Sensory and Cognitive Components of Auditory Processing in Individuals With Tinnitus

Abstract

Purpose The main purpose of the study is to explore the auditory selective attention abilities (using event-related potentials) and the neuronal oscillatory activity in the default mode network sites (using electroencephalogram [EEG]) in individuals with tinnitus. Method Auditory selective attention was measured using P300, and the resting state EEG was assessed using the default mode function analysis. Ten individuals with continuous and bothersome tinnitus along with 10 age- and gender-matched control participants underwent event-related potential testing and 5 min of EEG recording (at wakeful rest). Results Individuals with tinnitus were observed to have larger N1 and P3 amplitudes along with prolonged P3 latency. The default mode function analysis revealed no significant oscillatory differences between the groups. Conclusion The current study shows changes in both the early sensory and late cognitive components of auditory processing. The change in the P3 component is suggestive of selective auditory attention deficit, and the sensory component (N1) suggests an altered bottom-up processing in individuals with tinnitus.

Objective Detection of Tinnitus Based on Electrophysiology

“…However, few studies take a different view. In addition, increased N1 response has been found in a few studies [ 94 , 95 , 96 ], which corresponds to abnormal center gain. Moreover, increased neural synchronization or neuronal maladaptation are possible causes.…”

“…Increased latency of P3 without amplitude change was found in tinnitus patients in the majority of studies [ 73 , 93 , 99 ], while other studies found that the amplitude of P3 in tinnitus patients was significantly lower than in controls and there is no difference in latency [ 89 , 91 , 92 , 100 , 101 ]. Furthermore, larger P3 amplitudes along with prolonged latency were observed in individuals with tinnitus [ 96 ]. The impaired adaptive capacity of cortical neurons, wider firing range of neurons, and changes in the baseline activation of neurons leading to hyperexcitability of neurons can all lead to P3 enlargement [ 96 ].…”

“…Furthermore, larger P3 amplitudes along with prolonged latency were observed in individuals with tinnitus [ 96 ]. The impaired adaptive capacity of cortical neurons, wider firing range of neurons, and changes in the baseline activation of neurons leading to hyperexcitability of neurons can all lead to P3 enlargement [ 96 ]. Attention deficit due to the presence of tinnitus that prevents the patient from focusing on the stimuli provided may be responsible for the prolonged P3 latency [ 99 , 102 ].…”

Cortical Reorganization Following Psychoeducational Counselling and Residual Inhibition Therapy (RIT) in Individuals with Tinnitus

“…P3 is reported to be altered in individuals with tinnitus, which indicates attentional dysfunction. 20 21 22 23 24 25…”

“…There have been shreds of evidence that tinnitus affects either or both the sensory and cognitive components of CAEPs, suggesting a difference in the way sound is being processed. 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 In vitro animal studies 16 have shown that the hyperactive neural firings decrease as a result of RIT. However, there are no neurophysiological studies reported on humans following RIT or educational counselling.…”