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Hoare DJ, Shorter GW, Shekhawat GS, El Refaie A, Labree B, Sereda M. Neuromodulation Treatments Targeting Pathological Synchrony for Tinnitus in Adults: A Systematic Review. Brain Sci 2024; 14:748. [PMID: 39199443 PMCID: PMC11352582 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14080748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Tinnitus involves the conscious awareness of a tonal or composite noise for which there is no identifiable corresponding external acoustic source. For many people, tinnitus is a disorder associated with symptoms of emotional distress, cognitive dysfunction, autonomic arousal, behavioural changes, and functional disability. Many symptoms can be addressed effectively using education or cognitive behavioural therapy. However, there is no treatment that effectively reduces or alters tinnitus-related neurophysiological activity and thus the tinnitus percept. In this systematic review, we evaluated the effectiveness of neuromodulation therapies for tinnitus that explicitly target pathological synchronous neural activity. (2) Methods: Multiple databases were searched for randomised controlled trials of neuromodulation interventions for tinnitus in adults, with 24 trials included. The risk of bias was assessed, and where appropriate, meta-analyses were performed. (3) Results: Few trials used acoustic, vagal nerve, or transcranial alternating current stimulation, or bimodal stimulation techniques, with limited evidence of neuromodulation or clinical effectiveness. Multiple trials of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) were identified, and a synthesis demonstrated a significant improvement in tinnitus symptom severity in favour of tDCS versus control, although heterogeneity was high. (4) Discussion: Neuromodulation for tinnitus is an emerging but promising field. Electrical stimulation techniques are particularly interesting, given recent advances in current flow modelling that can be applied to future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek J. Hoare
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Hearing Sciences, Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG1 5DU, UK; (B.L.); (M.S.)
- Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University College Cork, T12 EK59 Cork, Ireland;
| | - Gillian W. Shorter
- Drug and Alcohol Research Network, School of Psychology, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK;
| | - Giriraj S. Shekhawat
- College of Education, Psychology, and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia;
- Tinnitus Research Initiative, Universitätsstrasse 84, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Amr El Refaie
- Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University College Cork, T12 EK59 Cork, Ireland;
| | - Bas Labree
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Hearing Sciences, Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG1 5DU, UK; (B.L.); (M.S.)
| | - Magdalena Sereda
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Hearing Sciences, Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG1 5DU, UK; (B.L.); (M.S.)
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Raj-Koziak D, Gos E, Kutyba J, Ganc M, Jedrzejczak WW, Skarzynski PH, Skarzynski H. Effectiveness of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation for the treatment of tinnitus: an interventional prospective controlled study. Int J Audiol 2024; 63:250-259. [PMID: 36799648 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2023.2177894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this interventional non-randomised prospective controlled study was to assess the effectiveness of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) in human subjects with tinnitus. DESIGN The ParasymTM tVNS device was paired with an auditory stimulation. Treatment and observations were conducted over 12 weeks. Audiological evaluation was performed. Responses from a set of questionnaires and quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) before and after treatment were collected. Voice measurements were done to assess possible side-effects of tVNS. STUDY SAMPLE The study involved 29 adults who had chronic tinnitus (15 patients who underwent tVNS paired with sounds and a control group of 14 patients who did not). RESULTS In general, subjective and objective measurements of tinnitus showed no improvement in the study group compared to the controls, although certain parameters as gauged by the questionnaires did statistically improve. The loudness and frequency of tinnitus remained the same in both groups. For the qEEG, activity in the theta band increased significantly in the study group compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS The tVNS was not effective in reducing tinnitus symptoms in our study group. However, changes in the theta band suggest there might be cortical effects that might, with sustained treatment, lead to improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danuta Raj-Koziak
- Tinnitus Department, World Hearing Center, Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Gos
- Department of Teleaudiology and Screening, World Hearing Center, Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Justyna Kutyba
- Department of Teleaudiology and Screening, World Hearing Center, Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Ganc
- Department of Experimental Audiology, World Hearing Center, Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, Warsaw, Poland
| | - W Wiktor Jedrzejczak
- Department of Experimental Audiology, World Hearing Center, Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr H Skarzynski
