REVISITING TINNITUS AUDIOLOGICAL REHABILITATION

Current research shows tinnitus as more than an auditory phenomenon, but an emotional and cognitive dimension experience. Besides issues involving tinnitus perception and reaction, there is a third dimension: cognition. Both audiological assessment and rehabilitation need to follow these principles and be more comprehensive. The use of sounds to treat tinnitus is described in several papers and has different purposes. It includes hearing aid fitting if hearing loss is detected and the use of sound generator devices. But there are some cases in that hearing loss rehabilitation is not enough and cases of tinnitus and/or sound intolerance suffering without detectable hearing loss in conventional measures. There is no exclusive way for tinnitus patients' auditory rehabilitation. Based on theoretical proposals and literature, we suggest possibilities of intervention to be even more explored and personally adapted for tinnitus patients: cognitive auditory training and the use of mindfulness-based exercises, sound stimulation during sleep, and restoring the pleasure of listening.

Auditory training for tinnitus treatment: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVES: Our study aimed to verify the evidence of auditory training employed in the audiological treatment of tinnitus in adults and older adults. METHODS: Scoping review based on a search for articles in journals available in MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase (Elsevier), LILACS (BVS), and Cochrane Library. Titles and abstracts of the retrieved articles were assessed by peers, following the eligibility criteria; they were afterward read in full text, and the references were hand searched in the results found. Studies' level of evidence was classified into very high (Level A+), high (Level A), moderate (Level B), limited (Level C), low (Level D), or very low (Level D-) based on the Critically Appraised Topics. RESULTS: 2160 records were identified in the searching stage and 15 studies were eligible for data extraction. Study design, sample characterization, auditory training tasks, sound stimuli, outcome measures, and results were extracted. Frequency discrimination training was the most frequent strategy, followed by auditory attentional skills training and multisensory training. Almost all studies with daily auditory training sessions reported significant benefits demonstrated in at least one outcome measure. Studies that used auditory discrimination training and attentional auditory skill stimulation to treat tinnitus obtained quality evidence levels ranging from limited to high (C‒A) and studies that applied multisensory training or attentional training combined with counseling and passive listening in tinnitus patients reached a high-quality evidence level (A). CONCLUSION: Recent studies had higher levels of evidence and considered attentional factors and multisensory pathways in auditory training strategies.

Auditory training for tinnitus treatment: a scoping review

Abstract Objectives Our study aimed to verify the evidence of auditory training employed in the audiological treatment of tinnitus in adults and older adults. Methods Scoping review based on a search for articles in journals available in MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase (Elsevier), LILACS (BVS), and Cochrane Library. Titles and abstracts of the retrieved articles were assessed by peers, following the eligibility criteria; they were afterward read in full text, and the references were hand searched in the results found. Studies' level of evidence was classified into very high (Level A+), high (Level A), moderate (Level B), limited (Level C), low (Level D), or very low (Level D−) based on the Critically Appraised Topics. Results 2160 records were identified in the searching stage and 15 studies were eligible for data extraction. Study design, sample characterization, auditory training tasks, sound stimuli, outcome measures, and results were extracted. Frequency discrimination training was the most frequent strategy, followed by auditory attentional skills training and multisensory training. Almost all studies with daily auditory training sessions reported significant benefits demonstrated in at least one outcome measure. Studies that used auditory discrimination training and attentional auditory skill stimulation to treat tinnitus obtained quality evidence levels ranging from limited to high (C‒A) and studies that applied multisensory training or attentional training combined with counseling and passive listening in tinnitus patients reached a high-quality evidence level (A). Conclusion Recent studies had higher levels of evidence and considered attentional factors and multisensory pathways in auditory training strategies.

Necrotizing Otitis Externa: A Proposal for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approach.

