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    Abstract:
    Patients visiting the department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery often recite tinnitus as the primary complaint. Frequently, tinnitus is accompanied by other symptoms such as hyperacusis and hearing loss. The present study is a cross-sectional study analyzing the relationships between tinnitus, hearing loss, and hyperacusis by the use of the audiologic measurements performed in a clinical practice.All patients visiting the Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery department of the University Hospital Antwerp with complaints of tinnitus (sometimes accompanied by hyperacusis) during the year of 2012, were looked up (n = 588). All patients underwent audiometry and filled out the Tinnitus Questionnaire (TQ) and Hyperacusis Questionnaire (HQ), and tinnitus analysis was performed. The relationships between all measurements were examined by use of correlations, multinomial logistic regression analyses, and descriptive statistics.Scores on the TQ and HQ were significantly positively correlated (r = 0.5, p < 0.001). In general, patients with a combination of tinnitus and hyperacusis showed significantly higher TQ scores (p < 0.001) and higher ratings on the VAS for loudness and distress (p < 0.001) compared with tinnitus patients without hyperacusis. Furthermore, an age-dependent influence on the audiometric configuration and tinnitus type was found.Tinnitus and hyperacusis are two frequent symptoms recited at a consultation. The present study found that patients with a high TQ grade more often also perceive hyperacusis compared with patients with a low TQ grade.Tinnitus and hyperacusis are two frequent symptoms recited at a consultation. We have to point out that also other issues, such as additional health problems and stress, may influence tinnitus severity. In addition, tinnitus type seems to be age dependent as younger patients more often experience a pure tone tinnitus and older patients more often experience a noise-like tinnitus.
    Keywords:
    Hyperacusis
    Recent research indicates that a notable number of teachers are concerned with conditions of auditory impairment such as tinnitus, hyperacusis, and hearing loss. Studies focussing on characteristics and interdependencies of single hearing disorders (HD) are rare. This explorative study examines tinnitus, hyperacusis, hearing loss, and all possible combinations (tinnitus + hyperacusis; tinnitus + hearing loss; hyperacusis + hearing loss; tinnitus, hyperacusis + hearing loss) in German teachers. The impact of single HD on perceived distress, depending on the number and kind of comorbid HD, was of special interest. Information was collected via online survey and includes self-reported data as well as data from the Mini-Tinnitus Questionnaire (Mini-TQ). Results show that most of the 1468 participants (45%) suffered from two HD in different combinations, and the fewest (25%) were afflicted with only one HD. Considering the seven HD groups, most teachers (30%) suffered from all three HD. Across all groups, tinnitus was present in 1096, hyperacusis in 988, and hearing loss in 937 teachers. Multiple intergroup comparisons revealed that self-rated tinnitus-related distress rose significantly with the increasing number of HD. No significant differences were found for distress ratings of hyperacusis between the four groups including hyperacusis and between the four groups with hearing loss. In the Mini-TQ, groups including hyperacusis scored considerably higher than those excluding hyperacusis. The frequent prevalence of HD in German teachers points to a need of better noise prevention in German schools as one priority of occupational safety.
    Hyperacusis
    Auditory pathways
    Citations (25)
    It is the aim of the present paper to correlate clinical symptoms of auditory dysfunction (tinnitus, hyperacusis, hearing loss) one year on average after a blunt trauma of the head with objective audiological test results (otoacoustic emission and auditory brainstem response testing, impedance audiometry) and to compare these findings to controls without history of head trauma. Thirty-one patients (24-56 years) were included. They were largely female (n = 26). The clinical and otolaryngological examination (including otoscopy) of all patients revealed no pathological abnormalities. Pure-tone audiograms were normal with one exception (pre-existing noise-induced hearing loss) as well as tympanograms. The main auditory symptoms were tinnitus (n = 9), hyperacusis (n = 2) and a reported transient hearing loss immediately after the trauma (n = 16) (which had improved at the time of examination). The results of testing the central auditory pathway showed that the transiently evoked otoacoustic emissions (otoemissions) revealed statistically significant differences between amplitude differences of all patients as well as patients with tinnitus and controls in the linear, but not in the non-linear stimulation mode. A complete loss of stapedial reflex responses was found in 12 of the patients and a partial (irregular) loss (in at least more than two frequencies) in four additional patients. Auditory brainstem responses (ABR) were normal in all patients, but 76% had lowered loudness discomfort levels (LDL). Blunt trauma of the head can lead to auditory dyfunction, probably as a result of diffuse axonal injury of the central auditory pathway. An initial sensorineural hearing loss after the trauma (as a result of the inner ear fluid concussion) was transiently reported only. Auditory symptoms play a minor role in the so-called "postconcussive syndrome," but should be considered and evaluated fully.