- Department of Teleaudiology and Screening, World Hearing Center, Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, Warsaw, Poland
- Heart Failure and Cardiac Rehabilitation Department, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- Institute of Sensory Organs, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Henryk Skarzynski
- Department of Otorhinolaryngosurgery, World Hearing Center, Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, Warsaw, Poland
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Park KW, Kullar P, Malhotra C, Stankovic KM. Current and Emerging Therapies for Chronic Subjective Tinnitus. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6555. [PMID: 37892692 PMCID: PMC10607630 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12206555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Chronic subjective tinnitus, the perception of sound without an external source for longer than six months, may be a greatly debilitating condition for some people, and is associated with psychiatric comorbidities and high healthcare costs. Current treatments are not beneficial for all patients and there is a large need for new therapies for tinnitus. OBSERVATIONS Unlike rarer cases of objective tinnitus, chronic subjective tinnitus often has no obvious etiology and a diverse pathophysiology. In the absence of objective testing, diagnosis is heavily based on clinical assessment. Management strategies include hearing aids, sound masking, tinnitus retraining therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and emerging therapies including transcranial magnetic stimulation and electrical stimulation. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Although current treatments are limited, emerging diagnostics and treatments provide promising avenues for the management of tinnitus symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki Wan Park
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, 801 Welch Rd., Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | - Peter Kullar
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, 801 Welch Rd., Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | - Charvi Malhotra
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, 801 Welch Rd., Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | - Konstantina M. Stankovic
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, 801 Welch Rd., Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, 453 Quarry Rd., Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, 290 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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Chen S, Du M, Wang Y, Li Y, Tong B, Qiu J, Wu F, Liu Y. State of the art: non-invasive electrical stimulation for the treatment of chronic tinnitus. Ther Adv Chronic Dis 2023; 14:20406223221148061. [PMID: 36860934 PMCID: PMC9969452 DOI: 10.1177/20406223221148061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Subjective tinnitus is the perception of sound in the absence of external stimulation. Neuromodulation is a novel method with promising properties for application in tinnitus management. This study sought to review the types of non-invasive electrical stimulation in tinnitus to provide the foothold for further research. PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched for studies on the modulation of tinnitus by non-invasive electrical stimulation. Among the four forms of non-invasive electrical modulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, transcranial random noise stimulation, and transauricular vagus nerve stimulation yielded promising results, whereas the effect of transcranial alternating current stimulation in the treatment of tinnitus has not been confirmed. Non-invasive electrical stimulation can effectively suppress tinnitus perception in some patients. However, the heterogeneity in parameter settings leads to scattered and poorly replicated findings. Further high-quality studies are needed to identify optimal parameters to develop more acceptable protocols for tinnitus modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanwen Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P.R. China
| | - Maoshan Du
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P.R. China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P.R. China
| | - Yifan Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P.R. China
| | - Busheng Tong
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P.R. China
| | - Jianxin Qiu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P.R. China
| | - Feihu Wu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, 117 Meishan Road, Hefei 230031, Anhui, P.R. China
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Cardon E, Jacquemin L, Vermeersch H, Joossen I, Moyaert J, Mertens G, Vanderveken OM, Lammers MJW, Van de Heyning P, Van Rompaey V, Gilles A. Dual-site transcranial direct current stimulation to treat tinnitus: a randomized controlled trial. Brain 2022; 145:4222-4231. [PMID: 36450310 PMCID: PMC9762937 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been proposed as a potential intervention for subjective tinnitus, but supporting evidence remains limited. We aimed to investigate the effect of anodal high-definition tDCS of the left temporal area and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex on tinnitus severity. This double-blind randomized controlled trial included 77 patients (age range 18-79, 43 male) with chronic subjective tinnitus as their primary complaint. Thirty-eight subjects received six consecutive sessions of dual-site sequential high-definition-tDCS with electrodes positioned over the left temporal area and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Both