Introduction Necrotizing otitis externa has a high impact on the quality of life of patients and has shown a significant increase in its incidence in recent years. There has been a change in the profile of affected patients and a lack of consensus on the management of these patients. Objective To develop a practical and effective care protocol to standardize the diagnostic and therapeutic management of necrotizing otitis externa. Methods A retrospective cohort study of necrotizing otitis externa patients between January 2015 and December 2020. Results There were 34 patients with two bilateral cases, totaling 36 ears. The mean age was 68.5, with a higher prevalence of males (76%). Diabetes was present in 97% of the samples. The involvement of cranial pairs was identified in 35% of the sample. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most frequent pathogen isolated, found in 50% of the cases. Among the cultures with bacterial agents isolated, 35% showed resistance to ciprofloxacin. The most frequent exam was computed tomography (94%). Hospital admission was indicated for 31 patients (91%), and ceftazidime was the most prescribed drug (35.5%). There were 11 recurrences (32%), and 12 patients (35%) had complications during treatment. Among the unfavorable outcomes, 12% persisted with some degree of peripheral facial paralysis, 6% maintained dysphagia, and 9% died of the disease. Conclusions The present study developed a diagnostic and therapeutic protocol for the effective management of necrotizing otitis externa. This protocol is a dynamic tool and should be revised and updated as new demands emerge during its implementation.

Effect of Dry Needling on the Masseter Muscle in the Tinnitus Perception of Patients with Temporomandibular Disorder.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of dry needling on the masseter muscle in the perception of tinnitus in patients with temporomandibular disorder. Methods: Twenty-five patients with tinnitus and muscular temporomandibular disorders were randomly assigned to groups study (n = 13) and control (n = 12). Three sessions of dry needling (study) and sham (control) were performed. Follow-up was performed 30, 60 and 90 days after the end of treatment. The Analog Visual Scale and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) were used to evaluate the treatment. Results: In study group, 76.9% presented a reduction in the intensity and tinnitus discomfort and total THI. In control group, 66.7% presented a decrease in tinnitus intensity and total THI, and 58.3% reported a decrease in tinnitus discomfort. After 90 days, in the study group, 84.6% maintained improvement in pain intensity and reduction in THI score and 69.2% reported improvement in both intensity and discomfort caused by tinnitus. In control group, 75% achieved improvement in pain intensity, 33.2% maintained improvement in tinnitus intensity, and 41.7% maintained improvement in discomfort caused by tinnitus and total THI. In the total THI score, the study group presented improvement (p = 0.041). Conclusion: Dry needling combined with counseling was associated with improvement in pain intensity and tinnitus, decrease in tinnitus discomfort and reduction in total THI score.

Necrotizing Otitis Externa: A Proposal for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approach

Abstract Introduction Necrotizing otitis externa has a high impact on the quality of life of patients and has shown a significant increase in its incidence in recent years. There has been a change in the profile of affected patients and a lack of consensus on the management of these patients. Objective To develop a practical and effective care protocol to standardize the diagnostic and therapeutic management of necrotizing otitis externa. Methods A retrospective cohort study of necrotizing otitis externa patients between January 2015 and December 2020. Results There were 34 patients with two bilateral cases, totaling 36 ears. The mean age was 68.5, with a higher prevalence of males (76%). Diabetes was present in 97% of the samples. The involvement of cranial pairs was identified in 35% of the sample. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most frequent pathogen isolated, found in 50% of the cases. Among the cultures with bacterial agents isolated, 35% showed resistance to ciprofloxacin. The most frequent exam was computed tomography (94%). Hospital admission was indicated for 31 patients (91%), and ceftazidime was the most prescribed drug (35.5%). There were 11 recurrences (32%), and 12 patients (35%) had complications during treatment. Among the unfavorable outcomes, 12% persisted with some degree of peripheral facial paralysis, 6% maintained dysphagia, and 9% died of the disease. Conclusions The present study developed a diagnostic and therapeutic protocol for the effective management of necrotizing otitis externa. This protocol is a dynamic tool and should be revised and updated as new demands emerge during its implementation.

