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Background/Objectives: Tinnitus, often described as a ringing in the ears, affects a significant portion of the population, varying in perception and severity. Methods: This systematic review investigates the correlation between tinnitus and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) within a PRISMA-compliant framework, ensuring methodological transparency and rigor. Using databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, we analyzed studies from the past decade to evaluate clinical and observational evidence. Results: A significant association between TMD and tinnitus was found, with somatosensory and neuroplastic mechanisms contributing to this relationship. Key therapeutic approaches identified include manual therapy and multidisciplinary treatments, demonstrating potential clinical efficacy. Conclusions: However, the available evidence remains inconsistent, emphasizing the need for further research with standardized methodologies to improve understanding and refine therapeutic strategies. This review provides a foundation for future studies aiming to enhance tinnitus management by addressing underlying TMD-related mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study investigates electrophysiological distinctions in auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) among individuals with chronic subjective tinnitus, with a specific focus on the impact of treatment response and tinnitus localisation. Methods: Early AEPs, known as Auditory Brainstem Responses (ABR), and middle AEPs, termed Auditory Middle Latency Responses (AMLR), were analysed in tinnitus patients across four clinical centers in an attempt to verify increased neuronal activity, in accordance with the current tinnitus models. Our statistical analyses primarily focused on discrepancies in time–domain core features of ABR and AMLR signals, including amplitudes and latencies, concerning both treatment response and tinnitus laterality. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed in ABR wave III and V latencies, ABR wave III peak amplitude, and AMLR wave Na and Nb amplitudes when comparing groups based on their response to treatment, accompanied by varying effect sizes. Conversely, when examining groups categorised by tinnitus laterality, no statistically significant differences emerged. Conclusions: These results provide valuable insights into the potential influence of treatment responses on AEPs. However, further research is imperative to attain a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms at play. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the short-term efficacy of third-generation bisphosphonate in the management of tinnitus associated with otosclerosis. Methods: A prospective case–control study included 100 patients with otosclerosis-associated bothersome tinnitus. Patients were assigned to two groups: group A (control): 25 patients who planned to receive only complementary supplements, oral vitamin D plus calcium, and group B (case): 75 patients who planned to receive oral bisphosphonate plus routine vitamin D and calcium supplements. Group B was subdivided into B1: 25 patients without any previous intervention, B2: 25 patients with persistent tinnitus for more than 6 months after a previous uncomplicated stapedotomy in the same ear, and B3: 25 patients with persistent tinnitus for more than 6 months after hearing aid fitting. The outcome was tinnitus assessment both subjectively (tinnitus intensity, frequency, and questionnaire) and objectively (tinnitus intensity and frequency). Results: The female-to-male ratio was 1.6:1 with ages ranging from 40 to 61 years. The baseline revealed no statistically significant differences between the groups. After 6 months, there were statistically significant differences, both objectively and subjectively. The tinnitus questionnaire median (IQR) for group B was 16 (30), whereas control group A had 52 (24). The tinnitus severity median (IQR) for group B was 20 (30), compared to group A's 52 (42). After 6 months, 40% of the cases in group B demonstrated complete improvement, compared to 0% in control group A. Conclusion: We demonstrated significant tinnitus improvement in cases treated with bisphosphonate compared to the control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This review aims to explore the influences of tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) on patients with tinnitus. Methods: PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDro, SCOPUS, and Web of Science were screened for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that explored the effects of TRT on patients with tinnitus from inception to June 30, 2024. The methodological quality of the included RCTs was evaluated using the physiotherapy evidence database (PEDro) scale. Results: Fifteen studies met our eligibility criteria. A total of 2069 patients with tinnitus (mean age 52.93 years; 66% male) were involved in the present review. The quality of the selected studies ranged from 5 to 8 on the PEDro scale, with a median score of 7. TRT