Assessments and outcome measures included Loudness Discomfort Levels, the Hyperacusis Questionnaire, and Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) interview. Management strategies reported were Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, TRT, devices, pharmacological therapy, and surgery. Conclusions . Management strategies were typically evaluated in patients reporting hyperacusis as a secondary complaint or as part of a symptom set. As such the outcomes reported only provided an indication of their effectiveness for hyperacusis. Randomised Controlled Trials are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of management strategies for patients experiencing hyperacusis.
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2021
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-02-2013
DOI: 10.1007/S00405-013-2375-6
Abstract: Tinnitus is the phantom perception of sounds. No single theory explaining the cause of tinnitus enjoys universal acceptance, however, it is usually associated with hearing loss. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between tinnitus pitch and audiometry, minimum masking levels (MML), tinnitus loudness, and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE). This was a retrospective analysis of participant's records from the University of Auckland Hearing and Tinnitus Clinic database. The s le consisted of 192 participants with chronic tinnitus (more than 18 months) who had comprehensive tinnitus assessment from March 2008 to January 2011. There were 116 males (mean = 56.5 years, SD = 12.96) and 76 females (mean = 58.7 years, SD = 13.88). Seventy-six percent of participants had a tinnitus pitch ≥8 kHz. Tinnitus pitch was most often matched to frequencies at which hearing threshold was 40-60 (T50) dBHL. There was a weak but statistically significant positive correlation between tinnitus pitch and T50 (r = 0.15 at p < 0.05). No correlation was found between tinnitus pitch and DPOAEs, MML, audiometric edge and worst threshold. The strongest audiometric predictor for tinnitus pitch was the frequency at which threshold was approximately 50 dBHL. We postulate that this may be due to a change from primarily outer hair cell damage to lesions including inner hair cells at these levels of hearing loss.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-04-2023
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2007
DOI: 10.1080/14992020701297805
Abstract: The aim of the study is to understand the implications of disclosing the results of connexin26 (Cx26) gene testing to the concerned family with hearing impaired in iduals. The department of biotechnology is funding a multicentric multidisciplinary team from Jawaharlal Nehru Center for Advanced Scientific Research (Bangalore), AYJNIHH (Mumbai), PGIBMS (Chennai), and MAMC (New Delhi) to profile mutations of deafness genes in India. Under this program, blood s les were taken from various centers and were sent to JNCASR for genetic analysis (screening for Cx26 mutations). This case study is an attempt to bring out issues encountered when disclosing the implications of genetic diagnosis to the concerned family.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 13-06-2022
DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2021.1933622
Abstract: To investigate acceptance of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) as a management option for tinnitus. Participants completed an online version of the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI), after which they recorded their satisfaction ratings with different hypothetical intervention outcomes on a 10-point rating scale using Opinio survey software. Data from 272 tinnitus sufferers from English-speaking regions worldwide were collected, of which the majority had moderate to severe tinnitus as per TFI. The survey showed that HD-tDCS was considered an acceptable form of tinnitus management, and that the satisfaction rating depended significantly on a number of factors: (1) the strength of the tinnitus reduction following the intervention ( These findings are important for future HD-tDCS trials for tinnitus, as they demonstrate the need to optimise stimulation protocols to increase effect sizes and decrease time spent on the treatment.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-01-2020
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 12-03-2021
DOI: 10.1101/2021.03.08.21253134
Abstract: Tinnitus, the perception of a sound in absence of an external auditory source, can significantly impact ones’ quality of life. As tinnitus is often associated with hearing loss, hearing aids have been proposed for tinnitus relief in literature for more than 70 years. While there is a long history of clinical work and research on this topic, there is a need for recent literature to be reviewed and guide decision making in tinnitus management. The aim of this scoping review is to provide an update of the available evidence on hearing aids for tinnitus, focusing on the effect of sound lification, to draw conclusions for clinical practice and identify gaps in the field. A consultation exercise was included to discuss current issues that practitioners and carers themselves face but remain under-researched. This scoping review was conducted based on the six-stage framework of Arksey et al. (2005). Studies were included if they investigated hearing aids for tinnitus and were published after 2011. Databases of PubMed and Scopus were explored on the 16th of November 2020. The search was limited to English manuscripts. A total of 28 primary research studies were selected. Positive results of