MedWorm: Tinnitus

Noise Exposure Can Cause Long-Lasting Changes To Sensory Pathways; Touch-Sensing Nerve Cells May Lead To Future Tinnitus Treatments

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

We all know that it can take a little while for our hearing to bounce back after listening to our iPods too loud or attending a raucous concert. But new research at the University of Michigan Health System suggests over-exposure to noise can actually cause more lasting changes to our auditory circuitry - changes that may lead to tinnitus, commonly known as ringing in the ears... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Electric field and current density distribution in an anatomical head model during transcranial direct current stimulation for tinnitus treatment

Bioelectromagnetics — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study investigates and compares the spatial distribution of the magnitude of the electric field and the current density in the brain tissues during tDCS of different brain targets. A numerical method was applied on a realistic human head model to calculate these field distributions in different brain structures, such as the cortex, white matter, cerebellum, hippocampus, medulla oblongata, pons, midbrain, thalamus, and hypothalamus. Moreover, the same distributions were evaluated along the auditory pathways. Results of this study show that tDCS of the left temporoparietal cortex resulted in a widespread diffuse distribution of the magnitude of the electric fields (and also of the current density) on an area of the cortex larger than the target brain region. On the contrary, tDCS of the...

Cochleo-vestibular clinical findings among drug resistant Tuberculosis Patients on therapy-a pilot study.

International Archives of Medicine — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: A multi-disciplinary close surveillance of MDR and XDR TB patients on therapy is imperative. Finally researches into therapeutic trials on antidotes and potent safer substitutes for aminoglycosides in the management are recommended. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Cognitive decline in patients with metal-on-metal hips: think cobalt toxicity

The Poison Review — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 04:56:05 +0100

This weekend both the Daily Mail (U.K.) and the Sunday Telegraph (U.K.) had stories highlighting the dangers of metal-on-metal artificial hips, which have a high rate of failure, causing local tissue inflammation, pain, and leaching of chromium and cobalt into blood and other tissues. A recent letter to the BMJ (Arthroprosthetic cobaltism associated with metal on metal implants. BMJ 2012;344:e430) describes several patients who received the metal-on-metal hip implants who developed progressive hip pain, elevated cobalt levels, cognitive impairment, neuropathy, and cardiomyopathy. Associated symptoms included new onset depression, anxiety, tinnitus, and thyroid abnormalities. Dr. Stephen S. Tower, the author of the BMJ letter, suggests that patients with these implants should be suspe...

Reduction of Tinnitus Severity by the Centrally Acting Muscle Relaxant Cyclobenzaprine: An Open-Label Pilot Study

Audiology and Neurotology — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:00:00 +0100

Audiol Neurotol 2012;17:179–188 (DOI:10.1159/000335657) (Source: Audiology and Neurotology)

Transtympanic Electrocochleography for the Diagnosis of Ménière's Disease

Advances in Pharmacological Sciences — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:56:20 +0100

This paper evaluated the diagnostic power of electrocochleography (ECochG) in detecting Ménière's disease (MD) as compared with two subjective assessment methods, including the clinical guidelines provided by the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Committee on Hearing Equilibrium and the Gibson score. A retrospective study of 250 suspected MD cases was conducted. The agreement between the three assessment methods was found to be relatively high, with a total reliability being higher than 70%. Participants who tested “positive” with ECochG exhibited a higher occurrence rate of asymmetric hearing threshold as well as the four MD symptoms, namely, vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness. The “positive” ECochG group ...

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Vidian Nerve Neurofibroma Removed via a Transpterygoid Approach

min - Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We present a rare case of a vidian nerve neurofibroma and discuss its surgical management.A 62-year-old woman with a history of a basal cell skin cancer was evaluated for bilateral tinnitus. Imaging revealed a left-sided lesion at the medial aspect of the pterygoid process base, over the vidian canal. Under image-guidance, an endonasal endoscopic transpterygoid approach was performed. The histopathological examination supported the diagnosis of neurofibroma.Benign nerve sheath tumors of the vidian nerve should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a vidian canal lesion. Given the propensity of more aggressive tumors, a tissue diagnosis should be warranted in order to coordinate appropriate subsequent treatment. The expanded endonasal transpterygoid approach offers a safe, less inv...

Transient Ischemic Attacks in a 22-Year-Old

The American Journal of Medicine — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:45:00 +0100

A frightening symptom in a 22-year-old undergraduate student signaled an uncommon chronic disease—and led to reconsideration of a previous diagnosis. In July 2010, she presented with a 2-month history of a “whooshing sound” in her right ear. She noted the sound when trying to sleep, though it did not interfere with sleeping. She denied tinnitus or headaches. For the previous 7 weeks, she had experienced right-neck tenderness and stiffness, particularly with flexion of the cervical spine. The onset of these symptoms was associated with fever and dysphagia that resolved in 1-2 days without treatment. One week prior to admission, she experienced 6-10 episodes of transient (< 1 minute) loss of vision in the right eye, as well as severe fatigue. (Source: The American Journal of Medicine)

Effect of 1 Hz Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Over the Auditory Cortex on Audiometry and Otoacustic Emissions.

Brain Topography — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, we found in this pilot approach no obvious indication for auditory dysfunctions due to direct electromagnetic stimulation of the superior temporal gyrus after one session of rTMS in healthy controls that may be interpreted as unwanted side effects. Nevertheless monitoring of auditory functions is strongly recommended in future clinical trials stimulating the auditory cortex, as this has not been done systematically in the past. PMID: 22258394 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Brain Topography)

Impact of Long-Term Serum Platinum Concentrations on Neuro- and Ototoxicity in Cisplatin-Treated Survivors of Testicular Cancer [Urologic Oncology]

Journal of Clinical Oncology — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Here we document a significant relationship between increasing levels of residual serum platinum and NTX severity after adjusting for initial cisplatin dose. (Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology)

A Clinical and Histopathologic Study of Jugular Bulb Abnormalities [Original Article]

Archives of Otolaryngology — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Jugular bulb abnormalities can erode into the vestibular aqueduct, facial nerve, and the posterior semicircular canal. While symptoms may include pulsatile tinnitus, vertigo, or conductive hearing loss, in contrast to earlier reports, half of the patients were asymptomatic. Dehiscence of vestibular aqueduct rarely leads to clinical or histologic hydrops. The VEMP testing was useful in confirming the presence of inner ear dehiscence due to JBAs. Because the natural history of JBAs is unknown, these patients should be followed closely to evaluate for progression of the JBA or development of symptoms. (Source: Archives of Otolaryngology)

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Role of acamprosate in sensorineural tinnitus

Indian Journal of Pharmacology — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Acamprosate is an effective drug in treating the severity of sensorineural tinnitus without causing much of the side effects. (Source: Indian Journal of Pharmacology)

Strategies and accomplishments of the Tinnitus Research Consortium.

Hearing Research — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Snow JB Abstract The Tinnitus Research Consortium (TRC) is sponsored by a philanthropist who wants to accelerate progress in basic and clinical research on tinnitus. The TRC consists of 12 distinguished auditory scientists who began meeting in 1998 twice a year for brainstorming for new research approaches to tinnitus, developing requests for applications, judging the scientific merit of the applications received and reviewing the progress of funded projects. Through these efforts, common confounding variables in tinnitus research have been identified, and solutions to these problems have been suggested. TRC grants have been made up to $100,000.00 per year for three years. The sponsor had provided $600,000.00 per year; so two new grants could be made each year. The good ne...

Tinnitus before and 6 Months after Cochlear Implantation

Audiology and Neurotology — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 23:00:00 +0100

Audiol Neurotol 2012;17:161–168 (DOI:10.1159/000335126) (Source: Audiology and Neurotology)

Inferior vestibular neuritis

Journal of Neurology — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 06:49:21 +0100

This study aimed to describe the clinical features of VN involving the inferior vestibular labyrinth and its afferents only. Of the 703 patients with a diagnosis of VN or labyrinthitis at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital from 2004 to 2010, we retrospectively recruited 9 patients (6 women, age range 15–75) with a diagnosis of isolated inferior VN. Diagnosis of isolated inferior VN was based on torsional downbeating spontaneous nystagmus, abnormal head-impulse test (HIT) for the posterior semicircular canal (PC), and abnormal cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) in the presence of normally functioning horizontal and anterior semicircular canals, as determined by normal HIT and bithermal caloric tests. All patients presented with acute vertigo with nausea, ...

Altered networks in bothersome tinnitus: a functional connectivity study

BMC Neuroscience - Latest articles — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The objective was to examine functional connectivity linked to the auditory system in patients with bothersome tinnitus. Activity was low frequency ( (Source: BMC Neuroscience - Latest articles)

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Ménière's disease in children aged 4-7 years.

Acta Oto-Laryngologica — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This report is a reminder that Ménière's disease may also occur in young children. PMID: 22217217 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Acta Oto-Laryngologica)

Hearing loss prevention program in fishermen: hearing profile and educational actions

Revista CEFAC — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 03:42:57 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: there was significant dependence between the auditory and age of the fishermen, in other words, the occurrence of hearing loss is significantly greater from 40 year old. Thus, the fishermen who were more than 40 year old had 18.05 times more hearing loss than those who are less than 40 year old. (Source: Revista CEFAC)

Tinnitus severity and its association with cognitive and somatic anxiety: a critical study

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:38:04 +0100

Abstract Tinnitus has been defined as a phantom auditory perception. Research indicates the necessity to make a distinction between the physical symptom and the subjective severity of the tinnitus symptom, since especially the latter seems to vary among patients. The relationship between tinnitus severity and psychological variables has been well established. Anxiety is considered to be an important variable for understanding the differences in the subjective tinnitus severity. Although many studies confirm the relationship between anxiety and tinnitus severity, most studies do not take the possibility of shared method variance and content overlap between questionnaires into account. Furthermore, anxiety is a broad concept and contains both a cognitive and somatic dimensio...

External Auditory Osteoma

Head and Neck Pathology — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:50:00 +0100

Abstract External auditory canal (EAC) osteomas are rare, benign bony neoplasms that occur in wide range of patients. While chronic irritation and inflammation have been suggested as causal factors in several cases, significant data is lacking to support these suspicions. Symptoms are rare and can include hearing loss, vertigo, pain and tinnitus. Diagnosis is made based on a combination of clinical history and examination, radiographic imaging, and histopathology. Osteomas of the EAC are usually found incidentally and are unilateral and solitary. Computed tomography reveals a hyperdense, pedunculated mass arising from the tympanosquamous suture and lateral of the isthmus. Histopathologically, EAC osteomas are covered with periosteum and squamous epithelium, and consist of ...