Endoscopic tympanoplasty with inlay cartilage graft in an university hospital / Timpanoplastia endoscópica com enxerto de cartilagem inlay em hospital universitário

Abstract Introduction Tympanoplasty is the surgical procedure aimed at the reconstruction of the tympanic membrane and restoration of the sound conducting mechanism. It can be performed with several types of access and grafts and is considered successful when it achieves complete closure of the tympanic perforation and sound conduction improvement. Objective To describe the prevalence of successful closure of tympanic perforations and auditory results of endoscopic tympanoplasty with an inlay tragus cartilage graft. Methods Retrospective study developed at a tertiary referral hospital. Patients with central tympanic perforations and intact ossicular chains operated with endoscopic tympanoplasty with inlay tragus cartilage graft were included. The neo-tympanum integrity index was evaluated, and the preoperative and postoperative auditory parameters were compared using the paired Student's t-test. Results We identified 83 endoscopic tympanoplasties with inlay cartilage, of which 63 (76 %) had an intact neo-tympanum and 20 (24 %) had residual perforations. The preoperative air-bone gap was, on average, 18 ± 8.9 dBHL, and the postoperative 11 ± 10 dBHL (p = 0.0005), showing reduction in 71 % and complete recovery in 27 %. The mean preoperative speech recognition threshold was 35 ± 13.5 and the postoperative SRT was 27 ± 14.4 (p = 0.0002). The preoperative tritonal mean was 34 ± 14.3 and the postoperative was 24 ± 15 (p = 0.0002). Conclusion In this series, endoscopic tympanoplasties with inlay tragus cartilage graft showed a 76 % prevalence of complete closure of the tympanic perforation, with significant improvement in the auditory parameters.

Resumo Introdução Timpanoplastia é o procedimento cirúrgico voltado para a reconstrução da membrana timpânica e restauração do mecanismo condutor do som. Pode ser executada através de diversos tipos de acesso e de enxertos e é considerada bem-sucedida quando obtém fechamento completo da perfuração timpânica e melhoria na condução sonora. Objetivo Descrever a prevalência de sucesso no fechamento completo das perfurações timpânicas e os resultados auditivos das timpanoplastias endoscópicas com enxerto de cartilagem de tragus inlay. Metodologia Estudo retrospectivo desenvolvido em hospital terciário de referência. Pacientes com perfurações timpânicas centrais e com cadeias ossiculares íntegras submetidos a timpanoplastias endoscópicas com enxerto de cartilagem de tragus inlay foram incluídos. Foram avaliados o índice de integridade do neotímpano e os parâmetros auditivos pré e pós-operatórios foram comparados com o teste t de Student pareado. Resultados Foram identificadas 83 timpanoplastias endoscópicas com cartilagem inlay, 63 (76%) obtiveram neotímpano íntegro e 20 (24%), perfurações residuais. O gap aéreo-ósseo pré-operatório foi, em média, 18 ± 8,9 dBNA e o pós-operatório 11 ± 10 dBNA (p = 0,0005), sofreu redução em 71% e recuperação completa em 27%. O SRT pré-operatório médio foi 35 ± 13,5 e o pós-operatório 27 ± 14,4 (p = 0,0002). A média tritonal pré-operatória foi 34 ± 14,3 e a pós-operatória 24 ± 15 (p = 0,0002). Conclusão Nesta casuística, as timpanoplastias endoscópicas com cartilagem de tragus inlay apresentaram fechamento completo da perfuração timpânica em 76% dos casos, com melhoria significativa dos parâmetros auditivos.

