Journal of otology最新文献

{"title":"The Use of Electrophysiological GIN Test in Diagnosing Temporal Resolution Problems in Patients with Sensorineural Hearing Loss.","authors":"Nihal Mohamed Medhat Abd El-Ghaffar, Afaf Ahmed Emara, Trandil Hassan Elmehallawi, Mona Ahmed Kotait","doi":"10.26599/JOTO.2026.9540062","DOIUrl":"10.26599/JOTO.2026.9540062","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To evaluate the clinical validity of Acoustic Change Complex (ACC) measurements for diagnosing temporal resolution deficits in individuals with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study included 100 participants, divided into two groups: 50 adults with normal peripheral hearing (NH), who served as the control group, and 50 adults with bilateral mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). All participants completed both behavioral and electrophysiological Gap-in-Noise (GIN) assessments.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Both behavioral and electrophysiological Gap-in-Noise (GIN) assessments demonstrated significantly elevated thresholds in the SNHL group compared with the NH group. Furthermore, electrophysiological GIN thresholds were consistently lower (better) than behavioral GIN thresholds in both groups. A strong positive correlation was observed between behavioral and electrophysiological GIN thresholds. The electrophysiological GIN threshold demonstrated a sensitivity of 84% and a specificity of 90% for identifying temporal resolution deficits.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings indicate that the electrophysiological Gap-in-Noise (GIN) test is a reliable objective measure for evaluating temporal resolution. Moreover, it may be particularly useful in clinical situations where behavioral assessment is not feasible.</p>","PeriodicalId":94336,"journal":{"name":"Journal of otology","volume":"21 2","pages":"113-122"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13162039/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147936489","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Adaptive rehabilitation training for vestibular semicircular canal injury based on virtual reality technology.","authors":"Xiaohua Sun, Chengwei Fan, Senzhe Xu, Yueyao Fu, Wenjing Chen, Sichao Liang, Qian Li, Yi Fan, Songhai Zhang, Xin Li","doi":"10.26599/JOTO.2026.9540058","DOIUrl":"10.26599/JOTO.2026.9540058","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate the clinical efficacy of an adaptive vestibular rehabilitation training system based on Virtual Reality (VR) technology for patients with semicircular canal injury.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 60 patients diagnosed with peripheral vestibular vertigo. Participants were randomly assigned to either an Intervention Group (n=30), which received VR-based adaptive vestibular rehabilitation using the PICO 4 Pro system, or a Control Group (n=30), which underwent traditional vestibular rehabilitation. Both groups received training for four weeks. The primary outcome measure was the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI). Secondary outcomes included balance performance assessed via the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale and static posturography (Maximum Sway Path Length and Sway Area). Vestibular function was objectively evaluated using the Video Head Impulse Test (vHIT) and the Bithermal Caloric Test. Psychological status was assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Post-intervention analysis revealed that the Intervention Group achieved significantly lower DHI scores compared to the Control Group. In terms of balance, the Intervention Group demonstrated significantly higher ABC Scale scores and reduced Maximum Sway Path Length and Sway Area compared to controls. Furthermore, the Intervention Group showed a significantly lower rate of abnormal findings in both vHIT and Bithermal Caloric Tests, indicating improved physiological function. Improvements in psychological well-being were also observed, with the Intervention Group exhibiting significantly lower HADS scores.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>VR-based adaptive vestibular rehabilitation is effective in alleviating vertigo symptoms, enhancing balance function, and improving psychological well-being. The intervention also promotes the physiological recovery of semicircular canal function, demonstrating superior clinical efficacy compared to traditional rehabilitation methods.</p>","PeriodicalId":94336,"journal":{"name":"Journal of otology","volume":"21 2","pages":"90-95"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13162035/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147936879","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sequential Bilateral Cochlear Implantation in Children with Cochlear Nerve Deficiency.","authors":"Zhencheng Gao, Simeng Lu, Xingmei Wei, Ying Kong, Shujin Xue, Jingxian Wang, Yongxin Li","doi":"10.26599/JOTO.2026.9540060","DOIUrl":"10.26599/JOTO.2026.9540060","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to investigate the long-term auditory and speech outcomes of sequential bilateral cochlear implantation (BiCI) in children with cochlear nerve deficiency (CND).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Sixteen CND children who underwent sequential BiCI were retrospectively reviewed. Auditory and speech abilities were evaluated using questionnaire-based rating scales, including the Categories of Auditory Performance (CAP), the Infant-Toddler Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale (IT-MAIS), and the Speech Intelligibility Rating (SIR). Closed-set and open-set speech recognition abilities were also measured.