Tinnitus in noise-exposed workers

Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Fonoaudiologia — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 22:11:29 +0100

CONCLUSION: The absence of hearing loss in half the individuals and the correlation between noise exposure time and tinnitus perception time, in these subjects, suggest a possible effect of noise not restrained to the peripheral auditory system, and the need to include tinnitus in hearing conservation programs. (Source: Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Fonoaudiologia)

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Acupuncture for Depression?: A Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews

Evaluation — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, the effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment of depression remains unproven and the authors' findings are consistent with acupuncture effects in depression being indistinguishable from placebo effects. (Source: Evaluation)

Clinical Guidelines and Practice: A Commentary on the Complexity of Tinnitus Management

Evaluation — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Subjective tinnitus is an enigmatic and chronic condition that is predominantly managed as symptomatic. Little high-level evidence exists for the efficacy and specificity of the various tinnitus management strategies currently used, and this is reflected in documents that aim to guide clinicians. As a consequence, there are clear gaps in evidence-based practice linking diagnosis to the most effective management strategies as well as a general lack of consensus about which are appropriate strategies for assessment and management. Several guidelines have been produced from research efforts and from expert opinion. All recommend standardization of assessment and a range of management options but do not yet provide a means to link the two. The authors call for clinicians, scientists, and polic...

A Commentary on the Complexity of Tinnitus Management: Clinical Guidelines Provide a Path Through the Fog

Evaluation — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

There is a desire among many tinnitus researchers and clinicians for greater standardization in the assessment and management of tinnitus. In their commentary on the complexity of tinnitus, Hoare et al. have highlighted the need for strong evidence-based protocols. The authors make many valid and important conclusions as to the current state of clinical guidelines; they identify clear gaps in evidence and limited consensus as to clinical practice. While I agree with the bulk of their commentary there are a few areas where I will offer a counter view. In particular I will address their view that only high-level evidence has a place in forming practice guidelines for tinnitus. (Source: Evaluation)

Tinnitus: The Complexity of Standardization

Evaluation — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Tinnitus is a heterogeneous disorder that causes significant impairment in many patients. Treatment is elusive and there is a need for more comprehensive guidelines for diagnosis and management of tinnitus. However, different standardization approaches should be differentiated according to their specific purpose. Standardization of assessment methods and outcome measurements are useful for the performance of clinical trials, for comparison of results across centers, for clinic audits, and for epidemiological studies. In contrast, clinical guidelines are the best approach for the standardization of the clinical management of tinnitus patients. In the development of these clinical guidelines, the heterogeneity of tinnitus should be considered. Tinnitus can be a symptom of a severe underlying...

Pathophysiology and Treatment of Tinnitus: An Elusive Disease

Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:39:57 +0100

Abstract Tinnitus is a perception of sound in proximity to the head with the absence of an external source. It is estimated to occur in 15–20% of the world’s population, with 1–3% of cases severely affecting quality of life. Severe tinnitus is frequently associated with depression, anxiety and insomnia. Tinnitus has been associated with a variety of risk factors, including prolonged noise exposure, head and neck injury and infection. The most recent pathophysiologic theory of tinnitus suggests that the central nervous system is the source or “generator” of this condition. However, treatment modalities are still aimed at lessening the awareness of tinnitus and its impact on quality of life rather than attaining a definitive cure. Currently, no drug is available th...

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Tinnitus and hearing in 7-year-old children

Archives of Disease in Childhood — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion This study confirms an increased occurrence of spontaneous tinnitus in children with TTS or HI and in children with both TTS and HI, in particular, but also in children with normal hearing. Possibly, tinnitus in young children correlates with stress as in adolescents and adults. (Source: Archives of Disease in Childhood)

Clinical and Radiologic Findings of Inner Ear Involvement in Sickle Cell Disease [HEAD AND NECK]

American Journal of Neuroradiology — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: LH and LO were found in approximately one-third of patients with SCD with inner ear symptoms and preferentially affected males. (Source: American Journal of Neuroradiology)

The Presence of a Lipoma in the Eustachian TubeThe Presence of a Lipoma in the Eustachian Tube

Medscape Today Headlines — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 04:00:00 +0100

What was the unusual cause of this young woman's chronic otitis media and tinnitus? Journal of Medical Case Reports (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Tinnitus measurement with conventional audiometer versus high-frequency audiometer.

Acta Otorrinolaringologica Espanola — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: 1) The frequency of tinnitus determined by high-frequency audiometer is greater than the frequency determined by conventional audiometer; 2) the higher the frequency of tinnitus, the more discomfort the patient manifests; and 3) there is no relationship between the intensity and discomfort caused by tinnitus. PMID: 22152652 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Acta Otorrinolaringologica Espanola)

Intratympanic steroid use for hearing salvage in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome.

Ear, Nose and Throat Journal — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Pelosi S, Chandrasekhar SS Abstract We discuss the rare case of a 68-year-old woman with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) syndrome and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) who was successfully treated with intratympanic corticosteroid injections. The patient had presented with bilaterally asymmetric (i.e., moderate and moderate to severe) SNHL, tinnitus, vertigo, and vitiligo. She received two intratympanic injections in her worse-hearing ear over the course of 1 month. Subsequent audiometry showed an immediate 5- to 10-dB improvement in her hearing across multiple frequencies, as well as a long-term improvement to near-normal thresholds. The hearing thresholds in her untreated ear remained stable. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a patient with VKH syndrom...

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Cochlear implant in patients with sudden unilateral sensorineural hearing loss and associated tinnitus.

Acta Otorrinolaringologica Espanola — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Tinnitus reduction following cochlear implantation can be explained by several mechanisms, such as habituation, acoustic masking, direct stimulation of the cochlear nerve and reorganisation of cortical areas. Even though further research is required, cochlear implantation is an effective method for the treatment of disabling tinnitus in patients with severe-to-profound unilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss. PMID: 22136970 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Acta Otorrinolaringologica Espanola)

Clinical and Audio Vestibular Profile of Meniere’s Disease in a Tertiary Care Centre in India

Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 04:38:51 +0100

Abstract The aims of this study are to determine the frequency of patients presenting with Meniere’s Disease(MD) in an Indian setting, using the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO) diagnostic criteria, and to describe the clinical and audio vestibular profiles of these patients. The study was based on prospective case series design in the settings of a tertiary referral hospital. The study included all consecutive patients aged between 5 and 75 years presenting with the history of hearing loss, vertigo, tinnitus and or aural fullness as participants, satisfying inclusion and exclusion criteria for MD (AAO 1995) recruited over a 12 month period. Main outcome measures comprised the evaluation of epidemiological profile, clinical feature...

Carotid artery‐cochlear dehiscence: A review

The Laryngoscope — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 08:40:13 +0100

We present what we believe to be the fourth reported case of carotid‐cochlear dehiscence in the literature. The patient presented having only the complaint of pulsatile tinnitus and was later diagnosed with this rare condition. We advocate a thorough preoperative work‐up, including high‐resolution computed tomography and careful operative planning in a case‐specific manner. This is especially important when common pathologies do not become apparent after careful investigation. Laryngoscope, 121:2658–2660, 2011 (Source: The Laryngoscope)

Comparison of various treatment modalities for acute tinnitus

The Laryngoscope — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 08:40:06 +0100

Conclusions:The results of the present study indicate that ITD injection plus alprazolam medication is the best treatment choice for acute SIT within 3 months of development. Laryngoscope, 121:2619–2625, 2011 (Source: The Laryngoscope)

Hypoacusia in a Patient Treated by Isotretinoin

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 23:55:40 +0100

We report one case of hypoacusia and tinnitus in a 15-year-old boy treated with isotretinoin during 6 weeks, who quickly improved after isotretinoin withdrawal. Also, we comment other publications about hearing alterations in patients treated with isotretinoin and other retinoids. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology)

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Assessment of non-motor hearing symptoms in hemifacial spasm using magnetoencephalography

Acta Neurochirurgica — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 17:49:55 +0100

Conclusions Our results indicate that MEG can detect differences in cortical activity between hemifacial spasm patients with and without tinnitus. This suggests that MEG can identify changes in cortical activity associated with non-motor symptoms. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Clinical ArticlePages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s00701-011-1231-yAuthors Young Seok Park, Department of Neurosurgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 134 Shinchon-Dong, Seodaemoon-Gu, 120-752 Seoul, KoreaBong Soo Kim, Department of Neurosurgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 134 Shinchon-Dong, Seodaemoon-Gu, 120-752 Seoul, KoreaDong Kyu Lee, Department of Neurosurgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 134 Shinchon-Dong, Seodaemoon-Gu, 120-752 Seoul, KoreaSeung-Koo Lee, Departm...

Degeneration in the ventral cochlear nucleus after severe noise damage in mice

Journal of Neuroscience Research — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:04:17 +0100

AbstractTo study the mechanisms of noise‐induced hearing loss and the phantom noise, or tinnitus, often associated with it, we used a mouse model of noise damage designed for reproducible and quantitative structural analyses. We selected the posteroventral cochlear nucleus, which has shown considerable plasticity in past studies, and correlated its changes with the distribution of neurotrophin 3 (NT3). We used volume change, optical density analysis, and microscopic cluster analysis to measure the degeneration after noise exposure. There was a fluctuation pattern in the reorganization of nerve terminals. The data suggest that the source and size of the nerve terminals affect their capacity for regeneration. We hypothesize that the deafferentation of ventral cochlear nucleus is the struct...