did not provide superior effects in treating patients with tinnitus compared to tinnitus masking (TM), tinnitus educational counselling (TED), TRT with open ear hearing aids, Tailor-made notched music training (TMNMT), partial TRT, usual care, and smart TRT. Conclusions: TRT intervention is considered a treatment option for patients with tinnitus. Combining TRT with other interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, pharmacotherapy, or tDS, may show even greater efficacy. Additional studies are strongly required to recognize the long-term effects of TRT on tinnitus, determine who most likely would benefit from the intervention regarding tinnitus type and severity, and identify the optimal treatment protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: e-Health or web-based systems in the field of tinnitus have gained increasing interest. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) delivered via the internet is currently witnessing a surge in both attention and offerings. This systematic review analyzed the efficacy and sustainability of internet-based therapies aimed at reducing tinnitus distress and comorbidities such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. The review exclusively considered randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which trained personnel were actively involved during intervention. Methods: Utilizing search terms such as tinnitus, internet-based therapy, and e-Health therapy, we identified 155 studies, from which 37 RCTs were carefully examined for data availability. Primary outcome measures included treatment effects for tinnitus distress (Tinnitus Questionnaire and other questionnaires) and handicap (Tinnitus Handicap Inventory), while secondary outcomes encompassed depression, anxiety, and sleep problems. Meta-analyses were conducted employing random-effect models. A study effect model was applied, yielding a singular effect size for each sample. The effect sizes were examined for influences of various moderators. Results: We found a statistically significant large effect size for improvement in tinnitus distress (d = 0.83; [confidence interval 0.61–1.06] with total n = 450 for the experimental group and total n = 504 or the controls), while the reduction of tinnitus handicap was smaller (moderate effect size d = 0.59; [0.44–0.73]). Less strong but still significant effects resulted for depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Most of the long-term outcomes remained stable. As moderators, the risk of bias (RoB) and the severity of tinnitus manifestations were identified. Conclusions: Internet-based therapy provides a valuable avenue for initial therapeutic contact, as supporting component in tinnitus treatment if accompanied by therapists. The heterogeneous quality with high drop-out rates or partly high RoB and the wide range of interventions (counseling, eCBT, mindfulness) might be considered as a limiting factor for a first-line management in tinnitus. So far, the use of e-Health is dependent on availability or user preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bow Hunter syndrome (BHS) is a rare disorder characterized by mechanical occlusion of the vertebral artery (VA) during neck rotation, resulting in symptomatic, transient, and positional vertebrobasilar insufficiency. We describe a case of a 76-year-old female who presented with dizziness and right ear tinnitus triggered by right head rotation. Her symptoms would immediately resolve upon returning her head to the neutral position. CT angiogram showed 80% stenosis of the left subclavian artery origin, 50%–70% stenosis of the proximal right internal carotid artery (ICA), and near occlusive stenoses of the origins of the bilateral VAs. After failing conservative management, the patient was treated with left subclavian artery stenting, followed by a right carotid endarterectomy (CEA) 6 weeks later. Follow-up at 1 month showed resolution of paroxysmal symptoms and no neurological sequelae. To our knowledge, there have not yet been reported cases of patients with concurrent BHS, subclavian artery stenosis, and carotid artery stenosis. We suggest that global revascularization via subclavian artery stenting and CEA may be considered as treatment for patients with BHS complicated by other cerebrovascular disease secondary to stenoses of the ICA and subclavian artery. This approach obviates the need for more complex surgery or endovascular intervention of the VA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experience of tinnitus can range from inducing annoyance to debility. In the US, tinnitus is estimated to affect 1 in 10 adults, though it is known to be underreported. Often dismissed, tinnitus can be a precursor for treatable pathologies. Primary tinnitus has no known cure but is associated with multiple comorbidities such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Understanding the symptomatology and treatment guidelines is essential for the NP to care holistically for these patients and improve their quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a smartphone-based application