Endoscopic tympanoplasty with inlay cartilage graft in an university hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Tympanoplasty is the surgical procedure aimed at the reconstruction of the tympanic membrane and restoration of the sound conducting mechanism. It can be performed with several types of access and grafts and is considered successful when it achieves complete closure of the tympanic perforation and sound conduction improvement. OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of successful closure of tympanic perforations and auditory results of endoscopic tympanoplasty with an inlay tragus cartilage graft. METHODS: Retrospective study developed at a tertiary referral hospital. Patients with central tympanic perforations and intact ossicular chains operated with endoscopic tympanoplasty with inlay tragus cartilage graft were included. The neo-tympanum integrity index was evaluated, and the preoperative and postoperative auditory parameters were compared using the paired Student's t-test. RESULTS: We identified 83 endoscopic tympanoplasties with inlay cartilage, of which 63 (76 %) had an intact neo-tympanum and 20 (24 %) had residual perforations. The preoperative air-bone gap was, on average, 18 ±â€¯8.9 dBHL, and the postoperative 11 ±â€¯10 dBHL (p = 0.0005), showing reduction in 71 % and complete recovery in 27 %. The mean preoperative speech recognition threshold was 35 ±â€¯13.5 and the postoperative SRT was 27 ± 14.4 (p = 0.0002). The preoperative tritonal mean was 34 ±â€¯14.3 and the postoperative was 24 ±â€¯15 (p = 0.0002). CONCLUSION: In this series, endoscopic tympanoplasties with inlay tragus cartilage graft showed a 76 % prevalence of complete closure of the tympanic perforation, with significant improvement in the auditory parameters.

Translation, validation and cultural adaptation of "The Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7" (ETDQ-7) to Brazilian Portuguese (BR) / Tradução, validação e adaptação cultural do questionário "The Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7" (ETDQ-7) para o português brasileiro (BR)

Abstract Introduction: Chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction can cause several symptoms and middle ear conditions that can impact patient quality of life. It is estimated to be relatively frequent, affecting approximately 5% of adults. The diagnostic tools for this condition are still inadequate. In 2012, McCoul et al. published a questionnaire for the evaluation of Eustachian tube dysfunction named ETDQ-7. They established its replicability and validity. The cutoff point for the diagnosis of chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction was equal to or greater than 14.5, with 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Objective: To translate, adapt and validate the ETDQ-7 questionnaire to Brazilian Portuguese. Methods: We translated the questionnaire into Brazilian Portuguese and applied it to 50 patients, 20 of whom had chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction, and 30 controls. Results: The results obtained with the North-American questionnaire were confirmed in its Brazilian version. The cut-off point for the diagnosis of chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction was ≥14, also exhibiting high sensitivity and specificity, very similar to that of ETDQ-7. Conclusion: It is recommended that ETDQ-7 be used to complement the clinical history of patients with chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction; it can also be used as an important tool for diagnosis, patient follow-up and treatment management.

Resumo Introdução: A disfunção crônica da tuba auditiva pode causar diversos sintomas e doenças de orelha média e impactar a qualidade de vida dos pacientes. Estima-se que é uma morbidade relativamente frequente, acomete cerca de 5% dos adultos. Os instrumentos diagnósticos para essa afecção ainda são insuficientes. Em 2012 McCoul et al. publicaram um questionário para a avaliação da disfunção da tuba auditiva denominado ETDQ-7. Eles demonstraram sua reprodutibilidade e validade. O ponto de corte para o diagnóstico de disfunção de disfunção crônica da tuba auditiva foi de maior ou igual a 14,5 com 100% de sensibilidade e 100% de especificidade. Objetivo: Traduzir, adaptar e validar o questionário ETDQ-7 para o português brasileiro. Método: Traduzimos o questionário para o português do Brasil e o aplicamos em 50 pacientes, 20 com disfunção crônica da tuba auditiva e 30 controles. Resultados: Os resultados obtidos no questionário americano foram confirmados na versão brasileira. O ponto de corte para o diagnóstico de disfunção crônica da tuba auditiva foi maior ou igual a 14, também com alta sensibilidade e especificidade, muito semelhante ao ETDQ-7. Conclusão: Recomenda-se que o ETDQ-7 seja usado como um complemento na história clínica do paciente com disfunção crônica da tuba auditiva e pode ser usado também como uma importante ferramenta para fins de diagnóstico, seguimento de pacientes e manejos no tratamento.

Translation, validation and cultural adaptation of "The Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7" (ETDQ-7) to Brazilian Portuguese (BR).