Blast-Induced Tinnitus and Hearing Loss in Rats: Behavioral and Imaging Assays

Journal of Neurotrauma — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:42:30 +0100

Journal of Neurotrauma , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Journal of Neurotrauma)

Tinnitus is perception of sound where there is none

Clinical Cases and Images — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 13:11:01 +0100

Just a few days ago, British newspapers reported that a rock fan committed suicide to relieve tinnitus that he had for 3 months after a supergroup's gig. Tinnitus is characterized as perception of sound where there is none. Read more about tinnitus in this blog post. The Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine recently published a review on Tinnitus: Patients do not have to ‘just live with it’ and Tinnitus relief: Suggestions for patients.From NHS Choices YouTube channel: Tinnitus causes people to hear constant sounds in one ear, both ears or in their head. An audiologist explains the possible causes and effects it often has, such as stress and anxiety, plus how to deal with them. Ashleigh, who was diagnosed with tinnitus in 2005, describes how she copes with it.Lars Ulrich, the drummer f...

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UT Dallas research widens study of brain's role in tinnitus

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Texas at Dallas) Neuroscientists at the University of Texas at Dallas are examining whether multiple areas of the brain are culpable in causing tinnitus, research that could enable new medical interventions against the disabling effects of severe "ringing in the ears."A three-year, $135,000 grant from the American Tinnitus Association supports this work. The next stage of research could focus on drug treatments aimed at reducing or reversing plasticity. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Microcystin Congener- and Concentration-Dependent Induction of Murine Neuron Apoptosis and Neurite Degeneration

Toxicological Sciences — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Cyanobacterial microcystins (MCs) represent a toxin group with > 100 variants, requiring active uptake into cells via organic anion–transporting polypeptides, in order to irreversibly inhibit serine/threonine-specific protein phosphatases. MCs are a human health hazard with repeated occurrences of severe poisonings. In the well-known human MC intoxication in Caruaru, Brazil (1996), patients developed signs of acute neurotoxicity, e.g., deafness, tinnitus, and intermittent blindness, as well as subsequent hepatotoxicity. The latter data, in conjunction with some animal studies, suggest that MCs are potent neurotoxins. However, there is little data to date demonstrating MC neuron-specific toxicity. MC exposure–induced cytotoxicity, caspase activity, chromatin condensation, and...

Endovascular treatment of two concomitant causes of pulsatile tinnitus: sigmoid sinus stenosis and ipsilateral jugular bulb diverticulum. Case report and literature review

Acta Neurochirurgica — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 17:12:23 +0100

We describe a rare case of highly invalidating pulsatile tinnitus associated with both stenosis of the sigmoid sinus and ipsilateral jugular bulb diverticulum. Both conditions were successfully treated by positioning a stent across the sigmoid sinus and jugular bulb. To our knowledge, the present clinical case represents the first report of such an approach. The therapeutic decision-making is discussed in relation to the etiopathologic hypothesis put forward. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportPages 1-4DOI 10.1007/s00701-011-1202-3Authors Francesco Signorelli, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University “Magna Græcia”, Catanzaro, ItalyKalid Mahla, Division of Neurosurgery, Clinique du Tonkin, Lyon, FranceFrancis Turjman...

Otologic complications of cotton swab use: One institution's experience

The Laryngoscope — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion:Observation is an appropriate consideration for patients who have a TMP due to a cotton swab injury. Surgical intervention should be offered early when a PLF is suspected, or if facial paralysis, severe vertigo, and/or profound sensorineural hearing loss are present. As otolaryngologists, we should be reluctant to offer surgical intervention of an acute injury without significant symptoms as most patients will heal spontaneously within 2 months. Laryngoscope, 2011. (Source: The Laryngoscope)

Acoustic over-exposure triggers burst firing in dorsal cochlear nucleus fusiform cells.

Hearing Research — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion we showed that AOE triggers deafness at early stages and this is correlated with profound changes in the firing pattern and frequency of the DCN major output fusiform cells. The changes here described could represent the initial network imbalance prior to the emergence of tinnitus. PMID: 22085487 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Hearing Research)

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Treatment options for subjective tinnitus: Self reports from a sample of general practitioners and ENT physicians within Europe and the USA.

BMC Health Services Research — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Despite a large variety of treatment options, the low success rates of tinnitus therapy lead to frustration of physicians and patients alike. For subjective tinnitus in particular, effective therapeutic options with guidelines about key diagnostic criteria are urgently needed. (Source: BMC Health Services Research)

Noise-induced tinnitus: A comparison between four clinical groups without apparent hearing loss.

Noise and Health — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Lindblad AC, Hagerman B, Rosenhall U Abstract The number of people with normal hearing thresholds seeking medical help for tinnitus and other hearing problems is increasing. For diagnostic purposes, existence/nonexistence of lesions or combinations of lesions in the inner ear not reflected in the audiogram was evaluated with advanced hearing tests applied to tinnitus patients with certain backgrounds, including noise exposure. For forty-six patients with pronounced tinnitus, and other symptoms, tentative diagnoses were established, including judgments of the influence of four causative factors: (1) acoustic trauma, (2) music, (3) suspected hereditary, and (4) nonauditory, for example, stress or muscular tension. They were analyzed with a test battery sensitive to lesions i...

Temporomandibular disorders, otologic symptoms and depression levels in tinnitus patients

Journal of Oral Rehabilitation — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 02:52:02 +0100

Summary The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and otologic symptoms in patients with and without tinnitus. The influence of the level of depression was also addressed. The tinnitus group was comprised of 100 patients with tinnitus, and control group was comprised of 100 individuals without tinnitus. All subjects were evaluated using the research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD) to determine the presence of TMD and depression level. Chi‐square, Spearman Correlation and Mann‐Whitney tests were used in statistical analysis, with a 5% significance level. TMD signs and symptoms were detected in 85% of patients with tinnitus and in 55% of controls (P ≤ 0·001). The severity of pai...

Diffuse thin glomerular basement membrane in association with Fabry disease in a Chinese female patient

Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

We report a 41-year-old Chinese female with Fabry disease and diffuse thinning of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM). The patient presented with peripheral edema, mild proteinuria, microscopic hematuria, normal renal function, hypertension and tinnitus. Family screening showed that her daughter had microscopic hematuria, tinnitus and neuropathic pain. Renal biopsy of the proband showed focal segmental glomerulosclerosis with cytoplasmic vacuolization of the glomerular visceral epithelial cells by light microscopy. Laminated myelin inclusions in some of the glomerular podocytes, parietal epithelia, distal tubular epithelial cells and vascular endothelial cells along with diffuse thinning of the GBM (mean thickness of GBM: 216 ± 31 nm) were identified by electron microscopy. Genet...

Prozac 20mg hard capsules, and 20mg per 5ml oral liquid (fluoxetine hydrochloride)- Revised SPC

NeLM - SPC Changes — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Source: eMC (electronic Medicines Compendium) Area: Other Library Updates > SPC Changes There have been significant updates to several sections of the SPC, the following sections have all been updated: Change to section 4.8 - Undesirable Effects -Very rare- Thrombocytopenia -Frequency Not Known- Dysphemia, Tinnitus Change to section 10 date of revision of the text Please refer to SPC link below for full information on all changes. (Source: NeLM - SPC Changes)

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Cochlear Implantation: A Treatment Option for Severe to Profound Hearing Loss Associated with Fabry Disease

Seminars in Hearing — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Semin Hear 2011; 32: 343-353DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1291938ABSTRACTFabry disease (FD) is a rare multisystemic X-linked lysosomal storage disease. The disease affects many systems of the human body. Sensorineural hearing loss, both sudden and progressive, is one of the many clinical manifestations of this disease. There is limited literature published to date discussing hearing- and balance-related symptoms for this patient population. Cochlear implantation has been mentioned in the literature as a possible treatment option but has not been reported in detail. Recently, a patient with Fabry disease was seen at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He initially presented with complaints of tinnitus. Four months later, he experienced a severe to profound sudden bilateral sensorineural hearing loss...

Neural correlates of tinnitus duration and Distress: A positron emission tomography study

Human Brain Mapping — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

AbstractCerebral 18F‐deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) has shown altered auditory pathway activity in tinnitus. However, the corresponding studies involved only small samples and analyses were restricted to the auditory cortex in most studies. Evidence is growing that also limbic, frontal, and parietal areas are involved in the pathophysiology of chronic tinnitus. These regions are considered to mediate perceptual, attentional, and emotional processes. Thus, the aim of the present study was the systematic evaluation of metabolic brain activity in a large sample of tinnitus patients. Ninety one patients with chronic tinnitus underwent FDG‐PET. The effects of tinnitus severity (assessed by a tinnitus questionnaire score), duration and laterality were evaluated with st...

Elderly patients benefit from cochlear implantation regarding auditory rehabilitation, quality of life, tinnitus, and stress

The Laryngoscope — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions:The present study provides evidence that cochlear implantation constitutes a very successful procedure of auditory rehabilitation, even for patients aged ≥70 years. In addition, elderly patients benefit from implantation, with increased quality of life and reduced tinnitus and stress. (Source: The Laryngoscope)

Ramsay-Hunt syndrome presenting laryngeal paralysis.

Acta Otorrinolaringologica Espanola — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Gómez-Torres A, Medinilla Vallejo A, Abrante Jiménez A, Esteban Ortega F Abstract The Ramsay-Hunt syndrome is the association of facial palsy and varicella-zoster virus infection with involvement of the ear canal and eardrum. It may be associated with deafness, tinnitus and dizziness. It can sometimes affect the lower cranial nerves. A case of an immunocompetent patient with affectation of the VII, VIII and X cranial nerves is presented. PMID: 22000484 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Acta Otorrinolaringologica Espanola)

Cohort study on the effects of everyday life radio frequency electromagnetic field exposure on non-specific symptoms and tinnitus.

Environment International — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 20:31:28 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: In this first cohort study using objective and well-validated RF-EMF exposure measures, we did not observe an association between RF-EMF exposure and non-specific symptoms or tinnitus. PMID: 21982030 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Environment International)

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A dose-response analysis of the effects of L-baclofen on chronic tinnitus caused by acoustic trauma in rats.

Neuropharmacology — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Zheng Y, Vagal S, McNamara E, Darlington CL, Smith PF Abstract Subjective tinnitus is a chronic neurological disorder in which phantom sounds are perceived. Drugs that increase GABAergic neurotransmission in the CNS are sometimes used as a treatment. One such drug is the GABA(B) receptor agonist L-baclofen. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of L-baclofen on the psychophysical attributes of tinnitus in rats.The effects of 1, 3 or 5 mg/kg L-baclofen (s.c.) on the psychophysical attributes of tinnitus were investigated using a conditioned lick suppression model, following acoustic trauma (a 16 kHz, 110 dB pure tone presented unilaterally for 1 h) in rats. In pre-drug testing, acoustic trauma resulted in a significant increase in the auditory brainstem-e...