areas were stimulated for 15 min per session, with total stimulation time amounting to 30 min. Thirty-nine subjects received sham stimulation. The primary outcome measure was the change in tinnitus severity, as evaluated by the Tinnitus Functional Index, from baseline to a follow-up visit at 8 ± 2 weeks after treatment completion. Secondary outcomes included changes in perceived tinnitus loudness, as measured with a visual analogue scale and a tinnitus matching procedure, as well as scores on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Hyperacusis Questionnaire. No differences in Tinnitus Functional Index change scores were identified between the active treatment and sham control groups (linear regression: P = 0.86). The Tinnitus Functional Index scores decreased significantly over time in both groups (P = 0.0012), indicating the presence of a considerable placebo effect. These change scores were significantly influenced by sex (linear regression: P = 0.037) and baseline symptoms of anxiety (linear regression: P = 0.049) in both groups. In general, Tinnitus Functional Index scores decreased more profoundly in males and in subjects with a higher degree of anxiety at baseline. None of the included secondary measures differed significantly between experimental arms. Our results suggest that dual-site sequential high-definition-tDCS of the left temporal area and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex does not alleviate tinnitus severity. Interestingly, in our study population, fluctuations in tinnitus severity were influenced by gender and concurrent mental condition. It is therefore important to take these factors into account when conducting or planning randomized controlled trials in tinnitus populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Cardon
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- University Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Laure Jacquemin
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- University Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Hanne Vermeersch
- University Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Iris Joossen
- University Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Julie Moyaert
- University Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Griet Mertens
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- University Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Olivier M Vanderveken
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- University Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Marc J W Lammers
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- University Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Paul Van de Heyning
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- University Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Vincent Van Rompaey
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- University Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Annick Gilles
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- University Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
- Department of Education, Health and Social Work, University College Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
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Labree B, Hoare DJ, Gascoyne LE, Scutt P, Del Giovane C, Sereda M. Determining the Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Tinnitus, Depression, and Anxiety: A Systematic Review. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12040484. [PMID: 35448015 PMCID: PMC9029345 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12040484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Tinnitus is the awareness of a sound in the absence of an external source. It affects around 10–15% of people, a significant proportion of whom also experience symptoms such as depression or anxiety that negatively affect their quality of life. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a technique involving constant low-intensity direct current delivered via scalp electrodes. It is a potential treatment option for tinnitus, as well as tinnitus-related conditions such as depression and anxiety. This systematic review estimates the effects of tDCS on outcomes relevant to tinnitus. In addition, it sheds light on the relationship between stimulation parameters and the effect of tDCS on these outcomes; (2) Methods: Exhaustive searches of electronic databases were conducted. Randomised controlled trials were included if they reported at least one of the following outcomes: tinnitus symptom severity, anxiety, or depression. Where available, data on quality of life, adverse effects, and neurophysiological changes were also reviewed. GRADE was used to assess the certainty in the estimate; (3) Results: Meta-analyses revealed a statistically significant reduction in tinnitus (moderate certainty) and depression (low certainty)-but not anxiety-following active tDCS compared to sham control. Network meta-analyses revealed potential optimal stimulation parameters; (4) Conclusions: The evidence synthesised in this review suggests tDCS has the potential to reduce symptom severity in tinnitus and depression. It further narrows down the number of potentially optimal stimulation parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bas Labree
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Ropewalk House, 113 The Ropewalk, Nottingham NG1 5DU, UK; (D.J.H.); (P.S.); (M.S.)
- Hearing Sciences, Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Derek J. Hoare
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Ropewalk House, 113 The Ropewalk, Nottingham NG1 5DU, UK; (D.J.H.); (P.S.); (M.S.)
