Comparison of otoacoustic emissions in tinnitus and hyperacusis in adults with normal hearing sensitivity

Abstract

Objective

To investigate the effect of tinnitus and/or hyperacusis on distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) measures in adults with normal hearing thresholds from 0.25 to 8 kHz, while accounting for extended high-frequency (EHF) thresholds.

Design

A behavioural study consisted of comprehensive audiological assessment, validated tinnitus and hyperacusis questionnaires, DPOAE amplitudes and input/output (I/O) functions.

Study sample

Data of 56 participants with normal hearing were included for the analysis. Participants were categorised into four groups: (1) without tinnitus or hyperacusis, (2) with tinnitus only, (3) with hyperacusis only, and (4) with both tinnitus and hyperacusis.

Results

The groups with tinnitus showed elevated EHF thresholds compared with those without tinnitus. DPOAE amplitudes were not significantly affected by tinnitus and/or hyperacusis status; however, they were significantly affected by EHF thresholds. Further, no appreciable differences in DPOAE I/O functions were found across groups.

Conclusions

The reported non-significant differences in DPOAEs in individuals with tinnitus and/or hyperacusis do not support a peripheral mechanism or an interaction between peripheral and central mechanisms underlying tinnitus or hyperacusis. Our findings, however, suggest the need to assess basal cochlear function (e.g. EHF thresholds) for a better understanding of differences in DPOAE measures in tinnitus and/or hyperacusis.

Keywords:

• Tinnitus
• hyperacusis
• distortion product otoacoustic emissions
• normal hearing
• extended high-frequency hearing thresholds

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Dr. Anthony Tsao for assisting with data collection and Sayan Chakrabarty for providing advice on statistical analysis.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

Data are available upon request from the corresponding author.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

The study was supported by a student grant from the American Tinnitus Association to J. C., with F. T. H. being the mentor.