hearing aids for tinnitus relief were shown by 68 % of the studies, whereas 14 % demonstrated no change in tinnitus perception. As the quality of the evidence across studies was variable, no consensus can be reached regarding the use of hearing aids as a treatment for tinnitus. Nevertheless, recent studies were more likely to focus on optimizing the effect of hearing aids and better predicting which tinnitus patients benefit from hearing aids. The experts stated that the findings were in agreement with their view on the scientific evidence and they emphasized the importance of reaching consensus. The majority of the studies supported the use of hearing aids for tinnitus relief. Hence, there was some scientific support for it, but the quality of evidence was questioned. Stronger methodology in future studies is needed to reach consensus and support clinical guidelines development.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.JNEUMETH.2014.09.025
Abstract: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and auditory residual inhibition (RI) are short lasting non-invasive techniques that can suppress tinnitus in some people. A pilot study was undertaken to evaluate methods to measure a potential additive effect of these treatments. Ten participants (mean age 59 years) with chronic tinnitus underwent four sessions of anodal tDCS of the left temporoparietal area(LTA) combined with 1min of auditory stimulation (broadband noise presented at tinnitus minimum masking level [MML]+10 dB), either before, during or immediately after tDCS and in a sham controlled session. Participants continuously monitored and recorded their MML on custom software prior to stimulation, during 20 min of tDCS, and 30 min following tDCS. A tinnitus loudness rating was undertaken before and after completion of testing. Nine out of ten participants completed the study, one participant dropped out after two sessions due to self-reported worsening in tinnitus symptoms. Seven out of nine participants reported transient tinnitus suppression when sound stimulation was presented along with tDCS. No reliable change in MML was observed. This is the first study to examine the feasibility of continuously measuring MML while providing a combination of auditory and noninvasive brain stimulation simultaneously. We propose modifications in the protocol used, to find ways to increase the duration of auditory RI and investigate its underlying mechanisms. Recommendations for further research are discussed.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 24-02-2017
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2020
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 18-07-2018
Abstract: Background. Contradictory results have been reported for transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as treatment for tinnitus. The recently developed high-definition tDCS (HD tDCS) uses smaller electrodes to limit the excitation to the desired brain areas. Objective. The current study consisted of a retrospective part and a prospective part, aiming to compare 2 tDCS electrode placements and to explore effects of HD tDCS by matched pairs analyses. Methods. Two groups of 39 patients received tDCS of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) or tDCS of the right supraorbital–left temporal area (RSO-LTA). Therapeutic effects were assessed with the tinnitus functional index (TFI), a visual analogue scale (VAS) for tinnitus loudness, and the hyperacusis questionnaire (HQ) filled out at 3 visits: pretherapy, posttherapy, and follow-up. With a new group of patients and in a similar way, the effects of HD tDCS of the right DLPFC were assessed, with the tinnitus questionnaire (TQ) and the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) added. Results. TFI total scores improved significantly after both tDCS and HD tDCS (DLPFC: P .01 RSO-LTA: P .01 HD tDCS: P = .05). In 32% of the patients, we observed a clinically significant improvement in TFI. The 2 tDCS groups and the HD tDCS group showed no differences on the evolution of outcomes over time (TFI: P = .16 HQ: P = .85 VAS: P = .20). Conclusions. TDCS and HD tDCS resulted in a clinically significant improvement in TFI in 32% of the patients, with the 3 stimulation positions having similar results. Future research should focus on long-term effects of electrical stimulation.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 17-07-2013
DOI: 10.3109/14992027.2013.799787
Abstract: Tinnitus is a perceived sound that cannot be attributed to an external source. This study attempts to identify a prescription of lification that is optimized as a first-fit setting for tinnitus relief. Participants compared the effect of high frequency lification on their tinnitus. Stimuli were 13 speech files with different amounts of high frequency lification (three cut-off frequencies and four gain settings) to simulate the effects of a change in DSL(I/O) v5.0 prescription in the high frequencies. Twenty-five participants with chronic tinnitus participated in the study. A 6-dB reduction to prescribed gain at 2 kHz emerged as the most preferred output (26.47% participants) to interfere with participants' tinnitus. Overall, 70.58% of the participants' preferred a 3 to 6 dB reduction in output while 29.42% preferred a similar increase across all cut-off frequencies. A trend was observed in which the higher the tinnitus pitch the more similar the preferred output to DSL(I/O) v5.0. DSL(I/O) v5.0 appears to be a good starting point for prescription of hearing-aid output for tinnitus management. Long-term benefits of different prescriptions for tinnitus still need to be ascertained.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 25-09-2015
