ORCID Profile
0000-0001-7303-2159
Current Organisation
The University of Auckland
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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: 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: 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: Informa UK Limited
Date: 13-04-2020
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-10-2012
DOI: 10.1111/J.1741-6612.2012.00627.X
Abstract: To establish associations between sensory-related disability and quality of life (QOL). A total of 3817 people aged 75 years and older, including 173 Māori aged 61 years and older, were surveyed. Measures included: sociodemographic and health factors World Health Organization quality of life (WHOQOL)-BREF for QOL and self-rated hearing- and vision-related disability. Hearing disability was reported by 866 (51%) men and 736 (36%) women. A total of 974 (26% of all, 61% of hearing disabled) used hearing aids. A total of 513 (30%) men and 618 (30%) women reported vision disability. Vision and hearing disability were both independently associated with lower QOL, with hearing difficulty affecting physical and social domains more, and the environmental domain least. Vision difficulty impacted the environmental domain most and the social domain least. QOL impact was higher for those with both hearing and visual disability (631, 17%). Hearing and vision disability are associated with poorer QOL.
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: 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: 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: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-05-2015
DOI: 10.1038/SREP10802
Abstract: Tinnitus is the conscious perception of sound with no physical sound source. Some models of tinnitus pathophysiology suggest that networks associated with attention, memory, distress and multisensory experience are involved in tinnitus perception. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a multisensory attention training paradigm which used audio, visual and somatosensory stimulation would reduce tinnitus. Eighteen participants with predominantly unilateral chronic tinnitus were randomized between two groups receiving 20 daily sessions of either integration (attempting to reduce salience to tinnitus by binding with multisensory stimuli) or attention ersion (multisensory stimuli opposite side to tinnitus) training. The training resulted in small but statistically significant reductions in Tinnitus Functional Index and Tinnitus Severity Numeric Scale scores and improved attentional abilities. No statistically significant improvements in tinnitus were found between the training groups. This study demonstrated that a short period of multisensory attention training reduced unilateral tinnitus, but directing attention toward or away from the tinnitus side did not differentiate this effect.
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: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 19-03-2019
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 05-11-2012
DOI: 10.3109/14992027.2012.721934
Abstract: To assess the benefits of hearing aids on tinnitus according to the tinnitus reaction questionnaire (TRQ Wilson et al, 1991), to verify whether the degree of masking provided by the hearing aid influenced the TRQ score, to examine whether the matched tinnitus pitch predicted the effectiveness of hearing aids in masking tinnitus, and to determine whether prescription of high-frequency lification might be desirable in tinnitus management when tinnitus pitch is high. A retrospective evaluation of the clinical outcomes of 70 tinnitus patients fitted with hearing aids was undertaken. The primary outcome measure was the TRQ, with a secondary subjective measure of tinnitus masking. Participants who achieved masking with their hearing aids had greater reduction in TRQ scores. Masking was more likely to be achieved when participants had good low-frequency hearing and tinnitus pitch fell into the frequency range of the hearing aids. The results support the use of hearing aids for tinnitus management, and suggest that masking may be a significant contributor to hearing aid success, implying that high-frequency lification may be effective in high-pitch tinnitus.
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: 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: 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.
Publisher: AIP Publishing LLC
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1063/1.4939325
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-01-2020
No related grants have been discovered for Grant Searchfield.