providing tinnitus-specific cognitive behavioral therapy and customized sound therapy for tinnitus. Methods: In a prospective randomized controlled trial, the treatment group participated in daily sound therapy and weekly interactive CBT modules, and the control group did not receive the program (waitlisted). Outcome measures after 8 weeks included the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results: Ninety-two patients (mean age = 57.2 ± 11.9 years) were included. The treatment (n = 47) and control (n = 45) cohorts had similar TFI, PHQ-9, GAD-7, PSS, and PSQI scores at presentation (all P >.05). Treatment-group patients had significantly higher improvements than controlled patients in their TFI (16.7 ± 14.9 vs 1.9 ± 10.8, P <.001), PHQ-9 (1.9 ± 4.2 vs −0.7 ± 3.4, P =.002), GAD-7 (1.1 ± 3.6 vs −0.9 ± 3.3, P =.009), and PSQI scores (2.5 ± 3.2 vs −1.1 ± 2.1, P <.001). Treatment-group subjects also significantly improved in 7 of the 8 TFI domains (all P <.05). TFI improvements of ≥20 occurred in 18 (38.3%) treatment subjects. Of the 9 treatment-group patients presenting with moderate-severe depression, 4 (44.4%) improved to minimal depression. Of the 4 treatment-group patients with moderate-severe anxiety, 2 (50.0%) improved to minimal anxiety. Of the 17 treatment-group patients with moderate-severe sleep difficulties, 10 (55.6%) had considerable sleep improvement. Conclusion: This novel smartphone application providing cognitive behavioral therapy and customized sound therapy was effective in reducing symptom severity and improving anxiety, sleep, and mood for tinnitus patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Auditory complications are potential side effects from childhood cancer treatment. Yet, limited evidence exists about the impact of auditory complications—particularly tinnitus—on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among childhood cancer survivors (CCS). We determined the prevalence of hearing loss and tinnitus in the European PanCareLIFE cohort of CCS and examined its effect on HRQoL. Methods: We included CCS from four European countries who were diagnosed at age ≤ 18 years; survived ≥ 5 years; and aged 25–44 years at study. We assessed HRQoL (Short Form 36), hearing loss, and tinnitus using questionnaires. We used multivariable linear regression to examine associations between these two auditory complications and HRQoL adjusting for socio-demographic and clinical factors. Results: Our study population consisted of 6,318 CCS (53% female; median age at cancer diagnosis 9 years interquartile range [IQR] 5–13 years) with median age at survey of 31 years (IQR 28–35 years). Prevalence was 7.5% (476/6,318; confidence interval [CI]: 6.9–8.2) for hearing loss and 7.6% (127/1,668; CI: 6.4–9.0) for tinnitus. CCS with hearing loss had impaired physical (coefficient [coef.] -4.3, CI: -7.0 to -1.6) and mental (coef. -3.2, CI: -5.5 to -0.8) HRQoL when compared with CCS with normal hearing. Tinnitus was associated with impaired physical (coef. -8.2, CI: -11.8 to -4.7) and mental (coef. -5.9, CI: -8.8 to -3.1) HRQoL. Conclusion: We observed reduced HRQoL among CCS with hearing loss and tinnitus. Our findings indicate timely treatment of hearing loss and tinnitus may contribute to quality of life of survivors. Implications for cancer survivors: CCS who experience auditory complications should be counseled about possible therapeutic and supportive measures during follow-up care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractObjectiveDesignStudy sampleResultsConclusionsTinnitus and its pathophysiological mechanisms need more investigation because tinnitus may change the typical processing of sounds in the auditory system. Poor temporal resolution, which is not assessed with conventional subjective tinnitus evaluations, has been reported in some tinnitus sufferers.This study used a gap-in-noise paradigm to assess temporal resolution in tinnitus sufferers using both behavioural and electrophysiologic methods.19 participants with unilateral tinnitus and a control group without tinnitus participated in this study. Both wide-band and narrow-band signals were used to investigate the temporal resolution of the whole auditory system and at different frequency regions respectively.The results of this study suggest that individuals with tinnitus exhibit poorer-than-normal temporal resolution with both methods especially approaching tinnitus pitches. There was a strong positive association between behavioural and electrophysiological measurements when narrow-band stimuli were used. There was no difference between the acuity of temporal resolution in the tinnitus and the non-tinnitus ears of tinnitus sufferers.This study showed the combination of behavioural and electrophysiological methods may overcome the limitations of psychological methods in the detection of tinnitus pitch. More effective identification of tinnitus pitch could be an important step towards better tinnitus management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Tinnitus is considered a neurological disorder affecting both auditory and nonauditory networks. This