DOI: 10.3109/14992027.2015.1077532
Abstract: Auditory stimulation has been shown to suppress the loudness of tinnitus (residual inhibition, RI). Somatosensory manipulations have also been shown to sometimes decrease tinnitus perception. An 'ear-massaging' device, the 'Reltus' ( www.reltus.com ), has been marketed as a tinnitus treatment device. This study was undertaken to evaluate its short-term effectiveness and mode of effect. The research was undertaken in two phases. Phase 1 measured the change in tinnitus perception after one minute of auditory stimulation through headphones and after application of a vibrating device to four different stimulation points around the pinna for one minute each. Phase 2 evaluated if it was the vibrations that were responsible for the effect on tinnitus perception, or sound produced by the vibrator. Twenty-three participants completed phase 1 and 10 participants participated in the second phase. RI to auditory stimulation was found in 87% of participants and to tactile stimulation in 83%. No significant differences were found in the effectiveness between the four vibration stimulation points, or between the left and right ear of the participants. The Reltus produced a sound that resulted in RI. It is the auditory artifact of the Reltus that was responsible for short-term tinnitus suppression.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 13-04-2020
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-05-2022
DOI: 10.1007/S00062-022-01170-1
Abstract: Chronic subjective tinnitus is the constant perception of a sound that has no physical source. Brain imaging studies show alterations in tinnitus patients’ resting-state networks (RSNs). This scoping review aims to provide an overview of resting-state fMRI studies in tinnitus, and to evaluate the evidence for changes in different RSNs. A total of 29 studies were included, 26 of which found alterations in networks such as the auditory network, default mode network, attention networks, and visual network however, there is a lack of reproducibility in the field which can be attributed to the use of different regions of interest and analytical methods per study, and tinnitus heterogeneity. Future studies should focus on replication by using the same regions of interest in their analysis of resting-state data, and by controlling adequately for potential confounds. These efforts could potentially lead to the identification of a biomarker for tinnitus in the future.
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2021
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 10-02-2015
Abstract: Background. Tinnitus is the phantom perception of sound and can have negative effect on the quality of life. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive neuromodulation technique, which can increase or decrease the cortical excitability in the brain region to which it is applied. tDCS has been used for tinnitus research since 2006. Objective. To investigate whether tDCS affects tinnitus perception, related emotion, or both, and the potential implications for tinnitus management. Methods. A scoping review was undertaken using the methods proposed by Arksey and O’Malley. After initial consideration of title relevance and reading abstracts, 15 studies were included in this review. The data from these studies were charted to investigate the impact of tDCS on tinnitus perception and emotions. Results. tDCS results in transient suppression of tinnitus loudness and annoyance however, it does not lead to long-term impact on tinnitus related emotion. Local stimulation of different sites of stimulation (left temporoparietal area, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and auditory cortex) might modulate tinnitus perception (loudness) and emotions differently however, further research is needed to explore this hypothesis. This review has identified aspects of methodologies that require attention in upcoming tinnitus and tDCS trials to offer better insights. Conclusions. tDCS is an effective research tool for transient tinnitus neuromodulation. However, efforts should be invested in designing clinical trials using local and multiple sites of stimulation, optimized parameters, and objective outcome measures before it can be translated in to a clinical tool for tinnitus management.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 29-05-2018
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-018-26665-1
Abstract: Neuromodulation is defined as the process of augmenting neuroplasticity via invasive or non-invasive methods. Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the absence of its external source. The objective of this study was to optimize the parameters of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) for tinnitus suppression. The following factors were optimized in the dose-response design ( n = 111): current intensity (1.5 mA or 2 mA), stimulation duration (20 min or 30 min), and number of stimulation sessions (2, 4, 6, 8, or 10), with a 3–4 day washout period between each session. Participants underwent a minimum of 2 sessions in 1 week or maximum of 10 sessions in 5 weeks’ time. Tinnitus loudness was measured in pre-post design using a 10-point numeric rating scale. There was a significant reduction in tinnitus loudness after tDCS of DLPFC. There was no significant difference between the intensity and duration of stimulation. As the number of sessions increased, there was a higher reduction in the tinnitus loudness however, this effect plateaued after 6 sessions.