- Hearing Sciences, Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Lauren E. Gascoyne
- Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2XQ, UK;
| | - Polly Scutt
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Ropewalk House, 113 The Ropewalk, Nottingham NG1 5DU, UK; (D.J.H.); (P.S.); (M.S.)
- Hearing Sciences, Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Cinzia Del Giovane
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy;
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Mittelstrasse 43, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Magdalena Sereda
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Ropewalk House, 113 The Ropewalk, Nottingham NG1 5DU, UK; (D.J.H.); (P.S.); (M.S.)
- Hearing Sciences, Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
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Martins ML, Souza DDS, Cavalcante MEDOB, Barboza HN, de Medeiros JF, Dos Santos Andrade SMM, Machado DGDS, da Rosa MRD. Effect of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for tinnitus treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurophysiol Clin 2022; 52:1-16. [PMID: 35027291 DOI: 10.1016/j.neucli.2021.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of tDCS on tinnitus distress, loudness and psychiatric symptoms. METHODS A systematic literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, VHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, OVID, and CINAHL databases was carried out on articles published until July 2021. Inclusion criteria were published controlled trials using tDCS intervention with tinnitus patients, using a sham/control group, and measuring tinnitus loudness, distress and/or psychiatric symptoms. A meta-analysis was performed for the overall effect as well as to compare subgroups according to tDCS target (left temporoparietal area (LTA) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC)). RESULTS Fourteen articles with 1031 participants were included. Six studies applied tDCS over the DLPFC, six over the LTA and two over both areas. Although the overall meta-analysis showed that tDCS significantly decreased tinnitus loudness (SMD=-0.35; 95%CI=-0.62 to -0.08, p = 0.01) and distress (SMD=-0.50, 95%CI=-0.91 to -0.10, p = 0.02).The subgroup analysis showed a significant effect only for tDCS over LTA for loudness (SMD=-0.46, 95%CI=-0.80 to -0.12, p = 0.009), and no other area resulted in significant change. There was no significant effect of treatment on psychiatric symptoms. CONCLUSION tDCS may improve tinnitus loudness and distress with a small to moderate effect size. Despite the overall positive effect, only LTA tDCS yielded a significant effect. Further well-controlled studies with larger sample sizes and broader exploration of tDCS montages and doses are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Lopes Martins
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, PB 58051-900, Brazil.
| | - Dayse da Silva Souza
- Department of Neuroscience and Cognition, Federal University of ABC, São Paulo, SP 09606-070, Brazil
| | | | - Hionara Nascimento Barboza
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, PB 58051-900, Brazil
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Lee SY, Chang M, Kwon B, Choi BY, Koo JW, Moon T, De Ridder D, Vanneste S, Song JJ. Is the posterior cingulate cortex an on-off switch for tinnitus?: A comparison between hearing loss subjects with and without tinnitus. Hear Res 2021; 411:108356. [PMID: 34600166 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2021.108356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
As the human brain works in a Bayesian manner to minimize uncertainty toward external stimuli, the deafferented brain may generate tinnitus in an attempt to fill in missing auditory information, e.g. due to hearing loss. However, not everybody with hearing loss develops tinnitus. Understanding the differences between people with hearing loss who develop tinnitus versus those who do not offers a unique opportunity to unravel critical brain areas involved in the generation of a phantom sound. In this study, we compared resting-state quantitative electroencephalography between hearing loss patients with (HL-T) and without tinnitus (HL-NT) to identify cortical oscillatory signatures that may reveal prerequisites for the selective development of tinnitus in subjects with hearing loss. We enrolled 65 subjects with HL-NT and 65 subjects with HL-T whose tinnitus handicap inventory scores were <16 (grade 1) to minimize the bias induced by distress-induced cortical activity changes. Subjects in the HL-T and HL-NT groups were matched in terms of the bilateral hearing threshold (0.25-8 kHz) using nearest neighbor method. Compared to the HL-NT group, the HL-T group showed significantly higher activity in the right parahippocampus for the beta 1 frequency band, in the left inferior parietal lobule (IPL) for the beta 2 frequency band, and in the right IPL for the beta 3- and gamma frequency bands. Functional connectivity analyses revealed that the HL-T group had significantly higher connectivity than the HL-NT group between