Abstract Goal This study validates an approach to characterizing the sounds experienced by tinnitus patients via reverse correlation, with potential for characterizing a wider range of sounds than currently possible. Methods Ten normal-hearing subjects assessed the subjective similarity of random auditory stimuli and target tinnitus-like sounds (“buzzing” and “roaring”). Reconstructions of the targets were obtained by regressing subject responses on the stimuli, and were compared for accuracy to the frequency spectra of the targets using Pearson’s r . Results Reconstruction accuracy was significantly higher than chance across subjects: buzzing ( M = 0.53, SD = 0.27): t (9) = 5.766, p < 0.001; roaring ( M = 0.57, SD = 0.30): t (9) = 5.76, p < 0.001. Conclusion Reverse correlation can accurately reconstruct nontonal tinnitus-like sounds in normal-hearing subjects, indicating its potential for characterizing the sounds experienced by patients with non-tonal tinnitus. Impact Statement Characterization of tinnitus sounds can inform treatment by facilitating individualized sound therapies, leading to better outcomes for patients suffering from the cognitive and psychological effects of tinnitus.
Goal: We validate a recent reverse correlation approach to tinnitus characterization by applying it to individuals with clinically-diagnosed tinnitus. Methods: Two tinnitus patients assessed the subjective similarity of their non-tonal tinnitus percepts and random auditory stimuli. Regression of the responses onto the stimuli yielded reconstructions which were evaluated qualitatively by playing back resynthesized waveforms to the subjects and quantitatively by response prediction analysis. Results: Subject 1 preferred their resynthesis to white noise; subject 2 did not. Response prediction balanced accuracies were significantly higher than chance across subjects: subject 1: 0.5963, subject 2: 0.6922. Conclusion: Reverse correlation can provide the foundation for reconstructing accurate representations of complex, non-tonal tinnitus in clinically diagnosed subjects. Further refinements may yield highly similar waveforms to individualized tinnitus percepts.
Objective: This report describes a case of development of radiologic superior semicircular canal dehiscence and reviews the literature for pertinent clinical and radiologic findings in patients with superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS). Patient: A 28-year-old man presented with auditory and vestibular symptoms of SCDS and underwent a high-resolution temporal bone computed tomography scan that showed frank dehiscence of the right superior semicircular canal. Diagnosis of SCDS was further verified with audiometric and cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) thresholds. The patient had previously undergone a computed tomography scan 12 years prior for work-up of sudden sensorineural hearing loss that showed no evidence of superior semicircular canal dehiscence bilaterally. Interventions: A combination of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions was conducted consisting of preoperative audiometric and cVEMP thresholds, followed by middle fossa craniotomy for surgical repair of the dehiscence. Main Outcome Measure: Postoperative audiometric and cVEMP thresholds and symptomatic improvement of SCDS after surgical repair of the dehiscence. Results: The patient reported resolution of his clinical symptoms after surgical repair of the dehiscence. Postoperative cVEMP thresholds improved to the normal range and the mild low-frequency conductive hearing loss resolved. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this case report is the first description of radiologically proven new development of superior canal dehiscence. Further prospective studies that include serial imaging examinations may help with visualizing and understanding the temporal evolution of superior canal dehiscence, and better elucidate the relationship between development/ progression of superior canal dehiscence and onset of clinical symptoms.
Objectives: Enjoyment of music remains an elusive goal following cochlear implantation (CI). We assessed the hypothesis that reducing the complexity of music has the potential to enhance the listening experience for the cochlear implantee. Methods: Normal hearing adults (n = 17) were asked to evaluate an original and modified 20‐second piece of country music for its musicality, pleasantness, and naturalness before and after it was processed through CI simulation software. The music was modified by removing the vocals and/or changing the type of musical instruments playing (rhythmic only, melodic only, or combined rhythmic and melodic). Linear regression analysis with analysis of variance was used to assess the impact of music variation on music appreciation. Results: Without CI simulation, music segments that included the vocals, melodic instruments only, or combined rhythmic and melodic instruments sounded more pleasant, natural, and musical. In contrast, music segments processed through the CI simulation sounded more pleasant, natural, and musical when the vocals were removed and when only rhythmic instruments were included (all P values < 0.005). Conclusions: Musical enjoyment with or without CI is influenced by the complexity of the original music. Our study offers preliminary evidence that reduction of music complexity has the potential to make listening more enjoyable for the CI listener. Thus, in addition to improvement in software and hardware, engineering of music specifically for a CI listener may be an alternative means to enhance their listening experience.