Publisher: American Speech Language Hearing Association
Date: 06-09-2023
DOI: 10.1044/2023_AJA-23-00001
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore how teleaudiology is perceived by Australian-based hearing health care stakeholders (clients, clinicians, students, academics, and industry partners) to inform future teleaudiology implementation. Five cross-sectional online surveys were adopted, and a total of 366 stakeholders responded (173 clients, 110 clinicians, 58 students, 19 academics, and six industry partners). Results show that 55% of clients and over 90% of clinicians, students, academics, and industry partners knew what teleaudiology was. Experience in teleaudiology appointments was shared by 85% of clinicians and 7% of clients. Moreover, 98% of clients were not offered any teleaudiology appointments. Teleaudiology apps were used by 66% of clinicians and 26% of clients. Both clients and clinicians acknowledged the benefits of teleaudiology including convenience and accessibility and identified drawbacks, such as loss of personal interaction and communication difficulty. About 80% of students and academics reported inclusion of teleaudiology within their universities' curriculum but only to a limited extent. Low teleaudiology uptake rates in placement clinics, as well as insufficient funding and staffing, were suggested as barriers to learning and teaching teleaudiology. Industry partners were generally confident in training clinicians to use teleaudiology products and teaching students on teleaudiology, but only one industry partner had been invited by universities for teaching purposes. Low teleaudiology use and reserved attitudes toward widespread teleaudiology implementation were observed among clients. Clinicians, students, academics, and industry partners generally displayed positive attitudes toward teleaudiology use. Increasing awareness of teleaudiology services and collaboration between stakeholders are crucial in promoting teleaudiology uptake. 0.23641/asha.23519292
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 19-03-2019
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-11-2018
DOI: 10.1007/S00702-017-1808-6
Abstract: Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the absence of its external source. Non-invasive neuromodulation techniques have been used in the past decade to investigate the impact of stimulation on tinnitus perception. The objective is to invest the impact of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) stimulation on tinnitus loudness and annoyance. Thirteen participants underwent two sessions of HD-tDCS (real and sham) in a double blind, sham controlled, randomized trial. The washout period between the real and sham stimulation session was 1 week. Tinnitus loudness and annoyance was measured using a ten-point tinnitus loudness/annoyance numeric rating scale at the baseline, after 5, 10, 15 and 20 min of stimulation. There was a significant reduction in the tinnitus loudness after the HD-tDCS of DLPFC. A comparison of the different time points (5, 10, 15 and 20 min) with the baseline measurement for tinnitus loudness showed a statistically significant reduction after 15 min (t = 1.82, p = 0.047) and 20 min (t = 1.82, p = 0.047) of stimulation using the real HD-tDCS this effect was not observed for tinnitus annoyance. HD-tDCS of DLPFC is a safe technique for tinnitus modulation. The most common transient sensations experienced during HD-tDCS were tingling, sleepiness and scalp pain. HD-tDCS of DLPFC resulted in transient tinnitus loudness suppression after 15 min of stimulation. We propose the optimum stimulation duration for HD-tDCS of DLPFC for tinnitus suppression to be 15 min instead of 20 min.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 15-07-2015