both parahippocampal gyri and the right IPL for the delta frequency band, and between the left posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and right IPL for the beta 2 frequency band. These results suggest that tinnitus may be perceived only if auditory memory stored in the parahippocampus is actively linked to the IPL-based "circuit breaker" system and the circuit breaker signal is connected to the PCC-based default mode network (DMN). Thus, when the circuit breaker system regards tinnitus secondary to peripheral deafferentation as a salient event and then the DMN regards tinnitus as a norm, subjects with hearing loss may consciously perceive tinnitus. The results of this study further refine the recently proposed Bayesian model and decipher the neurobiological mechanism of the selective development of tinnitus in subjects with hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Yeon Lee
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, 13620, Korea
| | - Munyoung Chang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea
| | | | - Byung Yoon Choi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, 13620, Korea
| | - Ja-Won Koo
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, 13620, Korea
| | - Taesup Moon
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dirk De Ridder
- Unit of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgical Sciences, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Sven Vanneste
- Lab for Clinical & Integrative Neuroscience, Trinity College of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jae-Jin Song
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, 13620, Korea..
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9
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Yang T, Zhang J, Wang B, Zhang W, Xu M, Yang S, Liu H. Electrical stimulation to treat tinnitus: a meta-analysis and systemic review of randomized controlled trials. Ther Adv Chronic Dis 2021; 12:20406223211041069. [PMID: 34729140 PMCID: PMC8442493 DOI: 10.1177/20406223211041069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Tinnitus is one of the most common otological symptoms that patients experience, and it can be debilitating. No effective drug treatments are available for tinnitus, although considerable research investigating its mechanisms and possible treatments is underway. Electrical stimulation has been considered a promising and well-tolerated therapeutic strategy for tinnitus. This meta-analysis study was aimed to investigate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of electrical stimulation in patients with tinnitus. METHODS Relevant studies were retrieved from the Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical Literature (CBM), Wanfang and Weipu databases. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and the visual analogue scale (VAS) which focus on loudness and distress evaluation (0-10 points) were used to assess perceived tinnitus suppression after treatment. Subgroup analysis was also performed based on different stimulating areas and methods, follow-up times, tinnitus duration and electrical current intensity. Review Manager 5.4 software was used for data synthesis, and Stata 15.1 software was used for analyses of publication bias and sensitivity. RESULTS Our meta-analysis included 11 studies involving a total of 447 patients with tinnitus. The results showed that electrical stimulation significantly reduced THI scores [mean difference (MD) = -9.69; 95% confidence interval (CI) = -14.25, -5.13; p < 0.0001; I 2 = 80%] and VAS scores between the two groups (VAS loudness scores, MD = -0.72; 95% CI = -1.20, -0.25; VAS distress scores, MD = -0.90; 95% CI = -1.17, -0.63). In addition, subgroup analysis showed that THI scores in electrical stimulation group of different stimulating areas and methods follow-up times, tinnitus duration and electrical current intensity were generally reduced, regardless of the acute or subacute tinnitus group or left temporoparietal area (LTA) group with no statistical significance between two groups. CONCLUSION Overall, electrical stimulation may be an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for tinnitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Yang
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Shaanxi
Provincial People’s Hospital, Xi’an, China
| | - Bing Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Shaanxi
Provincial People’s Hospital, Xi’an, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Shaanxi
Provincial People’s Hospital, Xi’an, China
| | - Min Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Shaanxi
Provincial People’s Hospital, Xi’an, China
| | | | - Hui Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Shaanxi
Provincial People’s Hospital, Xi’an, 710068, China