study aimed to investigate the structural brain covariance network in tinnitus patients and analyze its altered topological properties. Materials: Fifty three primary tinnitus patients and 67 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) were included. Gray matter volume (GMV) of each participant was extracted using voxel-based morphometry, a group-level structural covariance network (SCN) was constructed based on the GMV of each participant, and graph theoretic analyses were performed using graph analysis toolbox (GAT). The differences in the topological properties of SCN between both groups were compared and analyzed. Results: Both groups exhibited small-world attributes. Compared with HCs, tinnitus patients had significantly higher characteristic path length, lambda, transitivity, and assortativity (p < 0.05), and significantly lower global efficiency (p < 0.05). Tinnitus patients had higher clustering coefficient and reduced gamma and modularity, but neither was remarkable. The hubs in tinnitus network focused on the temporal lobe. In addition, the tinnitus network was found to be reduced in robustness to targeted attacks compared with HCs. Besides, a significant negative correlation between Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) score and GMV in the left angular gyrus (r = −0.283, p = 0.040) as well as left superior temporal pole (r = −0.282, p = 0.041) were identified. Conclusion: Tinnitus patients showed reduced small-world properties, altered hub nodes, and reduced ability to respond to targeted attacks in brain network. The GMV in the left angular gyrus and left superior temporal pole showed significant negative correlation with tinnitus distress (THI score), indicating potential therapeutic target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Hearing aids (HAs) have been used for standard high-frequency hearing loss and tinnitus, but their effects on speech intelligibility in noise (SIN) in people with normal hearing, including hidden hearing loss (HHL), have been little explored. Methods: We included in a prospective cohort study patients who experience poor SIN and have normal pure tone average in quiet conditions or slight HL. We used open-fit HAs. The FraMatrix test was used to explore SIN. The benefit of HAs in daily situations and for tinnitus was evaluated. Results: Forty patients were explored, including 12 with HHL. FraMatrix and quality of life improved significantly (p < 0.001) with HAs, especially in those with HHL (2.0 dB SNR of speech recognition threshold improvement). HAs also effectively suppress tinnitus. Participants used HAs 9.9 h per day. Conclusions: This study shows an improvement of SIN with HAs in patients with slight HL but more importantly in patients with HHL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intensive longitudinal sampling enhances subjective data collection by capturing real-time, dynamic inputs in natural settings, complementing traditional methods. This study evaluates the feasibility of using daily self-reported app data to assess clinical improvement among tinnitus patients undergoing treatment. App data from a multi-center randomized clinical trial were analysed using time-series feature extraction and nested cross-validated ordinal regression with elastic net regulation to predict clinical improvement based on the Clinical Global Impression—Improvement scale (CGI-I). With 50% app compliance (N = 129, 8480 entries), the model demonstrated good fit to the test data (McFadden R2 = 0.82) suggesting its generalizability. Clinical improvement was associated with linear declines in tinnitus-related thoughts, jaw tension, tinnitus loudness, increases in happiness, and variability changes in tinnitus loudness and distress. These findings suggest that daily self-reported data on tinnitus symptoms is sensitive to treatment response and provides insights into specific symptom changes that occur during treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low frequency noise (LFN) of unknown origin can be disturbing, especially at night, and affect sleep and relaxation. If reduction of the LFN is impossible, adding sound can mask the troubling noise or detract attention from it to reduce distress. To assess the effectiveness of this, a survey was set up consisting of three questionnaires: the first when a person requested a masking sound and follow-ups after 1 and 3 months. Distress reduction was based on self-assessment and on the tinnitus questionnaire (TQ). Out of 124 respondents, 69% reported that the masking sound contributed to a reduction in complaints, resulting in a reduction in TQ score. Respondents were mainly above 50 years of age and 31% were male. Most respondents (84%) denounce the possibility of an internal sound. However, demographic characteristics of respondents are more similar to tinnitus patients and less to residents annoyed by environmental noise. The number of respondents per capita rises with decreasing population density, indicating that a quiet environment enhances the hearing of LFN. Thus, absence of sound in the environment may induce the hearing