    Hyperacusis
    Head trauma
    Auditory brainstem response
    Audiogram
    Otoacoustic emission
    Pure tone audiometry
    Citations (67)
    An investigation of the hearing status of musicians of professional symphony orchestras. Main questions are: (1) Should musicians be treated as a special group with regard to hearing, noise, and noise related hearing problems (2) Do patterns of hearing damage differ for different instrument types (3) Do OAE have an added value in the diagnosis of noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) in musicians.241 professional musicians, aged between 23-64 participated. A brief medical history and the subjective judgment of their hearing and hearing problems were assessed. Musicians were subjected to an extensive audiological test battery, which contained testing of audiometric thresholds, loudness perception, diplacusis, tinnitus, speech perception in noise, and otoacoustic emissions.Most musicians could be categorized as normal hearing, but their audiograms show notches at 6 kHz, a frequency that is associated with NIHL. Musicians often complained about tinnitus and hyperacusis, while diplacusis was generally not reported as a problem. Tinnitus was most often localized utmost left and this could not be related to the instrument. It was usually perceived in high frequency areas, associated with NIHL. In general, musicians scored very well on the speech-in-noise test. The results of the loudness perception test were within normal limits. Otoacoustic emissions were more intense with better pure-tone thresholds, but due to large individual differences it can still not be used as an objective test for early detection of NIHL.Musicians show more noise induced hearing loss than could be expected on the basis of age and gender. Other indicators, such as complaints and prevalence of tinnitus, complaints about hyperacusis and prevalence of diplacusis suggest that musicians' ears are at risk. Continuing education about the risks of intensive sound exposure to musicians, with the emphasis on the possible development of tinnitus and hyperacusis and the need for good hearing protection is warranted.
    Audiogram
    Hyperacusis
    Citations (172)
    The most probable place generating tinnitus in auditory pathway are outer hair cells (OHC) inside cochlea. To asses their activity otoacoustic emission is used. The goal of the investigation was estimation the features of otoemission DPOAE in groups with tinnitus patients with cochlear hearing loss, estimation of diagnostic value of DPOAE parameters for analysis of function of the cochlea in investigated patients emphasizing DPOAE parameters most useful in localizing tinnitus generators and estimation of hypothetic influence of hyperacusis and misophony on parameters of DPOAE in tinnitus patients with cochlear hearing loss. The material of the study were 42 tinnitus patients with cochlear hearing loss. In the control group there were 21 patients without tinnitus with the same type of hearing loss. Then tinnitus patients were divided into three subgroups--with hyperacusis, misophony and without both of them, based on audiologic findings.after taking view on tinnitus and physical examination in all the patients pure tone and impedance audiometry, supratreshold tests, ABR and audiometric average and discomfort level were evaluated. Then otoemission DPOAE was measured in three procedures. First the amplitudes of two points per octave were assessed, in second--"fine structure" method-- 16-20 points per octave (f2/f1 = 1.2, L1 = L2 = 70 dB). Third procedure included recording of growth rate function in three series for input tones of value f2 = 2002, 4004, 6006 Hz (f2/f1= 1.22) and levels L1=L2, growing by degrees of 5dB in each series.DPOAE amplitudes in recording of 2 points per octave and fine structure method are very valuable parameters for estimation of cochlear function in tinnitus patients with cochlear hearing loss. Decreasing of DPOAE amplitudes in patients with cochlear hearing loss and tinnitus suggests significant role of OHC pathology, unbalanced by IHC injury in generation of tinnitus in patients with hearing loss of cochlear localization. DPOAE fine structure provides us the additional information about DPOAE amplitude recorded in two points per octave, spreading the amount of frequencies f2, where differences are noticed in comparison of two groups--tinnitus patients and control. Function growth rate cannot be the only parameter in estimation of DPOAE in tinnitus patients with cochlear hearing loss, also including subjects with hyperacusis and misophony. Hyperacusis has important influence on DPOAE amplitude, increases essentially amplitude of DPOAE in the examined group of tinnitus patients.
    Hyperacusis
    Pure tone audiometry
    Citations (1)
    Professional musicians (PMs) are at high risk of developing hearing loss (HL) and other audiological symptoms such as tinnitus, hyperacusis, and diplacusis. The aim of this systematic review is to (A) assess the risk of developing HL and audiological symptoms in PMs and (B) evaluate if different music genres (Pop/Rock Music—PR; Classical Music—CL) expose PMs to different levels of risk of developing such conditions. Forty-one articles including 4618 PMs were included in the study. HL was found in 38.6% PMs; prevalence was significantly higher among PR (63.5%) than CL (32.8%) PMs; HL mainly affected the high frequencies in the 3000-6000 Hz range and was symmetric in 68% PR PMs and in 44.5% CL PMs. Tinnitus was the most common audiological symptom, followed by hyperacusis and diplacusis. Tinnitus was almost equally distributed between PR and CL PMs; diplacusis was more common in CL than in PR PMs, while prevalence of hyperacusis was higher among PR PMs. Our review showed that PR musicians have a higher risk of developing HL compared to CL PMs; exposure to sounds of high frequency and intensity and absence of ear protection may justify these results. Difference in HL symmetry could be explained by the type of instruments used and consequent single-sided exposure.