INTRODUCTION: Chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction can cause several symptoms and middle ear conditions that can impact patient quality of life. It is estimated to be relatively frequent, affecting approximately 5% of adults. The diagnostic tools for this condition are still inadequate. In 2012, McCoul et al. published a questionnaire for the evaluation of Eustachian tube dysfunction named ETDQ-7. They established its replicability and validity. The cutoff point for the diagnosis of chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction was equal to or greater than 14.5, with 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity. OBJECTIVE: To translate, adapt and validate the ETDQ-7 questionnaire to Brazilian Portuguese. METHODS: We translated the questionnaire into Brazilian Portuguese and applied it to 50 patients, 20 of whom had chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction, and 30 controls. RESULTS: The results obtained with the North-American questionnaire were confirmed in its Brazilian version. The cut-off point for the diagnosis of chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction was ≥14, also exhibiting high sensitivity and specificity, very similar to that of ETDQ-7. CONCLUSION: It is recommended that ETDQ-7 be used to complement the clinical history of patients with chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction; it can also be used as an important tool for diagnosis, patient follow-up and treatment management.

Psychoacoustic classification of persistent tinnitus / Classificação psicoacústica do zumbido persistente

Abstract Introduction: Tinnitus is a difficult to treat symptom, with different responses in patients. It is classified in different ways, according to its origin and associated diseases. Objective: to propose a single and measurable classification of persistent tinnitus, through its perception as sounds of nature or of daily life and its comparison with pure tone or noise, of high or low pitch, presented to the patient by audiometer sound. Methods: A total of 110 adult patients, of both genders, treated at the Tinnitus Outpatient Clinic, were enrolled according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Otorhinolaryngologic and Audiological, Pitch Matching and Loudness, Visual Analog Scale, Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and Minimum Masking Level assessments were performed. Results: In these 110 patients, 181 tinnitus complaints were identified accordingly to type and ear, with 93 (51%) Pure Tone, and 88 (49%) Noise type; 19 at low and 162 at high frequency; with a mean in the Pure Tone of 5.4.07 in the Visual Analog Scale and 12.31 decibel in the Loudness and a mean in the Noise of 6.66 and 10.51 decibel. For Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and Minimum Masking Level, the 110 patients were separated into three groups with tinnitus, Pure Tone, Noise and multiple. Tinnitus Handicap Inventory higher in the group with multiple tinnitus, of 61.38. Masking noises such as White Noise and Narrow Band were used for the Minimum Masking Level at the frequencies of 500 and 6000 Hz. There was a similarity between the Pure Tone and Multiple groups. In the Noise group, different responses were found when Narrow Band was used at low frequency. Conclusion: Classifying persistent tinnitus as pure tone or noise, present in high or low frequency and establishing its different characteristics allow us to know its peculiarities and the effects of this symptom in patients' lives.

Resumo Introdução: O zumbido é um sintoma de difícil tratamento, com respostas diferentes nos pacientes. É classificado de formas diversas, de acordo com a origem ou doenças associadas. Objetivo: Propor uma classificação única e mensurável do zumbido persistente, por meio da sua percepção como sons da natureza ou da vida cotidiana e da sua comparação com o tom puro ou o ruído, de pitch alto ou baixo, apresentado ao paciente pelos sons do audiômetro. Método: Participaram 110 pacientes adultos, de ambos os sexos, atendidos no Ambulatório de Zumbido, tendo sido observados os critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Realizada avaliação otorrinolaringológica, audiológica, Pitch Matching e Loudness, Visual Analog Scale, Tinnitus Handicap Inventory e Minimum Masking Level. Resultados: Nesses 110 pacientes foram identificadas 181 queixas de zumbido separadas por tipo e orelha, 93 (51%) tipo tom puro e 88 (49%) tipo ruído 19 de baixa frequência e 162 de alta frequência; com média do Visual Analog Scale no tom puro de 5,47 e ruído de 6,66; média do Loudness do tom puro de 12,31 dBNS e ruído de 10,51 dBNS. Para o Tinnitus Handicap Inventory e o Minimum Masking Level os 110 pacientes foram separados em três grupos com zumbido, tom puro, ruído e múltiplo, com a média do Tinnitus Handicap Inventory maior no grupo com zumbido múltiplo com 61,38. Para o Minimum Masking Level foram usados os ruídos mascaradores tipo White Noise e Narrow Band nas frequências de 500 Hz e 6000 Hz. Houve semelhança entre os grupos com tom puro e múltiplo. No grupo de ruído foram encontradas respostas diferentes quando usado o Narrow Band em frequência baixa. Conclusão: Classificar o zumbido persistente em tom puro ou ruído, presentes em frequência alta ou baixa e estabelecer suas diferentes características nos permitem conhecer suas particularidades e a repercussão desse sintoma na vida dos pacientes.