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Labree B, Hoare DJ, Gascoyne LE, Sereda M. Determining the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on tinnitus and tinnitus-related outcomes: protocol for a systematic review. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e047191. [PMID: 33771831 PMCID: PMC8006855 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tinnitus is the awareness of a sound in the ear or head in the absence of an external source. It affects around 10%-15% of people. About 20% of people with tinnitus also experience symptoms such as depression or anxiety that negatively affect their life. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a technique involving constant low-intensity direct current delivered via electrodes on the head. It is postulated to modulate (suppress or enhance) neural activity in the region between electrodes. As such, it represents a potential treatment option for tinnitus, as well as comorbid depression or anxiety. This systematic review will estimate the effects of tDCS on outcomes relevant to tinnitus. In addition, it will determine whether there is any relationship between stimulation parameters (electrode montage, current intensity, and length and frequency of stimulation sessions) and the effect of tDCS on these outcomes. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Electronic searches for peer-reviewed journal articles will be performed in the Cochrane Register of Studies online (the Cochrane Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Group Register and CENTRAL, current issue), PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, LILACS, KoreaMed, IndMed, PakMediNet, CNKI, AMED, PsycINFO, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, ICTRP and Google Scholar using the following search terms: transcranial Direct Current Stimulation OR tDCS AND tinnitus OR depression OR anxiety OR quality of life OR adverse effects OR neurophys*.Searches were not limited by date. Methods are reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P). Randomised controlled trials will be included if they report at least one of the following outcomes: tinnitus symptom severity, anxiety or depression as measured by relevant validated instruments. Where available, data on quality of life, adverse effects and neurophysiological changes will also be reviewed. In addition to an analysis of the effect of each parameter, an analysis will be performed to uncover any interactions between parameters. Where appropriate, meta-analyses will be performed. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This systematic review will make use of secondary data only. As no data will be obtained from participants directly, ethical approval has not been sought. No other ethical issues are foreseen. Findings will be submitted for peer-reviewed publication and presented at academic conferences. The results of this review will inform future research. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42020185567.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bas Labree
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham, UK
- Hearing Sciences, Mental Health and Clinical Neuroscience, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Derek J Hoare
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham, UK
- Hearing Sciences, Mental Health and Clinical Neuroscience, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Lauren E Gascoyne
- Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Magdalena Sereda
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham, UK
- Hearing Sciences, Mental Health and Clinical Neuroscience, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Comparison of Treatment Outcome between Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) and Transcutaneous Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in Intractable Tinnitus. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10040635. [PMID: 33562396 PMCID: PMC7916028 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10040635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcutaneous direct current stimulation (tDCS) are non-invasive treatments for chronic tinnitus based on neuromodulation of cortical activity. Both are considered effective, but with heterogeneous results due to lack of established protocols. Because the target groups for both modalities overlap, it is difficult to recommend one of them. We tried to unify the inclusion criteria and treatment schedules to compare the two modalities. The medical charts of 36 patients who underwent rTMS as part of clinical routine were reviewed and data for 34 patients who underwent tDCS about 7 years later were collected prospectively. Both groups had chronic unilateral tinnitus refractory to medication. Patients were treated for 5 consecutive days, and tinnitus symptoms were evaluated by survey both at the end of the treatment schedule and 1 month after the treatment. The ratio of responders who showed >20% reduction in tinnitus handicap inventory scores were compared. At the end of the treatment, the rTMS group showed a rapid response compared to the tDCS group (rTMS, 30.6%; tDCS, 12.1%; p = 0.054). However, both groups showed a significant and similar reduction in tinnitus symptoms 1 month after the treatment (rTMS, 47.2%; tDCS, 36.4%; p = 0.618). As both groups showed comparable results for tinnitus reduction, tDCS may be superior in terms of cost-effectiveness.