    Hyperacusis
    Citations (108)
    (1) Background: Decreased sound tolerance is a significant problem in tinnitus sufferers. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between tinnitus and decreased sound tolerance (hyperacusis and misophonia). (2) Methods: The study sample consisted of 74 patients with tinnitus and decreased sound tolerance. The procedure comprised patient interviews, pure tone audiometry, impedance audiometry, measurement of uncomfortable loudness levels, and administration of the Hyperacusis Questionnaire, Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, and Visual Analogue Scales. (3) Results: The majority (69%) of the patients reported that noise aggravated their tinnitus. The correlation between tinnitus and hyperacusis was found to be statistically significant and positive: r = 0.44; p < 0.01. The higher the tinnitus severity, the greater the hyperacusis. There was no correlation between misophonia and hyperacusis (r = 0.18; p > 0.05), or between misophonia and tinnitus (r = 0.06; p > 0.05). (4) Conclusions: For tinnitus patients the more significant problem was hyperacusis rather than misophonia. The diagnosis and treatment of decreased sound tolerance should take into account not only audiological, but also psychological problems of the patients.
    Hyperacusis
    Pure tone audiometry
    Citations (11)
    Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the hearing status in young adults using portable audio players (PAPs) in relation to their listening habits. The study included 58 subjects, aged 22.8±2.8 years, non-occupationally exposed to noise. Questionnaire inquiry aimed at collecting personal data, the information on PAPs usage habits, self-assessment of hearing status and identification of risk factors for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) were performed in study subjects. Hearing tests included pure-tone audiometry (PTA) and transient-evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE). All subjects were PAPs users. Depending on listening habits they were divided into the subgroups of “frequent” users (>1 h/day) and “non-frequent” users (≤1 h/day). There were no significant differences between subgroups in prevalence of NIHL risk factors and self-assessment of hearing status. However, frequent users more often complained of tinnitus and hyperacusis. Majority (81.9%) of participants had normal hearing. Nevertheless, 6.9% of audiograms showed high- frequency notches typical for NIHL. Both, the PTA and TEOAE indicated worse hearing in non-frequent users compared to frequent users. No significant differences in prevalence of high-frequency notches be- tween subgroups were noted. The outcomes do not support some previous studies results that the excessive exposure to music listened through PAPs might result in accelerating of development of NIHL loss in young adults.
    Hyperacusis
    Audiogram
    Pure tone audiometry
    Citations (4)
    Background: There are not many population-based epidemiological studies on the association between self-reported hearing problems and measured hearing thresholds in older adults. Previous studies have shown that the relationship between self-reported hearing difficulties and measured hearing thresholds is unclear and, according to our knowledge, there are no previous population-based studies reporting hearing thresholds among subjects with hyperacusis. Purpose: The aim was to investigate the prevalence of self-reported hearing problems, that is, hearing difficulties, difficulties in following a conversation in noise, tinnitus, and hyperacusis, and to compare the results with measured hearing thresholds in older adults. Research Design: Cross-sectional, population-based, and unscreened. Study Sample: Random sample of subjects (n = 850) aged 54-66 yr living in the city of Oulu (Finland) and the surrounding areas. Data Collection and Analysis: Otological examination, pure tone audiometry, questionnaire survey Results: The prevalence of self-reported hearing problems was 37.1% for hearing difficulties, 43.3% for difficulties in following a conversation in noise, 29.2% for tinnitus, and 17.2% for hyperacusis. More than half of the subjects had no hearing impairment, or HI (BEHL[better ear hearing level]0.5–4 kHz < 20 dB HL) even though they reported hearing problems. Subjects with self-reported hearing problems, including tinnitus and hyperacusis, had significantly poorer hearing thresholds than those who did not report hearing problems. Self-reported hearing difficulties predicted hearing impairment in the pure-tone average at 4, 6, and 8 kHz, and at the single frequency of 4 kHz. Conclusions: The results indicate that self-reported hearing difficulties are more frequent than hearing impairment defined by audiometric measurement. Furthermore, self-reported hearing difficulties seem to predict hearing impairment at high frequencies (4–8 kHz) rather than at the frequencies of 0.5–4 kHz, which are commonly used to define the degree of hearing impairment in medical and legal issues.
    Hyperacusis
    Citations (109)
    This paper is a preliminary report from the Tinnitus Center, HSCB-SUNY, of hyperacusis in a patient population who request consultation for tinnitus of the severe disabling type. Forty-two consecutive patients seen from January to August 1995 were reviewed for this preliminary report. There is a positive correlation between tinnitus and hyperacusis as well as a positive correlation between hyperacusis and the loudness discomfort level test (LDL). Hyperacusis is an increased sensitivity to sound that occurs with/without a hearing loss in individuals with tinnitus of the severe disabling type. The present method of assessment for hyperacusis includes pure tone audiometry, LDL's, Feldmann Masking Curves and the Metz test for recruitment. A classification system exists for hearing loss and a similar system is suggested for hyperacusis.
    Hyperacusis
    Pure tone audiometry
    Citations (80)