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for tinnitus.

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 01:20:04 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: There is very limited support for the use of low-frequency rTMS for the treatment of patients with tinnitus. When considering the impact of tinnitus on patients' quality of life, support is from a single study with a low risk of bias based on a single outcome measure at a single point in time. When considering the impact on tinnitus loudness, this is based on the analysis of pooled data with a large confidence interval.Studies suggest that rTMS is a safe treatment for tinnitus in the short-term, however there were insufficient data to provide any support for the safety of this treatment in the long-term.More prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind studies with large sample sizes are needed to confirm the effectiveness of rTMS for tinnitus patients. Uniform, v...

Auditory Complaints in Scuba Divers: an Overview

Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 15:56:42 +0100

Abstract Pre-1970s, diving was seen as a predominantly male working occupation. Since then it has become a popular hobby, with increasing access to SCUBA diving while on holiday. For a leisure activity, diving puts the auditory system at the risk of a wide variety of complaints. However, there is still insufficient consensus on the frequency of these conditions, which ultimately would require more attention from hearing-healthcare professionals. A literature search of epidemiology studies of eight auditory complaints was conducted, using both individual and large-scale diving studies, with some reference to large-scale non-diving populations. A higher incidence was found for middle ear barotrauma, eustachian tube dysfunction, and alternobaric vertigo with a high correlatio...

Spontaneous pneumarthrosis of the atlantoaxial joint.

Journal of Neurosurgery.Spine — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Felasi MA, Venail F, Lonjon N Abstract The authors describe the case of a 29-year-old man presenting with left retrooccipital and cervical pain associated with left ear fullness and rhythmic tinnitus. Head rotation movements on the right side and the Valsalva maneuver increased symptoms. A CT scan identified hyperpneumatization of the left temporal bone extending to the occipital bone as well as pneumarthrosis of the atlantoaxial joint. Surgical treatment involving obliteration of the fistula with bone and fat grafts via a computer-aided transmastoid approach was proposed. The surgery resolved all of the patient's symptoms except for the ear fullness. In this case the authors described an original treatment for spontaneous atlantoaxial pneumarthrosis. Long-term follow-up i...

Structural neuroanatomy of tinnitus and hyperacusis in semantic dementia

Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Tinnitus and hyperacusis may be a significant issue in SemD. Neuroanatomical evidence in SemD supports previous work implicating a distributed cortico-subcortical auditory and limbic network in the pathogenesis of these abnormal auditory percepts. (Source: Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry)

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Temporary off-frequency listening after noise trauma.

Hearing Research — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Etchelecou MC, Coulet O, Derkenne R, Tomasi M, Noreña AJ Abstract Hearing loss is routinely estimated from the audiogram, even though this measure gives only a rough approximation of hearing. Indeed, cochlear regions functioning poorly, if at all, called dead regions, are not detected by a simple audiogram. To detect cochlear dead regions, additional measurements of psychophysical tuning curves or thresholds in background noise (TEN test) are required. A first aim of this study was to assess the presence of dead regions after impulse noise trauma using psychophysical tuning curves. The procedure we used was based on a compromise between the need to collect reliable estimates of psychophysical tuning curves and the limited time available to obtain these estimates in a hosp...

Bilateral Dorsal Cochlear Nucleus Lesions Prevent Acoustic-Trauma Induced Tinnitus in an Animal Model

JARO - Journal of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 05:54:12 +0100

Abstract Animal experiments suggest that chronic tinnitus (“ringing in the ears”) may result from processes that overcompensate for lost afferent input. Abnormally elevated spontaneous neural activity has been found in the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) of animals with psychophysical evidence of tinnitus. However, it has also been reported that DCN ablation fails to reduce established tinnitus. Since other auditory areas have been implicated in tinnitus, the role of the DCN is unresolved. The apparently conflicting electrophysiological and lesion data can be reconciled if the DCN serves as a necessary trigger zone rather than a chronic generator of tinnitus. The present experiment used lesion procedures identical to those that failed to decrease pre-existing tinnitus. T...

Poster 34 Discrepant Verbal Versus Nonverbal Memory in OEF/OIF Combat Veterans and Possible Association with Tinnitus

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Memory complaints are common in OEF/OIF veterans and represent a primary target for rehabilitation given their impact on multidisciplinary rehabilitative efforts and everyday functioning. Our research sought to better understand the nature of memory disturbances in OEF/OIF veterans. Anecdotally within clinical practice, verbal memory frequently appears differentially impacted as compared to nonverbal memory, which is consistent with some initial reports in the OEF/OIF literature. Our research sought to empirically investigate whether a discrepancy exists between verbal and nonverbal learning and memory and to explore potential mechanisms underlying differential verbal versus nonverbal learning and memory. There is some suggestion in the literature that tinnitus can selectively target memor...

Excitability changes induced in the human auditory cortex by transcranial direct current stimulation: direct electrophysiological evidence.

Experimental Brain Research — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Zaehle T, Beretta M, Jäncke L, Herrmann CS, Sandmann P Abstract Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can systematically modify behavior by inducing changes in the underlying brain function. Objective electrophysiological evidence for tDCS-induced excitability changes has been demonstrated for the visual and somatosensory cortex, while evidence for excitability changes in the auditory cortex is lacking. In the present study, we applied tDCS over the left temporal as well as the left temporo-parietal cortex and investigated tDCS-induced effects on auditory evoked potentials after anodal, cathodal, and sham stimulation. Results show that anodal and cathodal tDCS can modify auditory cortex reactivity. Moreover, auditory evoked potentials were differentially modulate...

[An unusual lesion of the nasopharynx: Oncocytic metaplasia].

Annales de Pathologie — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

We report two cases that occurred respectively in a 53- and 60-year-old woman. The first presented with pharyngeal dysesthesia and otalgia. The endoscopic examination revealed an irregularity of the posterior wall of the nasopharynx. The second patient presented with tinnitus, discomfort of the left ear and bilateral hearing loss. Endoscopic exam revealed a bilateral structural abnormality to the eardrum. Microscopy showed focal oncocytic metaplasia of the nasopharynx mucosa in both cases. There was a positive outcare for both patients after excisional biopsy. Oncocytic metaplasia seems to be in relation to the stimulation of sympathic neuropeptidergic nerve fibers which target epithelial, connective, endothelial and lymphoid cells. PMID: 21982249 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Annales...

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Clinical and Radiologic Findings of Inner Ear Involvement in Sickle Cell Disease [HEAD & NECK]

American Journal of Neuroradiology — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS:LH and LO were found in approximately one-third of patients with SCD with inner ear symptoms and preferentially affected males. (Source: American Journal of Neuroradiology)

Blast-Induced Tinnitus and Hearing Loss in Rats: Behavioral and Imaging Assays. - Mao J, Pace E, Pierozynski P, Kou Z, Shen Y, Vandevord PJ, Haacke EM, Zhang X, Zhang J.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 16:58:41 +0100

The current study used a rat model to investigate the underlying mechanisms of blast-induced tinnitus, hearing loss and associated traumatic brain injury (TBI). Seven rats were used to evaluate behavioral evidence of tinnitus and hearing loss, and TBI usin... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

Gabapentin for Tinnitus: A Systematic Review.

American Journal of Audiology — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: The authors of the both studies reported that gabapentin was not superior to placebo in their primary outcomes. However, following the assessment of risk of bias, and within-study clinical heterogeneities, this review concludes that there is insufficient evidence regarding the effect of gabapentin on tinnitus. PMID: 21940981 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: American Journal of Audiology)

Chronic Tinnitus following Electroconvulsive Therapy

Advances in Pharmacological Sciences — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 23:36:49 +0100

A 43-year-old female with a 27-year history of obsessive-compulsive disorder and major depression had previously been treated with psychotherapy, antidepressant, and antipsychotic medications. Because these treatments were minimally effective and because the frequency and duration of her depressive episodes continued to increase, the patient was scheduled to undergo a series of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) procedures. The patient received four ECT treatments during one month. Stimulating current was delivered to the right frontotemporal region of the head. Electroencephalographic seizures occurred during each of the ECT procedures. After the patient recovered fro...

Vestibular neuritis: is there any evidence of an asymmetric distribution?

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 05:46:37 +0100

Abstract Statistics in the literature showed that neuro-otological diseases (i.e. sudden hearing loss or tinnitus) occur predominantly in the left ear. In a seven-study meta-analysis of patients suffering from vestibular neuritis, Reiß found no clear dominance of one side (50.8% on the right side, 48.4% on the left side and 0.8% on both sides). The purpose of this study is to investigate the laterality of vestibular neuritis in a distinct population of patients. Lateralization of vestibular neuritis was studied in 160 patients treated at Elblandklinikum Radebeul from January 2004 to December 2009. There was a statistically non-significant dominance of the right side in the total sample, specifically in female patients (57% right vs. 40% left), but not in male patients. Th...

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Clinical Features and Outcome of Cogan Syndrome

The Journal of Pediatrics — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Audiovestibular and ocular involvement have a major impact on prognosis in children with Cogan syndrome. (Source: The Journal of Pediatrics)

Hearing loss in diffuse cutaneous systemic scleroderma.

Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Patients with dcSSc have a high prevalence of sensorineural audiometric hearing impairment and otological complaints, suggesting that the cochlea is an additional target organ in this disease. PMID: 21916804 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology)

Ototoxicity: Mechanisms of Cochlear Impairment and its Prevention.

Current Medicinal Chemistry — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Tabuchi K, Nishimura B, Nakamagoe M, Hayashi K, Nakayama M, Hara A Abstract Aminoglycosides, cisplatin, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used pharmacological agents. There is a possibility, however, that the use of these agents may induce transient or permanent hearing loss and tinnitus as side effects. Recent animal studies have clarified mechanisms leading to the ototoxicity induced by these agents, at least in part. The permanent hearing loss caused by aminoglycosides and cisplatin is suggested to be predominantly associated with the apoptotic death of outer hair cells. Both drugs generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the inner ear. ROS can activate cell-death pathways such as the c-Jun Nterminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated pr...