of LFN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) has been developed and edited by the World Health Organisation and represents the global standard for recording health information and causes of death. The ICD-11 is the eleventh revision and came into effect on 1 January 2022. Perceptual disturbances refer to abnormalities in the way sensory information is interpreted by the brain, leading to distortions in the perception of reality. These can manifest as distorted perceptions or as phantom perceptions and can occur in all sensory modalities as visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory tactile, vestibular, proprioceptory or interoceptory disturbances. There are similar brain mechanisms involved in the generation of these analogous perceptual disturbances and disorders, and they are treated with similar approaches. Perceptual disturbances are highly prevalent, with large variations across the different sensory modalities. They can be associated with significant suffering and cause a high socioeconomic burden. Perceptual disturbances can be symptoms of another disease or disease entities on their own. In the context of pain, this is reflected by the distinction between secondary pain (pain as a symptom of another underlying condition) and primary pain (a disease in its own right, rather than being a symptom of another underlying condition) in the ICD-11. Such a clear distinction is not found in an entirely consistent way across the various sensory modalities. By using the example of auditory phantom perceptions, we propose a framework for the classification of sensory disorders in alignment with the classification of pain in the ICD-11. The descriptions of the sensory disturbances should include (1) a causal aspect (primary versus secondary), (2) a temporal aspect (acute vs. chronic and persistent vs. intermittent), (3) a cognitive, emotional and autonomic interpretation aspect (=suffering) and (4) a social aspect (=disability). If the latter two aspects are present, we propose that the sensory disturbance is called a sensory disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Tinnitus is one of the symptoms of presbycusis that affects patients' sleep and social life. This study aimed to determine the effect of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on treating tinnitus due to presbycusis. Materials and Methods: In this double-blind, randomized clinical trial, 50 patients with tinnitus due to presbycusis were randomly divided into groups A and B, with 25 patients in each group. In addition to routine treatments, group A received 100 mg of CoQ10 daily, while group B received a placebo. Both groups were evaluated for tinnitus severity, loudness of tinnitus, quality of life, and sleep disturbance before and 6 weeks after starting the treatment. Results: In the intervention and control groups, the mean changes in score compared to before the treatment were as follows: quality of life (3.1 ± 1.67) and (1.28 ± 0.76) (P = 0.298), sleep disorder (-7.60 ± 1.38) and (-1.0 ± 8.55) (P<0.001), tinnitus disability (-17.2 ± 52.93) and (-4.56 ± 1.37) (P<0.001), tinnitus loudness of right ear (-1.68 ± 0.41) and (-0.95 ± 0.23) (P=0.11) and left ear (-2.2 ± 0.35) and (-0.54 ± 0.21) (P<0.001). Conclusion: This study indicated that adding CoQ10 to the routine regimen for patients with tinnitus due to presbycusis significantly decreases tinnitus disability, improves sleep disturbance, and reduces tinnitus loudness. However, more studies should be conducted in this regard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hazardous noise exposure is an important health concern in many workplaces and is one of the most common work-related injuries in the United States. Dental professionals are frequently exposed to high levels of occupational noise in their daily work environment. This noise is generated by various dental handpieces such as drills, suctions, and ultrasonic scalers. Prolonged exposure to such noise levels is known to have adverse effects on hearing health. Despite the prevalence of occupational noise in dentistry, there is a paucity of research specifically examining the prevalence of hearing loss and tinnitus in dental professionals. Methods: To evaluate the prevalence of hearing loss and tinnitus, data were collected from 60 dental professionals, including participant demographics and audiometric thresholds. Thresholds were compared to the age- and sex-based reference ranges from the International Standards Organization (ISO 7029:2017). Results: Results showed that 15–25% of males and 13–18% of females had hearing thresholds that exceeded 95th percentile limits based on the ISO normative age- and sex-distributions. Tinnitus was reported in 40% of the participants. Conclusion: This study is the first to examine the characteristics and prevalence of auditory dysfunctions in dental professionals compared to the ISO normative age and sex distributions of hearing status. Findings from this study highlight the need for increasing the awareness of occupational noise hazards among dental professionals and the importance of routine