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Effect of Frequency Discrimination Training on Tinnitus in Individuals with Flat Sensorineural Hearing loss

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Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Tinnitus is associated with sensorineural hearing loss irrespective of its severity and configuration. Frequency discrimination training is a contemporary method used for the treatment of tinnitus. However, its efficacy in treating tinnitus associated with flat sensorineural hearing loss is not studied yet. The objectives were to assess (a) treatment effect across sessions on tinnitus percept using subjective questionnaires (b) association in the severity and handicap of tinnitus before and after FDT treatment. A total of 16 participants with mean age of 56 years, who had subjective tinnitus and flat sensorineural hearing loss ranging from mild to moderate were included in the study. However, only 11 participants completed the treatment regime. Each participant was provided FDT in a game format for 15 days. The Quantitative (tinnitus pitch and loudness in each session) and qualitative measurements (THI and TFI) were assessed in each participant. Friedman test revealed a significant reduction in handicap from tinnitus as reflected in THI and reduced functionality impairment from tinnitus as reflected in TFI across sessions. Besides, a significant association was observed in the Chi-square test in severity and handicap of tinnitus before and after therapy. A change in pitch and reduced loudness was noted in eight of 11 participants. Three of them had no tinnitus perception at the end of the treatment regime. The current study findings demonstrate the efficacy of FDT using a game module in treating tinnitus associated with flat sensorineural hearing loss. The perceived severity and handicap of tinnitus reduces as a function of treatment.

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No funding was received to assist with the preparation of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. JSS Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysuru, India

    N. Hemanth & P. G. Vipin Ghosh

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  1. N. Hemanth
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  2. P. G. Vipin Ghosh
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Correspondence to N. Hemanth.

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The methodology for this study was approved by the Human Research Ethics committee of the Institution.

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Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.

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Hemanth, N., Vipin Ghosh, P.G. Effect of Frequency Discrimination Training on Tinnitus in Individuals with Flat Sensorineural Hearing loss. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 74, 70–77 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12070-021-02433-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12070-021-02433-y

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