Computers come to the aid of people with tinnitus

Modern Medicine — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Researchers this week had some promising news for people with tinnitus, which they say is a particular problem today in young military veterans. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Retraining The Brain Could Reanimate Areas That Have Lost Input From The Ear In Tinnitus

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 07:00:00 +0100

Neuroscientists at the University of California, Berkeley, are offering hope to the 10 percent of the population who suffer from tinnitus - a constant, often high-pitched ringing or buzzing in the ears that can be annoying and even maddening, and has no cure. Their new findings, published online last week in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggest several new approaches to treatment, including retraining the brain, and new avenues for developing drugs to suppress the ringing... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Tinnitus discovery could lead to new ways to stop the ringing

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(University of California - Berkeley) People with tinnitus -- a constant ringing or buzzing in the ears -- can take heart from a new study by UC Berkeley neuroscientists that points to several new strategies for alleviating the problem. In experiments on rats, Shaowen Bao has shown that tinnitus results from decreased inhibition in the auditory cortex. Thus, training that boosts inhibition or drugs that increase the levels of inhibitory neurotransmitter may alleviate the symptoms. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation frequency dependent tinnitus improvement by double cone coil prefrontal stimulation

Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Frontal TMS using a DCC is capable of suppressing tinnitus transiently dependent on the repetitive TMS frequency used. These data further support the idea that non-auditory areas are involved in tinnitus intensity and tinnitus distress modulation. (Source: Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry)

Deep resequencing of the voltage-gated potassium channel subunit KCNE3 gene in chronic tinnitus

Behavioral and Brain Functions — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Membrane-stabilizing drugs have long been used for the treatment of chronic tinnitus, suggesting an underlying disturbance of sensory excitability due to changes in ion conductance. The present study addresses the potassium channel subunit gene KCNE3 as a potential candidate for tinnitus susceptibility. 288 Caucasian outpatients with a diagnosis of chronic tinnitus were systematically screened for mutations in the KCNE3 open reading frame and in the adjacent region by direct sequencing. Allele frequencies were determined for 11 known variants of which two (F66F and R83H) were polymorphic but were not associated with the disorder. No novel variants were identified and only three carriers of R83H were noted. However, owing to a lack of power, our study can neither rule out effects of KCNE3 o...

The Impact of Tinnitus on Sufferers in Indian Population

Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 15:50:32 +0100

This study could be done on the basis of verbal description of tinnitus, Audiological measurement of tinnitus and psychological characteristics of tinnitus in terms of distress, anxiety, depression and disturbance of personality, to understand the impact of tinnitus on sufferers. Fifty adults in the age range of 18–60 years with subjective tinnitus with bilateral normal hearing or pure SNHL ranging from mild to moderately severe were selected. An audiological profile of each subject was prepared on the basis of brief case history of subject, otoscopic examination, pure tone audiometry, impedance audiometry, frequency (pitch) and intensity (loudness) of tinnitus. A psychometric profile was developed by using Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire and Nature of Tinnitus Questionnaire....

Homeostatic plasticity drives tinnitus perception in an animal model [Neuroscience]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Hearing loss often results in tinnitus and auditory cortical map changes, leading to the prevailing view that the phantom perception is associated with cortical reorganization. However, we show here that tinnitus is mediated by a cortical area lacking map reorganization. High-frequency hearing loss results in two distinct cortical regions: a sensory-deprived region characterized by a decrease in inhibitory synaptic transmission and a normal hearing region showing increases in inhibitory and excitatory transmission and map reorganization. Hearing-lesioned animals displayed tinnitus with a pitch in the hearing loss range. Furthermore, drugs that enhance inhibition, but not those that reduce excitation, reversibly eliminated the tinnitus behavior. These results suggest that sensory deprivatio...

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Cochlear implantation has a positive influence on quality of life, tinnitus, and psychological comorbidity

The Laryngoscope — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions:The present study provides evidence that tinnitus and psychological comorbidity may play an important role in the rehabilitation of CI patients, and that there is a correlation between HRQoL and these parameters. In addition to hearing tests, tinnitus, stress, and psychological comorbidity should be assessed using validated questionnaires before and after CI. This will help to improve the rehabilitation process. (Source: The Laryngoscope)

Clinical experience in diagnosis and management of superior semicircular canal dehiscence in children

The Laryngoscope — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions:In contrast to adults, children with SSCD usually present with auditory symptoms first, although they share some similarities with adults in clinical manifestations of SSCD. Our study shows that SSCD syndrome, a well‐accepted clinical entity, exists in the pediatric population. Conservative management is preferred for children with SSCD; nevertheless, surgical intervention is necessary for those with disabling vestibular symptoms. To date, this is the first clinical case series of symptomatic pediatric patients with SSCD. (Source: The Laryngoscope)

Insular lateralization in tinnitus distress.

Autonomic Neuroscience — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: van der Loo E, Congedo M, Vanneste S, De Heyning PV, De Ridder D Abstract Tinnitus affects 15% of the population. Of these 1-2% are severely disabled by it. The role of the autonomic system in tinnitus is hardly being investigated. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between tinnitus distress and lateralization of the anterior insula, known to be involved in interoceptive awareness and (para)sympathetic changes. For this, Tinnitus Questionnaire scores are correlated to Heart Rate Variability markers, and related to neural activity in left and right anterior insula. Our results show that tinnitus distress is related to sympathetic activation, in part mediated via the right anterior insula. PMID: 21889914 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: ...

Tinnitus: where is the source (Commentary on Vanneste et al.)

European Journal of Neuroscience — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: European Journal of Neuroscience)

Superior canal dehiscence causes abnormal vestibular bone-conducted tuning

Neurology — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Neurology)

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Hearing Loss Among Low-SES Adolescent Girls

Journal of Adolescent Health — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 10:55:20 +0100

Berg and Serpanos describe an increased incidence of high frequency hearing loss (HFHL), reported tinnitus, use of personal listening devices (PLDs), and hours of daily use in a large population of at-risk adolescent females of low socioeconomic status (SES). This is an interesting and relevant societal problem because of the high incidence and the expected impact of hearing loss in this population, and because of the frequent usage of PLDs. However, because of the absence of a control group, the authors compare their results with the existing literature. Therefore, to fully appreciate the presented results, we believe that some additional information should be provided. (Source: Journal of Adolescent Health)

Diuretics in Meniere disease: A therapy or a potential cause of harm?

Medical Hypotheses — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Despite the lack of clear evidence for their effectiveness in treating vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss and aural fullness, diuretics, represent a common treatment for Meniere disease (MD), as they are supposed to decrease volume and pressure in the endolymphatic partition of the labyrinth. Our group have outlined the possibility of an adverse effect on inner ear function derived from an abrupt lowering of blood pressure: a subsequent exaggerated vasomotor response inducing local ischemia could be responsible for more or less permanent damage. The inner ear, owing both to its terminal vascular supply and to the necessity of a steady metabolism, seems a reliable target for any hemodynamic imbalance that acutely affect its perfusion. In our opinion, the complexity of the inner ear a...

Med Sci Monit 2011; 17(9):CR517-522 "The impact of laser irradiation on global stability in patients with vertebrobasilar insufficiency: A clinical report"

Medical Science Monitor — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 10:16:00 +0100

Conclusions: Laser stimulation as applied in this study can be useful in the treatment of patients with VBI. The main reason for improvement in global stability, balance, and other VBI symptoms is better blood perfusion. (Source: Medical Science Monitor)

Tinnitus complaint behaviour in long‐standing Menière’s disorder: its association with the other cardinal symptoms

Clinical Otolaryngology — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Tinnitus shares a significant variance with the other cardinal symptoms in patients with long‐standing Menière’s disorder. As the impact is significantly related to activity limitations based on hearing disability and vertigo, the results suggest that therapeutic efforts to reduce tinnitus in Menière’s disorder should include the alleviation of balance and hearing problems. (Source: Clinical Otolaryngology)

The neural network of phantom sound changes over time: a comparison between recent‐onset and chronic tinnitus patients

European Journal of Neuroscience — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

AbstractTinnitus is characterized by an ongoing conscious perception of a sound in the absence of any external sound source. Chronic tinnitus is notoriously characterized by its resistance to treatment. In the present study the objective was to verify whether the neural generators and/or the neural tinnitus network, evaluated through EEG recordings, change over time as previously suggested by MEG. We therefore analyzed the source‐localized EEG recordings of a very homogenous group of left‐sided narrow‐band noise tinnitus patients. Results indicate that the generators involved in tinnitus of recent onset seem to change over time with increased activity in several brain areas [auditory cortex, supplementary motor area and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) plus insula], associated...

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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy versus Tinnitus Retraining Therapy in the treatment of tinnitus: A randomised controlled trial.

Behaviour Research and Therapy — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Westin VZ, Schulin M, Hesser H, Karlsson M, Noe RZ, Olofsson U, Stalby M, Wisung G, Andersson G Abstract The study compared the effects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) on tinnitus impact in a randomised controlled trial. Sixty-four normal hearing subjects with tinnitus were randomised to one of the active treatments or a wait-list control (WLC). The ACT treatment consisted of 10 weekly 60min sessions. The TRT treatment consisted of one 150min session, one 30min follow-up and continued daily use of wearable sound generators for a recommended period of at least 8h/day for 18 months. Assessments were made at baseline, 10 weeks, 6 months and 18 months. At 10 weeks, results showed a superior effect of ACT in comparison with the ...

August Issue of NIH News in Health Now Available

What's New on MedlinePlus — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 05:20:03 +0100

The August issue of NIH News in Health is now available. Featured stories include "Claims About Cocoa: Can Chocolate Really Be Good for You?" and "Ringing in Your Ears? Get the Buzz on Tinnitus". Also, check out the health capsules and the featured Web site. (Source: What's New on MedlinePlus)

August issue of NIH News in Health now available

Midcontinental Region News — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 15:31:36 +0100

The August 2011 issue of NIH News in Health in now available online. In this issue, read about chocolate and health, the toll of tinnitus, pinkeye, bowel control, and communicating with your healthcare team. The contents of NIH News in Health are reviewed by NIH medical experts, and are based on scientific research. [da] (Source: Midcontinental Region News)

Treatment of chronic tinnitus with repeated sessions of prefrontal transcranial direct current stimulation: outcomes from an open-label pilot study

Journal of Neurology — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 06:15:58 +0100

Abstract Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the absence of an environmental sound source. Abnormal activity in central auditory pathways is considered as the neuronal correlate of tinnitus. However, there is increasing evidence from neuroimaging studies for an additional involvement of the frontal cortex in the pathophysiology of tinnitus, especially concerning its attentional and emotional aspects. Recently, in a subgroup of tinnitus patients, temporary reduction of tinnitus intensity and tinnitus-related distress has been reported after bifrontal tDCS with the anode over the right and the cathode over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). The aim of this study was to investigate whether repeated application of bifrontal tDCS results in longer-lasting reduc...