Tinnitus and sound intolerance: evidence and experience of a Brazilian group / Zumbido e intolerância a sons: evidência e experiência de um grupo brasileiro

Abstract Introduction Tinnitus and sound intolerance are frequent and subjective complaints that may have an impact on a patient's quality of life. Objective To present a review of the salient points including concepts, pathophysiology, diagnosis and approach of the patient with tinnitus and sensitivity to sounds. Methods Literature review with bibliographic survey in LILACS, SciELO, Pubmed and MEDLINE database. Articles and book chapters on tinnitus and sound sensitivity were selected. The several topics were discussed by a group of Brazilian professionals and the conclusions were described. Results The prevalence of tinnitus has increased over the years, often associated with hearing loss, metabolic factors and inadequate diet. Medical evaluation should be performed carefully to guide the request of subsidiary exams. Currently available treatments range from medications to the use of sounds with specific characteristics and meditation techniques, with variable results. Conclusion A review on tinnitus and auditory sensitivity was presented, allowing the reader a broad view of the approach to these patients, based on scientific evidence and national experience.

Resumo Introdução Zumbido e intolerância a sons são queixas frequentes e subjetivas que podem ter impacto na qualidade de vida do paciente. Objetivo Apresentar uma revisão dos principais pontos, inclusive conceitos, fisiopatologia, diagnóstico e abordagem do paciente com zumbido e sensibilidade a sons. Método Revisão da literatura com levantamento bibliográfico na base de dados da LILACS, SciELO, Pubmed e MEDLINE. Foram selecionados artigos e capítulos de livros sobre zumbido e sensibilidade a sons. Os diversos tópicos foram discutidos por um grupo de profissionais brasileiros e as conclusões, descritas. Resultado A prevalência de zumbido tem aumentado ao longo dos anos, muitas vezes associado a perda auditiva, fatores metabólicos e erros alimentares. A avaliação médica deve ser feita minuciosamente no sentido de orientar a solicitação de exames subsidiários. Os tratamentos disponíveis atualmente variam de medicamentos ao uso de sons com características específicas e técnicas de meditação, com resultados variáveis. Conclusão Foi apresentada uma revisão sobre os temas que permitindo ao leitor uma visão ampla da abordagem dos pacientes com zumbido e sensibilidade auditiva baseada em evidências científicas e experiência nacional.

Tinnitus and sound intolerance: evidence and experience of a Brazilian group.

INTRODUCTION: Tinnitus and sound intolerance are frequent and subjective complaints that may have an impact on a patient's quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To present a review of the salient points including concepts, pathophysiology, diagnosis and approach of the patient with tinnitus and sensitivity to sounds. METHODS: Literature review with bibliographic survey in LILACS, SciELO, Pubmed and MEDLINE database. Articles and book chapters on tinnitus and sound sensitivity were selected. The several topics were discussed by a group of Brazilian professionals and the conclusions were described. RESULTS: The prevalence of tinnitus has increased over the years, often associated with hearing loss, metabolic factors and inadequate diet. Medical evaluation should be performed carefully to guide the request of subsidiary exams. Currently available treatments range from medications to the use of sounds with specific characteristics and meditation techniques, with variable results. CONCLUSION: A review on tinnitus and auditory sensitivity was presented, allowing the reader a broad view of the approach to these patients, based on scientific evidence and national experience.

Psychoacoustic classification of persistent tinnitus.