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The first cochlear implantation (CI) was performed at a median age of 12 months. The mean age at contralateral CI was 43 months, and the mean inter-implant interval time was 26 months. All patients showed continuous auditory and speech improvement over time. Of the sixteen patients, nine completed closed-set and/or open-set speech recognition assessments. After contralateral CI, all nine patients showed improved closed-set speech recognition scores. Four patients achieved closed-set test scores of more than 90% and open-set disyllable recognition scores ranging from 44 to 85%. In addition, two patients demonstrated better performance with bilateral CI than with unilateral CI.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>CND children showed favorable long-term auditory and speech outcomes after sequential BiCI, and some demonstrated bilateral benefit in speech perception. These findings suggest that BiCI may be a viable option for selected CND children.</p>","PeriodicalId":94336,"journal":{"name":"Journal of otology","volume":"21 2","pages":"99-105"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13162032/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147936551","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Identification of Novel <i>LOXHD1</i> Variants in Chinese Patients with Non-Syndromic Hearing Loss.","authors":"Kun Zhang, Xijian Xin, Shiqi Huang, Bo Hou, Xinbo Xu, Peng Qu, Xiao Han, Hanbing Zhang","doi":"10.26599/JOTO.2026.9540055","DOIUrl":"10.26599/JOTO.2026.9540055","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Although <i>LOXHD1</i> mutations have been increasingly implicated in late-onset hereditary hearing loss, the genetic spectrum and underlying molecular mechanisms in the Chinese population remain inadequately characterized. This study aims to delineate the genetic landscape of <i>LOXHD1</i> in Chinese families with non-syndromic hearing loss and to determine the pathogenic significance of the identified variants.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>In this study, we conducted targeted whole-exome sequencing along with Sanger sequencing on 157 probands with non-syndromic hearing loss, as well as their family members. We identified novel variants in the <i>LOXHD1</i> gene. Additionally, we employed bioinformatic analyses to investigate the potential molecular functions of these variants.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In this study, potential causal variants were identified in 95 (60.51%) affected individuals and variants in SLC26A4 and GJB2 were most frequent in this cohort. we identified ten different variants in the <i>LOXHD1</i> gene from five patients in their families. Among them, five novel <i>LOXHD1</i> gene variants linked to hearing loss were recognized: c.3734G>A, c.4952T>A, c.4486C>T, c.6375G>C, and c.5002del. The pathogenicity of these variants was evaluated through multiple bioinformatics analyses. Notably, two patients with severe bilateral sensorineural hearing loss associated with <i>LOXHD1</i> mutations showed significant improvement after cochlear implantation, attaining receptive and expressive language skills appropriate for their chronological age.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>We have identified five novel variants of the <i>LOXHD1</i> gene in Chinese family affected by nonsyndromic hearing loss. These findings enrich the current understanding of <i>LOXHD1</i>-related pathogenic variants and offer important implications for molecular diagnosis, genetic counseling, and prenatal screening in hereditary hearing loss.</p>","PeriodicalId":94336,"journal":{"name":"Journal of otology","volume":"21 2","pages":"73-79"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13162036/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147936525","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Video Head Impulse Testing in Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: Evaluation of Canal Gains, Asymmetry, and Corrective Saccades with Cerebellar Lesions.","authors":"Emel Tahir, Asuman Küçüköner, Esra Kavaz Uştu, Sedat Şen, Murat Terzi","doi":"10.26599/JOTO.2026.9540063","DOIUrl":"10.26599/JOTO.2026.9540063","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to compare video head impulse test (vHIT) metrics in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) versus controls, test differences by cerebellar MRI status within RRMS, and explore clinical/MRI correlates of corrective saccades.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Single-center prospective study including 35 adults with RRMS and 35 age-/sex-matched controls. Disability was quantified by EDSS; a blinded neuroradiologist classified cerebellar involvement. The MS cohort was categorized into two subgroups according to the occurrence of cerebellar lesions. Each group participated in a vHIT to assess VOR gain.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>RRMS participants had low disability (mean EDSS 0.95). Compared with controls, RRMS showed lower VOR gain in the right anterior/posterior, left posterior, and left lateral canals and higher asymmetry across RALP, LARP, and lateral planes (p=0.012, 0.024, <0.001). Corrective saccades differed between groups only in the left anterior canal (p=0.025). Within RRMS, cerebellar-positive versus cerebellar-negative subgroups did not differ for gain or asymmetry (all p>0.05); corrective-saccade prevalence was similar (33.3% vs 35.0%; chi-square p=0.918). In regression, cerebellar involvement, relapse count, EDSS, and disease duration were not associated with recurrent corrective saccades.