Elevated International Normalized Ratio Associated with Use of Dronedarone and Warfarin (September).

The Annals of Pharmacotherapy — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should monitor patients who are taking warfarin and dronedarone for INR changes and bleeding episodes about 1 week after initiation of dronedarone. If a significant interaction is noted, the warfarin dosage should be decreased and the patient should be monitored within 2 weeks to assess the need for further adjustments. PMID: 21811004 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Annals of Pharmacotherapy)

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Prevalence and significance of high-frequency hearing loss in subjectively normal-hearing patients with tinnitus.

The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Even if patients with tinnitus do not have any subjective hearing impairment, most of them have HFHL and/or EHFHL. The effects on the clinical features of the patients are still vague. PMID: 21922976 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology)

Science Weekly: Hearing is believing

Guardian Unlimited Science — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:01:00 +0100

This week we're focusing on you, our listeners, as we investigate how you make sense of what you hear.Professor Sophie Scott, a neuroscientist at University College London, tells us how our brains sift the things we hear to extract the important bits. She also reveals some tantalising work on why the brain structures of people who listen for a living are a little different from those of the rest of us.Roland Schaette from the Ear Institute at University College London gives us a personal insight into what happens when your brain starts generating its own sounds. He reveals what it's like to study – and have – tinnitus.You can find out more about tinnitus at the British Tinnitus Association.Subscribe for free via iTunes to ensure every episode gets delivered. (Here is the non-iTunes URL...

Intratympanic steroids for Ménière's disease or syndrome

NeLM - Disease Focused Reviews — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Source: Cochrane Library Area: Evidence > Disease Focused Reviews Background Ménière's disease is a disorder characterised by hearing loss, tinnitus and disabling vertigo. The use of intratympanic steroids to reduce the severity of these symptoms has been gaining popularity. Objectives To assess the effectiveness of intratympanic steroids on the frequency and severity of attacks of vertigo, on chronic symptoms such as tinnitus, imbalance and hearing loss, and on the progression of these symptoms in patients with definite Ménière's disease or syndrome, as defined by the AAO-HNS Committee. Search strategy We searched the Cochrane Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Group Trials Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); PubMed; EMBASE; CIN...

Neurological changes and hip prosthesis: consider cobalt toxicity

The Poison Review — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 03:22:42 +0100

4 out of 5 stars Neurotoxicity of cobalt. Catalani S et al. Hum Exp Toxicol 2011 Jul 5. [Epub ahead of print] Abstract It is important that clinicians be important with the neurological manifestations of cobalt toxicity, since some metal-on-metal hip protheses can deteriorate releasing large amounts of the metal into surrounding tissues and the blood. Pain at the site of hip replacement can herald deterioration. The fact that relatively little has been written on this makes this comprehensive review article especially welcome. Manifestations of cobalt neurotoxicity include: optic nerve damage and retinopathy with decreased visual acuity bilateral nerve deafness and tinnitus polyneuropathy (sensory and motor) cognitive impairment and memory loss tremor Other sequelae of cobalt toxicity ...

Short duration repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for tinnitus treatment: A prospective Asian study

Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 01:50:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our findings point to a positive effect of short duration rTMS in tinnitus treatment using the THI. However, no significant benefits were demonstrated for other subjective patient ratings. Although well tolerated and convenient, short duration rTMS may prove inadequate for modulating maladaptive plastic changes at the cortical level, and our results suggest the need for delivery of more stimuli. Future studies will utilize at least 2000 pulses/day, in line with previous experience in Western settings. (Source: Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery)

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Relationship between auditory thresholds, central spontaneous activity, and hair cell loss after acoustic trauma

The Journal of Comparative Neurology — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 21:12:30 +0100

In this study we further investigated the relationship between cochlear compound action potential threshold loss, cochlear outer and inner hair cell loss, and central hyperactivity in inferior colliculus of guinea pigs. Two weeks after a 10‐kHz pure tone acoustic trauma, a tight relationship was demonstrated between the frequency region of compound action potential threshold loss and frequency regions in the inferior colliculus showing hyperactivity. Extending the duration of the acoustic trauma from 1 to 2 hours did not result in significant increases in final cochlear threshold loss, but did result in a further increase of spontaneous firing rates in the inferior colliculus. Interestingly, hair cell loss was not present in the frequency regions where elevated cochlear thresholds and ce...

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Tinnitus [Letters to the Editor]

Archives of Otolaryngology — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Archives of Otolaryngology)

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Tinnitus--Reply [Letters to the Editor]

Archives of Otolaryngology — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Archives of Otolaryngology)

Detection of Ototoxicity

Seminars in Hearing — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Semin Hear 2011; 32: 196-202DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1277242ABSTRACTOtotoxicity monitoring is particularly critical in patients receiving platinum-based chemotherapy or long-term aminoglycoside antibiotic administration. Furthermore, as new otoprotective agents are developed, audiologists need to not only be able to monitor for ototoxicity but know the various criteria for early detection of ototoxicity and how to grade ototoxic adverse events. The three primary methods for ototoxicity monitoring are conventional audiometry, high-frequency audiometry, and otoacoustic emissions. However, early detection and adverse event criteria depend primarily on conventional and high-frequency audiometry. No consensus exists on determining significant changes in otoacoustic emissions secondary to ototoxic dr...

Tinnitus and Hearing Loss and Changes in Hippocampus

Seminars in Hearing — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Semin Hear 2011; 32: 203-211DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1277243ABSTRACTApproximately 12 to 14% of adults experience tinnitus and prevalence estimates for tinnitus in children range from 12 to 37% in those with normal hearing and up to 66% with those with hearing loss. Approximately 1% of patients suffer from debilitating tinnitus that requires clinical treatment or intervention. The neural mechanisms responsible for tinnitus, however, remain elusive. Because tinnitus is often associated with cochlear hearing loss, the phantom sound of tinnitus was traditionally believed to originate in the cochlea. More recently, modern brain imaging methods employing positron emission tomography have identified regions in the central auditory pathway (auditory cortex, medial geniculate body) and limbic system (hi...

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Long-term potentiation and long-term depression: a clinical perspective

Clinics — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 19:57:39 +0100

Long-term potentiation and long-term depression are enduring changes in synaptic strength, induced by specific patterns of synaptic activity, that have received much attention as cellular models of information storage in the central nervous system. Work in a number of brain regions, from the spinal cord to the cerebral cortex, and in many animal species, ranging from invertebrates to humans, has demonstrated a reliable capacity for chemical synapses to undergo lasting changes in efficacy in response to a variety of induction protocols. In addition to their physiological relevance, long-term potentiation and depression may have important clinical applications. A growing insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes, and technological advances in non-invasive manipulation ...

Intratympanic steroids for Ménière's disease or syndrome.

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 13:00:03 +0100

Authors: Phillips JS, Westerberg B Ménière's disease is a disorder characterised by hearing loss, tinnitus and disabling vertigo. The use of intratympanic steroids to reduce the severity of these symptoms has been gaining popularity. PMID: 21735432 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews)

Anticonvulsants for tinnitus.

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 13:00:03 +0100

Authors: Hoekstra CE, Rynja SP, van Zanten GA, Rovers MM Tinnitus is the perception of sound or noise in the absence of an external or internal acoustic stimulation. It is a common and potentially distressing symptom for which no adequate therapy exists. PMID: 21735419 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews)

Auditory complaints in disc jockeys in Recife

Revista CEFAC — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 19:22:16 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: all disc jockeys complained on hearing loss and, among the other auditory complaints, we may emphasize discomfort under intense sound and tinnitus. Considering the irreversibility of high sound pressure induced hearing loss, the disc jockeys might be periodically evaluated as for hearing in order to confirm or discard the hearing loss they complaint. If hearing loss exist, it might be monitored, in order to make possible an intervention by the speech-language therapist. Such being the case, we may perceive the need for speech therapy concerning the disc jockeys for optimizing their professional performance with less risks. (Source: Revista CEFAC)

Wayne State University engineering student receives American Tinnitus Association award

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(Wayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research) Na Zhu, a Wayne State University College of Engineering student, has received the 2011 American Tinnitus Association Student Research Grant Program award. The program financially supports scientific studies that investigate and aim to find a cure for tinnitus. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

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Semicircular canal dehiscence in HR multislice computed tomography: distribution, frequency, and clinical relevance

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 06:34:55 +0100

Abstract The literature about bony defects in the semicircular canal system is highly inconsistent. Therefore, we analyzed a series of 700 high-resolution multislice CT examinations of the temporal bone for semicircular canal dehiscencies. An unselected group of ENT patients with different clinical symptoms and variable age was chosen. We found semicircular canal dehiscence in 9.6% of temporal bones, superior semicircular canal was affected mostly (8%), less common posterior semicircular canal (1.2%); only in 3 cases (0.4%), lateral semicircular canal showed dehiscence. In 60% of SSC dehiscence, we registered bilateral manifestation. The so-called “third mobile window” in semicircular canal dehiscence causes a great variety of clinical symptoms like vertigo, nystagmus,...

Endovascular treatment for dural arteriovenous fistulas at the jugular foramen

Neurology India — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

We report the technique and results of the endovascular treatment of jugular foramen dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) in 4 (3 men and 1 women, mean age 50.75 years) symptomatic patients. The jugular foramen DAVFs accounted for 5.9% of intracranial DAVFs. Three patients presented with pulsatile tinnitus and 1 patient presented with intracranial hemorrhage. Angiography demonstrated an AV fistula at the jugular foramen, mostly arising from the middle meningeal, ascending pharyngeal and vertebral arteries with direct drainage to the internal jugular vein. All patients underwent transarterial embolization using Onyx-18. Complete shunt obliteration was achieved in 3 patients; and shunt reduction, in 1 patient, who was cured with additional surgery. Our study suggests that in jugular f...

