Commonality in Tinnitus Perception

Background: Tinnitus is defined as the perception of the sound in the absence of external stimulation. Since tinnitus is a subjective phenomenon, its characteristics vary from individual to individual. A vast heterogeneity prevails in the pathophysiology of tinnitus. The phenomenon of maladaptive plasticity changes in the auditory system and Non- auditory system is widely accepted mechanism of tinnitus. Objective: A very few studies have been to identify the stimulus most matched by the individuals with tinnitus. None of the study could explain the reason behind why a particular stimulus is perceived most by the tinnitus group amidst the heterogeneity in the subjective perception. This study is mainly done to identify the stimulus reported by tinnitus group as most mimicking their tinnitus and to explain the neurophysiology behind this homogeneity in the perception. To sort out the stimulus that is most matched by the individuals with tinnitus in tinnitus matching testing using Pure Tone Audiometer and to explore the neurophysiological mechanisms responsible for the commonality in perception of tinnitus. Method: This is the retrospective review of data obtained from Pure-tone audiometry and tinnitus evaluation results of129 individuals with different degrees of sensory-neural hearing loss. The data was analysed and expressed in terms of numbers and percentage. Results: Among the 129 individuals, 67% ( 83 individuals) reported Pure Tone tinnitus; 18% ( 23 individuals) reported Narrow Band Noise tinnitus; 10% (12 individuals) reported White Noise tinnitus; 3% (4 individuals) reported warble tone like tinnitus and remaining 2% (2 individuals) reported pulsed tone like tinnitus. Conclusion: Through this study, we conclude the type of stimulus which is predominantly perceived in individuals with tinnitus. The hyperactivity in classical pathway is more prevalent than non- classical pathway.