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>vHIT reveals canal-selective gain reductions and elevated asymmetry in patients with mildly disabled RRMS, but these abnormalities do not differ by cerebellar MRI status.</p>","PeriodicalId":94336,"journal":{"name":"Journal of otology","volume":"21 2","pages":"123-129"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13162031/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147936604","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Involvement of cystathionine β-synthase in ATP-induced hydrogen sulfide production in cochlear outer hair cells.","authors":"Narinobu Harada, Yukari Ito, Ippei Takashima, Akio Ojida, Fumiko Sekiguchi, Atsufumi Kawabata","doi":"10.26599/JOTO.2026.9540056","DOIUrl":"10.26599/JOTO.2026.9540056","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) mediates several biological processes and is an important gaseous signal transmitter akin to carbon monoxide or nitric oxide (NO). The role of H₂S on auditory signaling pathway remains unknown. We have determined whether ATP can induce generation of H₂S in outer hair cells (OHCs) and examined whether H₂S can affect the ATP-stimulated generation of NO in OHCs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Individual OHCs were isolated enzymatically from the guinea pig cochlea. Using H₂S- and NO-sensitive dyes, 6-Cd^II and 4,5-diaminofluorescein diacetate respectively, we monitored the change in generation of H₂S and NO in response to extracellular ATP in OHCs.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We observed a gradual increase in 6-Cd^II fluorescence induced by extracellular ATP, providing evidence for H₂S production in OHCs. This ATP-induced H₂S production was inhibited by suramin, an antagonist of the P2 receptor. ATP did not induce H₂S production in a Ca²⁺-free medium. This suggests that ATP-induced H₂S production was mediating by an influx of Ca²⁺ via activation of P2-purinergic receptors. The inhibitor of cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), amino-oxyacetic acid (AOAA), counteracted this increase in 6-Cd^II fluorescence, which however was unaffected by cystathionine γ-lyase inhibitors, β-cyanoalanine or D-L-propargylglycine. L-N^G-nitroarginine methyl ester, a non-selective inhibitor of NO synthase, also failed to inhibit ATP-induced H₂S production. In contrast, AOAA inhibited generation of NO in the presence of ATP in OHCs.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The current study suggests that ATP-induced H₂S production is mediating by an influx of Ca²⁺via activation of P2-purinergic receptors. These findings imply generation of H₂S by CBS in response to exposure to ATP in OHCs. Regulatory cross-talk among ATP, H₂S, and NO may also exist in the cellular signaling pathways in OHCs.</p>","PeriodicalId":94336,"journal":{"name":"Journal of otology","volume":"21 2","pages":"80-86"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13162033/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147936514","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"ChatGPT-Assisted Patient Counselling in Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM): A Pilot Feasibility Study.","authors":"William Regin","doi":"10.26599/JOTO.2026.9540059","DOIUrl":"10.26599/JOTO.2026.9540059","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Artificial intelligence (AI)-based conversational models such as ChatGPT are increasingly used in healthcare for patient education and counselling. However, their feasibility and acceptance in routine ENT outpatient practice remain unexplored. This pilot study evaluates the usefulness of a ChatGPT-generated counselling sheet for patients with Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM). Twenty adult patients (>18 years) diagnosed with CSOM received standard doctor counselling followed by a structured ChatGPT-generated counselling sheet. A validated five-question comprehension questionnaire assessed their understanding before and after receiving the AI-generated sheet. Results demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in patient comprehension (p < 0.001). This preliminary study highlights the potential role of AI-based tools as adjuncts to patient counselling in ENT OPDs.</p>","PeriodicalId":94336,"journal":{"name":"Journal of otology","volume":"21 2","pages":"96-98"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13162030/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147936544","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Progressive Conductive Hearing Loss in Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Lobstein Disease): A Case Report.","authors":"Karim Messaoudi, Nassim Ait Mesbah, Nadia Yahi","doi":"10.26599/JOTO.2026.9540057","DOIUrl":"10.26599/JOTO.2026.9540057","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), also known as Lobstein disease, is a rare inherited connective tissue disorder characterized by bone fragility and various extra-skeletal manifestations. Hearing loss is a frequent but often underestimated complication that may significantly impair quality of life.