Abstract: Background and Objective. Tinnitus is the perception of a phantom sound. The aim of this study was to compare current intensity (center anode 1 mA and 2 mA), duration (10 minutes and 20 minutes), and location (left temporoparietal area [LTA] and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex [DLPFC]) using 4 × 1 high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) for tinnitus reduction. Methods. Twenty-seven participants with chronic tinnitus ( years) and mean age of 53.5 years underwent 2 sessions of HD-tDCS of the LTA and DLPFC in a randomized order with a 1 week gap between site of stimulation. During each session, a combination of 4 different settings were used in increasing dose (1 mA, 10 minutes 1 mA, 20 minutes 2 mA, 10 minutes and 2 mA, 20 minutes). The impact of different settings on tinnitus loudness and annoyance was documented. Results. Twenty-one participants (77.78%) reported a minimum of 1 point reduction on tinnitus loudness or annoyance scales. There were significant changes in loudness and annoyance for duration of stimulation, F(1, 26) = 10.08, P .005, and current intensity, F(1, 26) = 14.24, P = .001. There was no interaction between the location, intensity, and duration of stimulation. Higher intensity (2 mA) and longer duration (20 minutes) of stimulation were more effective. Conclusions. A current intensity of 2 mA for 20-minute duration was the most effective setting used for tinnitus relief. The stimulation of the LTA and DLPFC were equally effective for suppressing tinnitus loudness and annoyance.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 03-08-2020
DOI: 10.1097/AUD.0000000000000907
Abstract: Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the absence of an external physical sound source, for some people it can severely reduce the quality of life. Acoustic residual inhibition (ARI) is a suppression of tinnitus following the cessation of a sound. The present study investigated the effect of ARI on brain activity measured using EEG. Thirty adult participants (mean age of 58 years) experiencing chronic tinnitus (minimum 2 years) participated. Participants were presented broad band noise at 10 dB above minimum masking level (1 min followed by 4 min of silence, 4 times) counterbalanced with a control treatment of broad band noise at threshold (1 min followed by 4 min of silence, 4 times) while 64-channel EEG was simultaneously recorded. Tinnitus loudness was measured using a 9-point tinnitus loudness rating scale. The ARI stimulation resulted in a self-reported reduction in tinnitus loudness in 17 of the 30 participants. Tinnitus rating reduced following stimulation but gradually returned to near baseline during 4 min of silence post sound exposure successive sound exposures resulted in lower loudness ratings. No significant reductions in loudness rating were found with the control stimulation. The EEG showed increases in power spectral density, particularly in the alpha and gamma bands, during ARI compared to the control periods. These results contribute to the understanding of ARI and tinnitus. We recommend that there be a closer examination of the relationship between onset and offset of sound in both tinnitus and nontinnitus control participants to ascertain if EEG changes seen with ARI relate to tinnitus suppression or general postsound activity.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 02-10-2012
Abstract: Background. Perception of sound in the absence of an external auditory source is called tinnitus, which may negatively affect quality of life. Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the left temporoparietal area (LTA) was explored for tinnitus relief. Objective. This pilot study examined tDCS dose (current intensity and duration) and response effects for tinnitus suppression. Methods. Twenty-five participants with chronic tinnitus and a mean age of 54 years took part. Anodal tDCS of LTA was carried out. Current intensity (1 mA and 2 mA) and duration (10 minutes, 15 minutes, and 20 minutes) were varied and their impact on tinnitus measured. Results. tDCS was well tolerated. Fifty-six percent of participants (14) experienced transient suppression of tinnitus, and 44% of participants (11) experienced long-term improvement of symptoms (overnight—less annoyance, more relaxed, and better sleep). There was an interaction between duration and intensity of the stimulus on the change in rated loudness of tinnitus, F(2, 48) = 4.355, P = .018, and clinical global improvement score, F(2, 48) = 3.193, P = .050, after stimulation. Conclusions. Current intensity of 2 mA for 20 minutes was the more effective stimulus parameter for anodal tDCS of LTA. tDCS can be a potential clinical tool for reduction of tinnitus, although longer term trials are needed.
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
No related grants have been discovered for GIRIRAJ SINGH SHEKHAWAT.