audiological monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractObjectiveDesignStudy sampleConclusionTo examine the association between individual, cumulative leisure noise exposure (CLNE), acceptable yearly exposure (AYE) and tinnitus among a nationally representative sample of Canadians.In-person household questionnaires were used to evaluate leisure noise exposure across age, sex, household income and tinnitus: ever experienced, previous year, frequent, bothersome. High (≥85 dBA, LEX), low (<85 dBA, LEX) CLNE and AYEs were defined according to occupational limits.A randomised sample of 10,460 respondents, aged 6–79, completed questionnaires between 2012 and 2015. Results: Tinnitus prevalence was highest among young adults and teenagers (50% for both). Frequent and bothersome tinnitus afflicted one-third and 18.1% of Canadians, respectively. Men had higher tinnitus prevalence while women had increased bothersome tinnitus. For most ages, elevated tinnitus odds ratios (ORs) were associated with: (1) high, low CLNE and AYEs ≥1 and, (2) high exposure from individual sources: loud home/car stereo listening, power tools, gasoline engines, highway motorcycle/snowmobile driving. Loud personal listening device usage was associated with tinnitus ORs doubling (ages 6–11) and ≥5 or <5 years of loud usage, with increased tinnitus ORs (ages 12–19).Community and/or school-based educational outreach would be beneficial to increase awareness of loud leisure noise exposure and tinnitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the only evidence-based and method for tinnitus management. To assess a patient's progress during and after CBT, an assessment tool such as a questionnaire is needed. Since there is no validated tool available in Iran for this purpose, this study aims to investigate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Tinnitus Cognition Questionnaire (P-TCQ). Methods: The TCQ was first translated to Persian based on the international quality of life assessment protocol. participants were 102 tinnitus patients and 7 audiologists. After translation and data collection, psychometric properties (content validity, face validity, construct validity, criterion validity, reliability) of the P-TCQ were evaluated. Results: The Content Validity Ratio (CVR) and Item-Content Validity Index (I-CVI) values were higher than the minimum acceptable values (0.74 and 0.79, respectively). Item-level Face Validity Index (I-FVI) and average of Scale-level Face Validity Indexes (S-FVI) were in a range of 0.8-0.96 and 0.88-0.90, respectively, all of which were higher than the acceptable value of 0.7. Furthermore, fit indices had higher than the acceptable values and showed the good fit of the confirmatory factor abalysis model. There was a positive correlations between the TCQ total scores and the tinnitus handicap inventory (r=0.60) and hospital anxiety and depression scale (r=0.61), indicating acceptaiuoble criterion validity. Furthermore, Cronbach's alpha coefficient and the intraclass correlation coefficient showed that the TCQ has acceptable reliability. Conclusion: The P-TCQ is a valid and reliable questionnaire to evaluate the cognitive aspects of tinnitus in the Iranian samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Hearing loss often coexists with various comorbidities and is commonly accompanied by tinnitus. Patients frequently report both tinnitus and hearing difficulties, posing challenges in distinguishing between the two complaints. This study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS) for distinguishing between tinnitus and hearing problems. Methods: A psychometric study involved 100 participants aged 18-60, categorized into four groups based on hearing status and tinnitus presence. The Persian translation of a questionnaire underwent content and face validity assessments. Convergent validity for tinnitus and sound tolerance sections was evaluated using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and Hyperacusis Questionnaire (HQ) respectively, while pure-tone average assessed hearing section validity. Construct validity was confirmed via confirmatory factor analysis, and internal consistency and test-retest reliability were assessed using Cronbach's alpha and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) respectively. Results: The Persian version had strong face and content validity, with Cronbach's alpha values of 0.82 for tinnitus, 0.90 for hearing, and 0.80 overall. The ICC values for the tinnitus, hearing, and sound tolerance sections were 0.8, 0.83, and 0.82. Convergent validity using the THI and HQ scores were reported 0.76 and 0.6, and the correlation value of the THS score with the PTA was 0.82. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed a good 2-factor structure of the THS. Conclusion: The Persian THS is a valid and reliable tool for separating tinnitus from hearing problems in Persian-speaking people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): This study investigated the frequency and intensity of vestibular migraine (VM) symptoms using Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA). This approach was intended to provide insights into the day‐to‐day experiences of individuals with VM, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of this condition. Methods: Participants reported symptoms to an automated text system, rating their dizziness over the prior 24 h as none, mild, moderate, or severe. Definitive Dizzy Days (DDDs) were defined as days with moderate or severe dizziness. A student's independent group t‐test was used to compare the number of DDDs between VM and probable VM subjects. Results: Sixty‐six subjects were included, with an average of 29 days of pre‐intervention data (SD = 1.4). The average number of days with no dizziness was 3.5 (SD = 6.5), mild dizziness was 9.1 (SD = 6.7), moderate dizziness was 11 (SD = 6.1), and severe dizziness was 5.4 (SD = 6.3). Out of the 66 patients, 52 were classified as VM and 14 as pVM. The average number of DDDs was not significantly different between VM (17.0, SD = 8.3) and pVM (15.3, SD = 10.0) patients, with a two‐tailed p‐value of 0.44. Conclusion: With EMA, we found that the average subject with VM had some degree of dizziness almost every day, and more than 15 DDDs per month. Level of Evidence: 3 Laryngoscope, 135:293–298, 2025 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: It was aimed at assessing the connection between tinnitus and central auditory dysfunction using both central auditory tests (CATs) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) for brain regions that are crucial for central auditory processing. Methods: This prospective case–control study included 15 patients with persistent tinnitus and 20 healthy volunteers as controls. They underwent CATs for memory, attention, and DTI. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) Questionnaire was applied as well. From several brain regions, the values of mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) were determined. Results: Comparing both groups, the tinnitus group showed statistically worse values as regards the CATs (memory for content, sequence memory, speech perception in noise (SPIN) at different signal‐to‐noise ratios, "SNRs") compared with the control group. As regards DTI, the tinnitus group showed decreased FA in several brain areas, including the cingulum, prefrontal‐cortex (PFC), insula, and hippocampus. Furthermore, the tinnitus group showed significantly higher MD in the cingulum, BA‐46, and amygdala compared with the control group. FA values of BA‐46 were positively correlated with the SPIN‐SNR−10 scores. Also, FA values of the middle cingulum were positively correlated with SPIN‐SNRzero scores. MD values at BA‐46 were negatively correlated with SPIN‐SNR−10. THI scores were negatively correlated with FA at BA‐46; however, they were positively correlated with MD at the amygdala. Conclusions: Central auditory dysfunction may be linked to the underlying neurophysiological changes in chronic tinnitus. Level of Evidence: 2 Laryngoscope, 135:316–323, 2025 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the association between tinnitus and menstrual cycle disorders in premenopausal women. A total of 558 participants completed a comprehensive questionnaire covering demographics, tinnitus, and gynecological/obstetric history. The analysis investigated the correlation between tinnitus and various menstrual disorders, including dysmenorrhea (primary, secondary, or premenstrual syndrome), as well as different menstrual cycle patterns (regular, hypomenorrhea, menorrhagia, oligomenorrhea, or polymenorrhea). Among the participants, 33% reported experiencing tinnitus, with 74.4% experiencing dysmenorrhea. The most prevalent pathological menstrual pattern was menorrhagia (20%), followed by hypomenorrhea (11.11%). The results revealed a significant increase in tinnitus among premenopausal women with secondary dysmenorrhea (p value

Purpose(1) Exploring the evaluation and correlation of peripheral central auditory function in patients with chronic tinnitus. (2) Evaluation of the cumulative effect of acupuncture on peripheral central auditory function in patients with chronic tinnitus.MethodOur research is structured as a regulated and randomized trial with assessor blinding. Seventy-two participants who qualify with chronic tinnitus will be allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either the acupuncture group or the sham acupuncture group. Additionally, we will recruit 15 healthy individuals as subjects for data collection to observe the correlation of peripheral-central auditory function under different physiological states.ResultClinical result metrics encompass the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), ABR testing, and fNIRS data collection. Evaluations will be carried out at baseline, after 10 treatment sessions.ConclusionThis research are anticipated to improve our comprehension of the effectiveness and fundamental processes of acupuncture in addressing persistent tinnitus and deeply explain the mechanism of action of the acupuncture method on chronic tinnitus.Clinical trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT06401993.