Neurofeedback for subjective tinnitus patients

Auris, Nasus, Larynx — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:23:50 +0100

Conclusion: Further studies are necessary to characterize the tinnitus subjects who recovered from and adapted to this psychophysical condition and, therefore, responded to neurofeedback therapy. (Source: Auris, Nasus, Larynx)

Tinnitus retraining therapy using portable music players

Auris, Nasus, Larynx — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:23:47 +0100

Conclusions: TRT using a PMP had efficacy similar to those of TCI and HA. The murmur of a stream was one of the most effective sounds in TRT. TRT using a PMP as the sound generator can provide the most cost-effective treatment option for tinnitus patients. (Source: Auris, Nasus, Larynx)

Electrophysiological and psychological studies in tinnitus

Auris, Nasus, Larynx — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:23:46 +0100

Conclusion: This study provides evidences that different pathological mechanisms are involved in tinnitus generation which are more extensive than we thought. (Source: Auris, Nasus, Larynx)

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Tinnitus referral pathways within the National Health Service in England: a survey of their perceived effectiveness among audiology staff

BMC Health Services Research — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Respondents in the present survey were generally satisfied with the tinnitus referral system. However, they highlighted some potential targets for service improvement including (1) faster and more appropriate referral from GPs, to be achieved through education on tinnitus referral criteria, (2) improved access to psychological services through audiologist training, and (3) ongoing support from tinnitus support groups, national charities, or open access to the tinnitus clinic for existing patients. (Source: BMC Health Services Research)

Tinnitus symptoms can be treated with behaviour and music therapies

Monsters and Critics Health News — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 03:06:40 +0100

(Source: Monsters and Critics Health News)

The influence of military service on auditory health and the efficacy of a hearing conservation program.

Noise and Health — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Muhr P, Rosenhall U The influence of military service on self-assessed hearing symptoms and measured auditory function was studied as well as the efficacy of the Hearing Conservation Program (HCP) of the Swedish Armed Forces. 839 conscripts were recruited for the study at reporting to military service. They were all exposed to noise over the risk-limits from weapons and vehicles and used earmuffs and/or earplugs. Questionnaires and pure tone screening audiometry were studied at the start and the end of the military service. Retrospective information regarding audiometry at conscription before military service was included as control. The prevalence values of tinnitus were 23% before and 32% after the service and of sensitivity to noise 16% and 19% respectively. The prevalence ...

Bifrontal transcranial direct current stimulation modulates tinnitus intensity and tinnitus‐distress‐related brain activity

European Journal of Neuroscience — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

AbstractBifrontal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), with the anodal electrode overlying the right and the cathodal electrode overlying the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, has been shown to suppress tinnitus significantly in 30% of patients. The source localized resting‐state electrical activity is recorded before and after bifrontal tDCS in patients who respond to tDCS to unravel the mechanism by which tDCS suppresses tinnitus. The present electroencephalography study (N = 12) provides support for the ability of bifrontal tDCS to suppress tinnitus intensity and tinnitus‐related distress by modulation of the pregenual anterior cingulate cortex, parahippocampal area and right primary auditory cortex in resting‐state spontaneous brain activity. These findings prov...

Atrial Myxoma and Bone Changes: A Paraneoplastic Syndrome?

Journal of Cardiac Surgery — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

We present a patient with a five‐year history of visual loss, vertigo, ataxia, tinnitus, and bone lesions that resolved after diagnosis and resection of an atrial myxoma. This case not only highlights an unusual presentation of atrial myxomas but also raises the question of whether atrial myxomas can produce paraneoplastic syndromes, including bone abnormalities. (J Card Surg 2011;26:375‐377) (Source: Journal of Cardiac Surgery)

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Apheresis as rescue therapy in a severe case of sudden hearing loss.

The International Journal of Artificial Organs — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Alpa M, Bucolo S, Beatrice F, Giachino O, Roccatello D A 23-year-old man complained of progressive left ear hearing loss and tinnitus and was unsuccessfully treated with steroids and mannitol. Four months later he presented with sudden, severe, asymmetrical, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. The results of the laboratory workup were normal except for antinuclear autoantibodies. Auditory brain stem responses showed absent peak and interpeak latencies on both sides. The combination of plasma exchange with high doses of steroids resulted in a definite improvement. Plasmapheresis combined with steroid administration can be used as second-line therapy in idiopathic, sudden sensorineural hearing loss. PMID: 21786250 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The International Journal of...

Melatonin: can it stop the ringing?

The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Melatonin is associated with a statistically significant decrease in tinnitus intensity and improved sleep quality in patients with chronic tinnitus. Melatonin is most effective in men, those without a history of depression, those who have not undergone prior tinnitus treatments, those with more severe and bilateral tinnitus, and those with a history of noise exposure. PMID: 21859051 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology)

Tinnitus in elderly patients and prognosis of mild-to-moderate congestive heart failure: a cross-sectional study with a long-term extension of the clinical follow-up

BMC Medicine — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Background: The complex mechanism responsible for tinnitus, a symptom highly prevalent in elderlypatients, could involve an impaired control of the microcirculation of the inner ear,particularly in patients with poor blood pressure control and impaired left ventricular (LV)function. Methods: In order to define the relationship between the presence of tinnitus and the severity andclinical prognosis of mild-to-moderate chronic heart failure (CHF) in a large population ofelderly patients (N = 958), a cross-sectional study was conducted with a long-termextension of the clinical follow-up. Blood pressure, echocardiographic parameters, brainnatriuretic peptide (BNP), hospitalization, and mortality for CHF were measured.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association ...

The Use of Alcohol as a Moderator for Tinnitus-Related Distress.

Brain Topography — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Vanneste S, De Ridder D Tinnitus is an auditory phantom percept with a tone, hissing, or buzzing sound in the absence of any objective physical sound source. Persons with tinnitus engage in a number of health behaviors to manage tinnitus. This can go from prescription medication, masking devices, behavioral training techniques to cortical implants. Potentially less adaptive methods of coping with tinnitus, such as the use of alcohol, are poorly studied. The purpose of this study was to further explore the neurobiological mechanism of tinnitus improvement by the use of alcohol. We observed differences in the alpha, beta and gamma frequency band when comparing resting-state EEG before and after alcohol intake. More precisely increased synchronized alpha1 activity was found in th...

MuteButton Secures 200,000 ($285,000) Investment To Accelerate Launch Of Novel Tinnitus Treatment Device, Ireland

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 12:00:00 +0100

MuteButton, an Irish company which has developed a novel medical device to successfully treat people suffering from permanent tinnitus, has secured a 200,000 ($285,000) investment from Enterprise Ireland. Permanent tinnitus is estimated to affect over 20,000 people in Ireland alone and over 40 million people globally. The funding will enable MuteButton to accelerate large scale clinical trials of its tinnitus treatment device and to secure ISO certification in advance of regulatory approval and device manufacturing... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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MuteButton Secures 200,000 Euro ($285,000) Investment To Accelerate Launch Of Novel Tinnitus Treatment Device, Ireland

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 12:00:00 +0100

MuteButton, an Irish company which has developed a novel medical device to successfully treat people suffering from permanent tinnitus, has secured a 200,000 euro ($285,000) investment from Enterprise Ireland. Permanent tinnitus is estimated to affect over 20,000 people in Ireland alone and over 40 million people globally. The funding will enable MuteButton to accelerate large scale clinical trials of its tinnitus treatment device and to secure ISO certification in advance of regulatory approval and device manufacturing... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Ultrasound Characteristics of a Glomus Jugulare Tumor

Journal of Neuroimaging — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

ABSTRACTA 33‐year‐old woman presented a chronic headache and sore throat on the right side of her body, continuous pulsatile tinnitus with decreasing hearing in the right ear, and recurrent bleeding from the right ear. Computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scan depicted a mass in the external ear canal and an enlarged right jugular bulb, which was revealed on duplex ultrasound in the upper portion of the right internal jugular vein. Surgical dissection of the tumor was performed. Pathological study revealed the mass was glomus jugulare tumor. (Source: Journal of Neuroimaging)

Med Sci Monit 2011; 17(7):MT56-62 "A connection between the Efferent Auditory System and Noise-Induced Tinnitus Generation. Reduced contralateral suppression of TEOAEs in patients with noise-induced tinnitus"

Medical Science Monitor — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 17:51:00 +0100

Conclusions: The abnormal activity of the efferent auditory system in NIT cases might indicate that either the activity of the efferent fibers innervating the outer hair cells (OHCs) is impaired or that the damaged OHCs themselves respond abnormally to the efferent stimulation. (Source: Medical Science Monitor)

Grant From The NSF To Target Tinnitus

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 12:00:00 +0100

A team of Wayne State University researchers was awarded $330,000 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to develop a 3-D neural probe. Their aim is to develop an implantable device that will suppress tinnitus, a neurological disorder that affects more than 250 million people worldwide. With the ever-expanding knowledge in the fields of neuroscience and neurosurgery, there is an increasing need for devices and tools that enable neuroscientists to delve deeper into the physiological and pathological function of neural tissue at the level of groups of neurons... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Wayne State University researchers win grant from the NSF to target tinnitus

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(Wayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research) A team of Wayne State University researchers was awarded $330,000 from the National Science Foundation to develop a 3-D neural probe. Their aim is to develop an implantable device that will suppress tinnitus, a neurological disorder that affects more than 250 million people worldwide. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

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Audiometric thresholds and prevalence of tinnitus among male veterans in the United States: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2006.

J Rehabil Res Dev — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 00:45:11 +0100

This study used National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data to estimate the prevalence of these auditory conditions among male veterans. Between 1999 and 2006, pure tone audiometric data collected from 845 male veterans were compared with pure tone thresholds collected from 2,086 male nonveterans. We used questionnaire data collected between 1999 and 2004 to calculate and compare the prevalence of tinnitus for 2,174 veterans and 4,995 nonveterans. In general, pure tone thresholds did not differ significantly between veterans and nonveterans for most frequencies tested (500-8,000 Hz). The overall prevalence of tinnitus was greater for veterans than that for nonveterans (p < 0.001), with statistically significant differences in the 50 to 59 and 60 to 69 age groups. PMID: 216...

