Electrophysiological Variations in Auditory Potentials in Chronic Tinnitus Individuals: Treatment Response and Tinnitus Laterality

TL;DR

This study explores how auditory brain responses differ in people with chronic tinnitus, focusing on treatment effects and tinnitus side.

Contribution

The study identifies specific electrophysiological markers linked to treatment response in chronic tinnitus.

Findings

Significant differences were found in ABR wave III and V latencies and amplitudes based on treatment response.

AMLR wave Na and Nb amplitudes also showed significant variation with treatment response.

No significant differences were observed in AEPs related to tinnitus laterality.

Abstract

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.

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