PurposeThe primary objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of tinnitus related to COVID-19 vaccination. Specifically, we aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on the onset and severity of tinnitus, including changes in loudness, pitch, anxiety, and speech perception. Additionally, we sought to identify potential risk factors associated with new-onset tinnitus and the exacerbation of pre-existing symptoms.DesignA comprehensive survey was administered to 372 individuals who reported new-onset tinnitus or worsening of pre-existing tinnitus following COVID-19 vaccination. Data on tinnitus characteristics before and after COVID-19 vaccination were collected. The survey documented pre-existing medical conditions, and changes in tinnitus loudness, pitch, and related anxiety. Respondents were divided into two groups: those with pre-existing tinnitus and those with new-onset tinnitus following vaccination. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare changes across these groups and to explore associations with vaccine type (mRNA vs. non-mRNA) and pre-existing medical conditions.ResultsOf the respondents, 53% with pre-existing tinnitus reported worsened symptoms following vaccination, with significant increases in loudness, pitch, and anxiety. Additionally, 47% of respondents developed new-onset tinnitus, with this group reporting higher severity and anxiety levels compared to those with pre-existing tinnitus. There was no significant difference in tinnitus onset latency between mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) and non-mRNA vaccines (Johnson & Johnson). Pandemic-related anxiety was identified as a contributing factor to the exacerbation of tinnitus symptoms.ConclusionsThe results indicate that COVID-19 vaccination is associated with an increased risk of both new-onset tinnitus and worsening pre-existing tinnitus. Significant increases in tinnitus loudness, pitch, and anxiety post-vaccination, along with challenges in speech perception, emphasize the need for further research into the auditory effects of COVID-19 vaccination. Identifying risk factors, such as underlying health conditions and psychological stress, will be crucial in developing strategies for the management and treatment of tinnitus in vaccinated individuals.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been suggested as a potential risk factor for tinnitus, but evidence remains inconclusive. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between DM and tinnitus by systematically reviewing and synthesizing data from observational studies. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science up to August 16, 2024. Observational studies with a sample size of at least 100 participants that assessed the relationship between DM and tinnitus were included. Studies involving populations with specific diseases were excluded. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using a random-effects model. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS), and sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger’s regression test. Twelve studies comprising 2,277,719 participants were included. The pooled analysis revealed a significant association between DM and tinnitus (OR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.06–1.31, P = 0.002), with moderate heterogeneity (I² = 51%). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings. Subgroup analyses showed no significant differences by geographical region, mean age, sex distribution, tinnitus diagnosis method, or model used for association estimation. Publication bias was not detected (Egger’s test P = 0.29). These findings suggest that DM is significantly associated with an increased risk of tinnitus. Further research is warranted to explore underlying mechanisms and causal relationships. Nonetheless, the results underscore the importance of monitoring tinnitus in patients with diabetes.

PurposeTinnitus is considered a neurological disorder affecting both auditory and nonauditory networks. This study aimed to investigate the structural brain covariance network in tinnitus patients and analyze its altered topological properties.MaterialsFifty three primary tinnitus patients and 67 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) were included. Gray matter volume (GMV) of each participant was extracted using voxel-based morphometry, a group-level structural covariance network (SCN) was constructed based on the GMV of each participant, and graph theoretic analyses were performed using graph analysis toolbox (GAT). The differences in the topological properties of SCN between both groups were compared and analyzed.ResultsBoth groups exhibited small-world attributes. Compared with HCs, tinnitus patients had significantly higher characteristic path length, lambda, transitivity, and assortativity (p

Misophonia is a chronic condition in which patients experience a strong negative, emotional, or psychologic reaction to specific sounds. These sounds cause the individual to have a sudden, uncontrolled, and disproportionate negative reaction affecting their daily activities. The literature describes several cases of misophonia in the adult population; however, only 2 pediatric case studies are reported. Herein, we present 2 additional cases. An exaggerated response to an auditory stimulus is observed in other disorders such as tinnitus, hyperacusis, migraines, and many psychiatric disorders. Sound aversion has a broad differential diagnosis and may require visits to numerous specialists, placing strain on the patient and the healthcare system. Furthermore, misophonia is underdiagnosed in the pediatric population as it requires self-reporting of symptoms. The pathophysiology, prevalence, and treatment of misophonia continue to be relatively unknown. We attempt to highlight this rarely reported pediatric diagnosis and elaborate on its clinical presentation to increase awareness among otolaryngologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]