INTRODUCTION: Tinnitus is a difficult to treat symptom, with different responses in patients. It is classified in different ways, according to its origin and associated diseases. OBJECTIVE: to propose a single and measurable classification of persistent tinnitus, through its perception as sounds of nature or of daily life and its comparison with pure tone or noise, of high or low pitch, presented to the patient by audiometer sound. METHODS: A total of 110 adult patients, of both genders, treated at the Tinnitus Outpatient Clinic, were enrolled according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Otorhinolaryngologic and Audiological, Pitch Matching and Loudness, Visual Analog Scale, Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and Minimum Masking Level assessments were performed. RESULTS: In these 110 patients, 181 tinnitus complaints were identified accordingly to type and ear, with 93 (51%) Pure Tone, and 88 (49%) Noise type; 19 at low and 162 at high frequency; with a mean in the Pure Tone of 5.47 in the Visual Analog Scale and 12.31 decibel in the Loudness and a mean in the Noise of 6.66 and 10.51 decibel. For Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and Minimum Masking Level, the 110 patients were separated into three groups with tinnitus, Pure Tone, Noise and multiple. Tinnitus Handicap Inventory higher in the group with multiple tinnitus, of 61.38. Masking noises such as White Noise and Narrow Band were used for the Minimum Masking Level at the frequencies of 500 and 6000Hz. There was a similarity between the Pure Tone and Multiple groups. In the Noise group, different responses were found when Narrow Band was used at low frequency. CONCLUSION: Classifying persistent tinnitus as pure tone or noise, present in high or low frequency and establishing its different characteristics allow us to know its peculiarities and the effects of this symptom in patients' lives.

Effectiveness of sound therapy in patients with tinnitus resistant to previous treatments: importance of adjustments / Eficácia da terapia sonora em pacientes com zumbido resistente a tratamentos anteriores: importância dos ajustes

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: The difficulty in choosing the appropriate therapy for chronic tinnitus relates to the variable impact on the quality of life of affected patients and, thus, requires individualization of treatment. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of using sound generators with individual adjustments to relieve tinnitus in patients unresponsive to previous treatments. METHODS: A prospective study of 10 patients with chronic tinnitus who were unresponsive to previous drug treatments, five males and five females, with ages ranging from 41 to 78 years. Bilateral sound generators (Reach 62 or Mind 9 models) were used daily for at least 6 h during 18 months. The patients were evaluated at the beginning, after 1 month and at each 3 months until 18 months through acuphenometry, minimum masking level, the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, visual analog scale, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The sound generators were adjusted at each visit. RESULTS: There was a reduction of Tinnitus Handicap Inventory in nine patients using a protocol with a customized approach, independent of psychoacoustic characteristics of tinnitus. The best response to treatment occurred in those with whistle-type tinnitus. A correlation among the adjustments and tinnitus loudness and minimum masking level was found. Only one patient, who had indication of depression by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, did not respond to sound therapy. CONCLUSION: There was improvement in quality of life (Tinnitus Handicap Inventory), with good response to sound therapy using customized settings in patients who did not respond to previous treatments for tinnitus.

Resumo Introdução: A dificuldade em escolher a terapia apropriada para zumbido crônico encontra-se nas suas diversas formas de impacto sobre a qualidade de vida dos pacientes e requer a sua individualização. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia do uso do gerador de som com ajustes individuais para aliviar o zumbido em pacientes sem resposta aos tratamentos anteriores. Método: Um estudo prospectivo em 10 pacientes, 5 homens e 5 mulheres, na faixa etária de 41 a 78 anos com zumbido crônico e resistente a tratamentos medicamentosos. Foram utilizados geradores de som bilaterais nos modelos Reach 62 ou Mind 9 por no mínimo 6 horas diárias durante 18 meses. Os pacientes foram avaliados no início, depois de 1 mês e a cada 3 meses até 18 meses através da acufenometria, Minimum Masking Level (MML), Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Escala Visual Analógica (EVA) e Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Os geradores de som foram ajustados em cada visita. Resultado: Houve uma redução do THI em 9 pacientes usando-se um protocolo com uma abordagem personalizada, independente das características psicoacústicas do zumbido. A melhor resposta ao tratamento ocorreu naqueles pacientes com zumbido do tipo apito. Encontramos uma correlação entre os ajustes e a intensidade do zumbido e o MML. Apenas um paciente com indicação de depressão HADS não respondeu à terapia sonora. Conclusão: Houve uma melhora na qualidade de vida (THI) com boa resposta a terapia sonora com ajustes personalizados em pacientes resistentes a tratamentos anteriores para o zumbido.

The effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment for tinnitus: a randomized controlled trial using (99m)Tc-ECD SPECT.

OBJECTIVE: Investigate the effect of acupuncture on brain perfusion using ethyl cysteinate dimer single-photon emission computed tomography ((99m)Tc-ECD SPECT) in patients with tinnitus. METHODS: This randomized, single-blind, sham-control study examined patients (18-60 years old) with normal hearing and chronic, idiopathic, continuous tinnitus. Fifty-seven subjects were randomly assigned to true (n = 30) or sham (n = 27) acupuncture (ACP); (99m)Tc-ECD SPECT examinations were performed before and after 12 twice-weekly ACP sessions. Secondary outcomes included changes in the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAS) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Imaging data were analysed using Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM8) software. Regression models were used to examine secondary outcomes via two paradigms: intention-to-treat (ITT; where multiple imputations were conducted because of study attrition) and complete cases. RESULTS: No between-group brain perfusion differences were observed. However, a significant improvement in THI scores was observed at the end of true ACP treatment for all domains (all p values < 0.01) except the catastrophic scale. CONCLUSIONS: ACP might reduce the effects of tinnitus on daily life; however, additional studies should be conducted to verify the effects of ACP on the neural architecture and brain function of tinnitus patients. KEY POINTS: • Efficacy of acupuncture on brain perfusion and symptoms of tinnitus patients. • Acupuncture improved the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory scores in tinnitus patients. • No significant changes in brain perfusion were observed after 12 twice-weekly sessions. • Perfusion changes would reflect changes in neuronal function.

Effectiveness of sound therapy in patients with tinnitus resistant to previous treatments: importance of adjustments.

INTRODUCTION: The difficulty in choosing the appropriate therapy for chronic tinnitus relates to the variable impact on the quality of life of affected patients and, thus, requires individualization of treatment. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of using sound generators with individual adjustments to relieve tinnitus in patients unresponsive to previous treatments. METHODS: A prospective study of 10 patients with chronic tinnitus who were unresponsive to previous drug treatments, five males and five females, with ages ranging from 41 to 78 years. Bilateral sound generators (Reach 62 or Mind 9 models) were used daily for at least 6h during 18 months. The patients were evaluated at the beginning, after 1 month and at each 3 months until 18 months through acuphenometry, minimum masking level, the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, visual analog scale, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The sound generators were adjusted at each visit. RESULTS: There was a reduction of Tinnitus Handicap Inventory in nine patients using a protocol with a customized approach, independent of psychoacoustic characteristics of tinnitus. The best response to treatment occurred in those with whistle-type tinnitus. A correlation among the adjustments and tinnitus loudness and minimum masking level was found. Only one patient, who had indication of depression by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, did not respond to sound therapy. CONCLUSION: There was improvement in quality of life (Tinnitus Handicap Inventory), with good response to sound therapy using customized settings in patients who did not respond to previous treatments for tinnitus.

Micro-endoscopic ear anatomy of guinea pig applied to experimental surgery.

PURPOSE: To describe topographic and endoscopic anatomy of guinea pig ear for development of surgical approaches in experimental studies. METHODS: Experimental study. Eight adult guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) were used in this study. Four animals were described through endoscopic view and four animals were used to describe topographic anatomy. RESULTS: The main structures of middle ear were well identified through endoscopy view: oval and round window, ossicles and vascular structures. Temporal bone position, landmarks and its relations to skull are perceived with topographic description. CONCLUSION: Topographic anatomic description allowed exposition of temporal bone relations for external surgical approaches. Alternatively, grooves and middle ear structures were identified and may be used to transcanal accesses.