Tinnitus Severity and Auditory Brainstem Response: A Correlative Study.

IF 0.4 Q4 SURGERY

Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery Pub Date : 2025-08-01 Epub Date: 2025-05-29 DOI:10.1007/s12070-025-05616-z

Sanjay Kumar, Anghusman Dutta, Rashmi Natraj, Sachin Bhatt, Inderpal Singh Walia, Helvin C Francis

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Introduction: Tinnitus, defined as the perception of sound without an external stimulus, affects approximately 10-15% of the world population, often resulting in significant emotional and functional impairments. Despite advancements in diagnostic approaches, the relationship between subjective tinnitus severity and objective auditory brainstem response (ABR) findings remains poorly understood. This study evaluates these associations to enhance understanding of tinnitus pathophysiology and formulate clinical practice.

Methodology: This prospective, observational study included 50 adults (aged 18-65 years) with chronic tinnitus lasting six months or longer and normal, mild, or moderate hearing loss (hearing thresholds ≤ 55 dB HL), as determined by pure-tone audiometry. Tinnitus severity was assessed using the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI), evaluating domains such as intrusiveness, emotional distress, and quality of life. Auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing analysed wave latencies (I, III, V) and inter-peak intervals (I-III, III-V, I-V). Correlations between TFI scores, ABR parameters, and demographic factors, including age and tinnitus duration, were examined.

Results: TFI scores demonstrated severe impacts on quality of life, intrusiveness, and emotional distress. ABR testing revealed abnormalities in 25% of participants, particularly prolonged Wave V latency and I-V interval. Significant correlations were observed between Intrusiveness and Wave V latency (r = 0.35, p = 0.018) and between Emotional Distress and the I-V interval (r = 0.40, p = 0.010). Older participants and those with longer tinnitus duration exhibited higher severity and more pronounced ABR abnormalities.

Conclusion: This study establishes a significant association between subjective tinnitus severity and objective auditory brainstem dysfunction, emphasizing the neural basis of tinnitus. The findings highlight the importance of integrating subjective and objective assessments in clinical evaluation to guide personalized therapeutic strategies.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-025-05616-z.

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耳鸣严重程度与听觉脑干反应的相关性研究。

耳鸣，定义为没有外界刺激的声音感知，影响了大约10-15%的世界人口，通常导致严重的情绪和功能障碍。尽管诊断方法取得了进步，但主观耳鸣严重程度与客观听觉脑干反应（ABR）结果之间的关系仍然知之甚少。本研究评估这些关联，以增进对耳鸣病理生理的了解，并制定临床实践。方法：这项前瞻性观察性研究纳入了50名慢性耳鸣持续6个月或更长时间、正常、轻度或中度听力损失（听力阈值≤55 dB HL）的成年人（年龄18-65岁），由纯音听力测定测定。使用耳鸣功能指数（TFI）评估耳鸣严重程度，评估侵入性、情绪困扰和生活质量等领域。听觉脑干反应（ABR）测试分析波潜伏期（I， III， V）和峰间间隔（I-III, III-V, I-V）。检查TFI评分、ABR参数和人口统计学因素（包括年龄和耳鸣持续时间）之间的相关性。结果：TFI评分显示对生活质量、侵入性和情绪困扰有严重影响。ABR测试显示25%的参与者异常，特别是延长波V潜伏期和I-V间隔。侵入性与V波潜伏期呈显著相关（r = 0.35, p = 0.018），情绪困扰与I-V波间隔呈显著相关（r = 0.40, p = 0.010）。年龄较大的参与者和耳鸣持续时间较长的参与者表现出更高的严重程度和更明显的ABR异常。结论：本研究确立了主观性耳鸣严重程度与客观听性脑干功能障碍之间的显著相关性，强调了耳鸣的神经基础。研究结果强调了在临床评估中整合主观和客观评估以指导个性化治疗策略的重要性。补充信息：在线版本包含补充资料，地址为10.1007/s12070-025-05616-z。

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来源期刊

Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery Medicine-Otorhinolaryngology

CiteScore

0.80

自引率

0.00%

发文量

226

审稿时长

6-12 weeks

期刊介绍： Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery was founded as Indian Journal of Otolaryngology in 1949 as a scientific Journal published by the Association of Otolaryngologists of India and was later rechristened as IJOHNS to incorporate the changes and progress. IJOHNS, undoubtedly one of the oldest Journals in India, is the official publication of the Association of Otolaryngologists of India and is about to publish it is 67th Volume in 2015. The Journal published quarterly accepts articles in general Oto-Rhino-Laryngology and various subspecialities such as Otology, Rhinology, Laryngology and Phonosurgery, Neurotology, Head and Neck Surgery etc. The Journal acts as a window to showcase and project the clinical and research work done by Otolaryngologists community in India and around the world. It is a continued source of useful clinical information with peer review by eminent Otolaryngologists of repute in their respective fields. The Journal accepts articles pertaining to clinical reports, Clinical studies, Research articles in basic and applied Otolaryngology, short Communications, Clinical records reporting unusual presentations or lesions and new surgical techniques. The journal acts as a catalyst and mirrors the Indian Otolaryngologist’s active interests and pursuits. The Journal also invites articles from senior and experienced authors on interesting topics in Otolaryngology and allied sciences from all over the world. The print version is distributed free to about 4000 members of Association of Otolaryngologists of India and the e-Journal shortly going to make its appearance on the Springer Board can be accessed by all the members. Association of Otolaryngologists of India and M/s Springer India group have come together to co-publish IJOHNS from January 2007 and this bondage is going to provide an impetus to the Journal in terms of international presence and global exposure.