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Zhang J, Firestone E, Elattma A. Animal Models of Tinnitus Treatment: Cochlear and Brain Stimulation. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2021; 51:83-129. [PMID: 34282563 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2021_227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Neuromodulation, via stimulation of a variety of peripheral and central structures, is used to suppress tinnitus. However, investigative limitations in humans due to ethical reasons have made it difficult to decipher the mechanisms underlying treatment-induced tinnitus relief, so a number of animal models have arisen to address these unknowns. This chapter reviews animal models of cochlear and brain stimulation and assesses their modulatory effects on behavioral evidence of tinnitus and its related neural correlates. When a structure is stimulated, localized modulation, often presenting as downregulation of spontaneous neuronal spike firing rate, bursting and neurosynchrony, occurs within the brain area. Through anatomical projections and transmitter pathways, the interventions activate both auditory- and non-auditory structures by taking bottom-up ascending and top-down descending modes to influence their target brain structures. Furthermore, it is the brain oscillations that cochlear or brain stimulation evoke and connect the prefrontal cortex, striatal systems, and other limbic structures to refresh neural networks and relieve auditory, attentive, conscious, as well as emotional reactive aspects of tinnitus. This oscillatory neural network connectivity is achieved via the thalamocorticothalamic circuitry including the lemniscal and non-lemniscal auditory brain structures. Beyond existing technologies, the review also reveals opportunities for developing advanced animal models using new modalities to achieve precision neuromodulation and tinnitus abatement, such as optogenetic cochlear and/or brain stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinsheng Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA. .,Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Wayne State University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Detroit, MI, USA.
| | - Ethan Firestone
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Ahmed Elattma
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
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El-Hagrassy M, Duarte D, Lu J, Uygur-Kucukseymen E, Münger M, Thibaut A, Lv P, Morales-Quezada L, Fregni F. EEG modulation by different transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) montages: a randomized double-blind sham-control mechanistic pilot trial in healthy participants. Expert Rev Med Devices 2020; 18:107-120. [PMID: 33305643 DOI: 10.1080/17434440.2021.1860018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Background: Based on our Phantom study on transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), we hypothesized that EEG band power and field confinement would be greater following left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC - F3) tDCS using circular vs. rectangular electrodes.Methods: Double-blind-randomized trial comparing tDCS with anode over left DLPFC (groups: rectangular electrodes, circular electrodes, sham) and 2 active subgroup references (right shoulder vs. right DLPFC).Results: Twenty-four randomized participants were assessed. We indeed found higher average EEG power spectral density (PSD) across bands for circular vs. rectangular electrodes, largely confined to F3 and there was a significant increase at AF3 for low alpha (p = 0.037). Significant differences included: increased PSD in low beta (p = 0.024) and theta bands (p = 0.021) at F3, and in theta (p = 0.036) at FC5 for the right DLPFC vs. shoulder with no coherence changes. We found PSD differences between active vs. sham tDCS at Fz for alpha (p = 0.043), delta (p = 0.036), high delta (p = 0.030); and at FC1 for alpha (p = 0.031), with coherence differences for F3-Fz in beta (p = 0.044), theta (p = 0.044), delta (p = 0.037) and high delta (p = 0.009).Conclusion: This pilot study despite low statistical power given its small sample size shows that active left DLPFC tDCS modulates EEG frontocentrally and suggests that electrode shapes/reference locations affect its neurophysiological effects, such as increased low alpha power at AF3 using circular vs. rectangular electrodes. Further research with more participants is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirret El-Hagrassy
- Neuromodulation Center, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,UMass Memorial Medical Center, Neurology Department, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Dante Duarte
- Neuromodulation Center, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jerry Lu
- Charter School of Wilmington, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Elif Uygur-Kucukseymen
- Neuromodulation Center, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Marionna Münger
- Neuromodulation Center, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Division of Neuropsychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Aurore Thibaut
- Neuromodulation Center, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,University and University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Leon Morales-Quezada
- Neuromodulation Center, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Felipe Fregni
- Neuromodulation Center, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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