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>We report the case of a 34-year-old woman with clinically established osteogenesis imperfecta type I who developed progressive bilateral conductive hearing loss over a three-year period. Audiological evaluation revealed symmetrical conductive impairment with preserved speech discrimination. High-resolution temporal bone computed tomography (CT) demonstrated diffuse otic capsule demineralization, bilateral stapes footplate thickening, and atypical crown-shaped hypodense lesions surrounding the cochlea.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Early recognition of hearing loss in osteogenesis imperfecta, combined with detailed imaging and multidisciplinary management, is essential to optimize functional outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":94336,"journal":{"name":"Journal of otology","volume":"21 2","pages":"87-89"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13162037/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147936553","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"EEG Spectral Analysis of Tinnitus Sound Therapy: Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Xueyan Wang, Sisi Liu, Yanjun Jia, Bowen Chen, He Qin, Xin Li","doi":"10.26599/JOTO.2026.9540061","DOIUrl":"10.26599/JOTO.2026.9540061","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Chronic subjective tinnitus affects 15-20% of adults globally, with 3-5% experiencing severe quality-of-life impairment. Sound therapy (ST) is a core intervention, but its neuromodulatory mechanisms remain incompletely characterized due to the lack of objective biomarkers.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Following PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and other databases (1977-2025) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating ST effects on EEG spectral power in tinnitus patients. Inclusion criteria required pre/post-ST EEG data in delta (0.5-4 Hz) and alpha (8-14 Hz) bands. Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed bias using Cochrane tools. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled via fixed/random-effects models.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Two RCTs (n=71 patients) met inclusion criteria. Post-ST, the intervention group showed non-significant trends toward increased delta (SMD=0.11, 95% CI: [-0.40, 0.62], P=0.67) and alpha (SMD=0.09, 95% CI: [-0.41, 0.60], P=0.72) power. Between-group analyses revealed greater alpha enhancement in customized ST versus controls (SMD=0.40, 95% CI: [-0.12, 0.91], P=0.13; I²=39%). Alpha changes demonstrated moderate consistency across studies (I²=39%, P=0.19).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>ST induces measurable delta/alpha power modulation, suggesting enhanced inhibitory neurotransmission and attentional regulation. While statistical significance was limited by sample size, these trends support EEG as a tool for objective treatment monitoring. We propose a \"dual-band synergistic neuromodulation\" framework: ST concurrently suppresses pathological hyperexcitability and potentiates slow-wave inhibition. Standardized EEG protocols and longitudinal validation are critical for advancing precision tinnitus therapeutics.</p>","PeriodicalId":94336,"journal":{"name":"Journal of otology","volume":"21 2","pages":"106-112"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13162034/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147936550","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cross-sectional analysis of hearing loss, age and tinnitus severity in a web-recruited cohort of 610 subjects.","authors":"María Cuesta, Pedro Cobo","doi":"10.26599/JOTO.2026.9540051","DOIUrl":"10.26599/JOTO.2026.9540051","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Tinnitus: </strong>the hearing of a sound that has not been produced by any external or internal source, is a rather heterogeneous hearing disorder.</p><p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>Hearing loss has been shown to be the main risk factor for tinnitus while emotional disorders are risk factors for developing intrusive or bothersome tinnitus. Moreover, aging has also been identified as another risk factor. The aim of this paper was to analyse the correlation between hearing loss, age and tinnitus severity in a cohort of 610 tinnitus sufferers.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Age, audiometric (hearing condition) and tinnitus (time duration and severity) data were assessed and analysed for all subjects just after recruiting (baseline). Furthermore, the average hearing loss (HL) curves of the participants for age groups were compared to these with the corresponding Age Related HL (ARHL).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>For most of the age groups, the measured HL curves exceeded in 10-20 dB those of the ARHL. The average age of tinnitus onset (age minus tinnitus duration) was found to be 44-46 years in both men and women. Weak correlation between audiometric feature and tinnitus distress was observed.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Hearing loss has been shown to be a clear risk factor for triggering tinnitus (86% of participants were hearing impaired). In this cohort, average measures of hearing loss showed, at most, weak associations with tinnitus-related distress, suggesting that non-audiological factors may play a predominant role.</p>","PeriodicalId":94336,"journal":{"name":"Journal of otology","volume":"21 1","pages":"38-49"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12945662/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147328967","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}