Development of Tinnitus in CBA/CaJ Mice Following Sound Exposure

JARO - Journal of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 06:03:55 +0100

Abstract Tinnitus, the perception of a sound without an external acoustic source, is a complex perceptual phenomenon affecting the quality of life in 17% of the adult population. Despite its ubiquity and morbidity, the pathophysiology of tinnitus is a work in progress, and there is no generally accepted cure or treatment. Development of a reliable common animal model is crucial for tinnitus research and may advance this field. The goal of this study was to develop a tinnitus mouse model. Tinnitus was induced in an experimental group of mice by an exposure to a loud (116 dB sound pressure level (SPL)) narrow band noise (one octave, centered at 16 kHz) during 1 h under anesthesia. The tinnitus was then assessed behaviorally by measuring gap induced suppression...

Wegener's Granulomatosis Presenting with Pachymeningitis: Clinical and Imaging Remission by Rituximab

International Journal of Biomedical Imaging — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 17:41:55 +0100

A 27-year-old woman was admitted for intractable right-sided neck, ear, and jaw pain with gradual development of tinnitus and hearing loss. A cerebral MRI showed meningo-dural enhancement, and additional diagnostic workup revealed a right pulmonary infiltrate and positive PR-3 ANCA. Biopsies from nasal mucosa and lung showed chronic inflammation with granuloma formation. Based on these findings the patient was diagnosed with Wegener's granulomatosis with pachymeningitis. There was no clinical response to oral Prednisolone and Cyclophosphamide, but complete clinical and imaging remission was achieved by adding Rituximab. (Source: International Journ...

The effects of unilateral cochlear implantation on the tinnitus handicap inventory and the influence on quality of life

The Laryngoscope — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions:Cochlear implants have a significant suppressive effect on tinnitus in 66% of implant users. Although the reduction in the subjectively perceived tinnitus was statistically significant, it did not correlate with HINT; however, it did correlate with three quality‐of‐life domains, more significantly for those whose pretreatment conditions were moderate or worse. (Source: The Laryngoscope)

The comparison of acoustic and psychic parameters of subjective tinnitus

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 06:01:09 +0100

Abstract We aim to assess the correlation between audiometric data, and psychotic and acoustic measures associated with subjective tinnitus (ST) and to clarify the importance of the psychological process in determining the degree of subjective annoyance and disability due to tinnitus. Fifty-four patients experiencing unilateral ST were allocated for the study. Acoustic assessment of patients including LDL (loudness discomfort levels), MML (minimum masking level) and RI (residual inhibition) was performed. Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) tests were performed for the psychological aspects of subjective annoyance. RI was positive in 23 patients with 13 frequency-matched stimuli at 8,000 Hz. Masking treatmen...

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Tinnitus is Associated With Increase in the Intima-Media Thickness of Carotid Arteries in Japanese Undergoing a Brain Screening Program.

The American Journal of the Medical Sciences — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS:: Tinnitus is associated with increased intima-media thickness of carotid arteries in Japanese undergoing a brain screening program. PMID: 21642819 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The American Journal of the Medical Sciences)

13. Non-invasive cortical stimulation – Therapeutic possibilities

Clinical Neurophysiology — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 02:39:36 +0100

Non-invasive cortical stimulation (NICS) includes methods of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Applied patterns of stimulation mimic experimental protocols induction of cortical plastic changes in the animals, the following analogy model of long-term potentiation and long-term depression, with strict respect of safety measures for subjects/patients. In addition to model of tonic rTMS, defined only with the frequency and intensity of stimulation, today we are using structured forms of stimulation that mimic I-waves periodicity either burst patterns inherent to neural networks, like theta-rhythm. After a period when the methods applied solely as a research procedure, clinical use in several neurological entities has been s...

Associations between HLA-C Alleles and Definite Meniere's Disease.

Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology — Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Khorsandi MT, Amoli MM, Borghei H, Emami H, Amiri P, Amirzargar A, Yazdani N Both genetic and environmental factors seem to play role in the etiology of Meniere's disease (MD). Several genes may be involved in susceptibility of MD including Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA). The associations between MD and HLA alleles have been previously studied in other populations and certain HLA alleles were shown to be predisposing. The aim of this study was to determine the association between HLA-C allele frequencies and definite MD in patients who refer to Amir-Alam otolaryngology tertiary referral center in Tehran. Patients with definite MD (N=22) enrolled according to the diagnostic criteria of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS). Cases with all 3 symptoms...

Radix Astragali injection enhances recovery from acute acoustic trauma.

Acta Oto-Laryngologica — Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion. The average recovery of hearing and cessation of tinnitus was significantly better after treatment with Radix Astragali (RA) than after non-treatment with RA. RA can be valuable adjuvant therapy for patients with acute acoustic trauma (AAT). Objectives. AAT is one of the early indications for the use of RA. The reasons for administering RA to patients with AAT are based on experimental studies showing that noise exposure results in the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which trigger metabolic damage to the organ of Corti. RA is a natural antioxidant. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of RA in patients with AAT. Methods: We compared the recovery from hearing impairment and tinnitus in 40 ears treated with RA with 40 ears treated with non-RA. RA was ...

Primary care for tinnitus: practice and opinion among GPs in England

Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice — Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions GP assessment and management of tinnitus represents potential inequity of service for tinnitus patients. While the GPG aims to promote equity of care, it is only referred to by a minority of clinicians and so its utility for guiding service delivery is questionable. Although some GPs highlighted little demand for tinnitus management within their practice, many others expressed an unmet need for specific and concise GP training on tinnitus management. Further work should therefore evaluate current informational resources and propose effective modes of delivering educational updates. (Source: Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice)

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Surveillance for work-related audiological disease in the UK: 1998-2006

Occupational Medicine — Thu, 26 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions THOR data show that diagnoses related to work-related noise exposure (NIHL/tinnitus), as reported to THOR, remain important health problems, despite preventive measures being in place. (Source: Occupational Medicine)

Tinnitus: identifying the ominous causes.

cmaj — Mon, 23 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Conlin AE, Massoud E, Versnick E PMID: 21609995 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: cmaj)

Persistence of multiple emissary veins of posterior fossa with unusual origin of left petrosquamosal sinus from mastoid emissary

Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy — Fri, 20 May 2011 16:14:06 +0100

We describe the CT and MRI findings of a rare case that had persistence of multiple emissary veins and presented clinically with tinnitus. The radiological findings included a dilated left mastoid emissary vein, bilateral petrosquamosal sinuses, posterior condylar veins, occipital emissary veins and an intrapetrous venule. The left petrosquamosal sinus had an unusual origin from the dilated mastoid emissary vein. The patient also had major anomalies of posterior fossa venous sinuses which are discussed. A relevant review of literature is included. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-5DOI 10.1007/s00276-011-0822-xAuthors Narvir Singh Chauhan, Department of Radiodiagnosis, Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College-Tanda, Set No A3, Type IV Quarters, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, ...

Plasticity of somatosensory inputs to the cochlear nucleus - Implications for tinnitus.

Hearing Research — Tue, 17 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Shore SE This chapter reviews evidence for functional connections of the somatosensory and auditory systems at the very lowest levels of the nervous system. Neural inputs from the dosal root and trigeminal ganglia, as well as their brain stem nuclei, cuneate, gracillis and trigeminal, terminate in the cochlear nuclei. Terminations are primarily in the shell regions surrounding the cochlear nuclei but some terminals are found in the magnocellular regions of cochlear nucleus. The effects of stimulating these inputs on multisensory integration are shown as short and long-term, both suppressive and enhancing. Evidence that these projections are glutamatergic and are altered after cochlear damage is provided in the light of probable influences on the modulation and generation of ti...

Pathways to the Cause of Tinnitus

WSJ.com: Health — Mon, 16 May 2011 23:04:25 +0100

Researchers say they have found a biological explanation for tinnitus, a phantom ringing sound in the ears that affects up to 20% of the general population. (Source: WSJ.com: Health)

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Phantom percepts: Tinnitus and pain as persisting aversive memory networks [Perspectives]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Mon, 16 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Phantom perception refers to the conscious awareness of a percept in the absence of an external stimulus. On the basis of basic neuroscience on perception and clinical research in phantom pain and phantom sound, we propose a working model for their origin. Sensory deafferentation results in high-frequency, gamma band, synchronized neuronal activity in the sensory cortex. This activity becomes a conscious percept only if it is connected to larger coactivated “(self-)awareness” and “salience” brain networks. Through the involvement of learning mechanisms, the phantom percept becomes associated to distress, which in turn is reflected by a simultaneously coactivated nonspecific distress network consisting of the anterior cingulate cortex, anterior insula, and amygdala. Memory mechanism...

CT-Guided Epidural Blood Patching of Directly Observed or Potential Leak Sites for the Targeted Treatment of Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension [SPINE]

American Journal of Neuroradiology — Thu, 12 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that CT-guided blood patching targeting observed or potential leak sites can be effective in the treatment of intracranial hypotension. Prospective controlled studies are needed to confirm efficacy and compare outcomes with other treatment options. (Source: American Journal of Neuroradiology)

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy for Treating Tinnitus

Clinical Psychology — Wed, 11 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

We conducted a randomized clinical trial to examine the relative effectiveness of two psychological interventions for treating tinnitus. People with tinnitus were initially offered a single session of psychoeducation about tinnitus, followed 2 months later by six weekly sessions of either mindfulness or relaxation training. Results indicated benefits from psychoeducation in reducing negative emotions, rumination and psychological difficulties of living with tinnitus. These effects were maintained or enhanced by mindfulness training that also emphasized acceptance, although they were eroded in the relaxation condition over the follow‐up. Mediating processes are discussed, and suggestions for refining clinical interventions for this population are offered. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley &a...

Is tinnitus an acoasm?

Medical Hypotheses — Sun, 08 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Tinnitus and unspecific auditory hallucinations generally known as acoasms arise from identical or at least similar cerebral structures. Both phenomena can be interpreted as signs of an over activation of neuronal networks. Several pieces of evidence to underline this hypothesis as well as its implications are discussed. It is even speculated that both clinical entities might profit from treatment strategies that are normally employed for treatment of the other. (Source: Medical Hypotheses)