Faculty Collaboration Database

Feasibility of auditory cortical stimulation for the treatment of tinnitus. Otol Neurotol 2007 Dec;28(8):1005-12

Date

11/29/2007

Pubmed ID

18043428

DOI

10.1097/MAO.0b013e318159ebf5

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-36549027472 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   64 Citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the feasibility and safety of an implantable epidural cortical stimulator for the treatment of severe tinnitus.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, controlled, single-blinded study of cortical stimulation for 4 weeks, and then an open-label stimulation period.

SETTING: Tertiary care referral center.

PATIENTS: Adults (n = 8) with constant tinnitus of at least 1 year with a tinnitus reaction questionnaire score greater than 33. Tinnitus was predominantly unilateral with a frequency less than 8,000 Hz.

INTERVENTIONS: Surgical implantation of an investigational epidural electrode over the posterior superior temporal gyrus using functional magnetic resonance imaging targeting. A 2-week stimulation period alternated with a 2-week sham period in random order to which subjects were blinded. This was followed by continuous stimulation with parameter adjustments to maximize tinnitus suppression.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Subjective rating of tinnitus severity, loudness, and device efficacy. Objective measures of hearing thresholds, tinnitus frequency, loudness, and minimum masking levels. Outcome measures using the Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaire, Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire, and Beck Depression Inventory.

RESULTS: There were no effects of stimulation during the 4-week blinded period. With continuous chronic stimulation, 2 patients had persistent reduction of pure-tone tinnitus, and 6 patients had short periods of total tinnitus suppression. Significant improvements in the Beck Depression Inventory and tinnitus questionnaires were found, although objective measures of tinnitus loudness remained fairly stable. No surgical or stimulation-related complications were noted.

CONCLUSION: Chronic electrical stimulation of the secondary auditory cortex seems safe and warrants further investigation as a potential therapeutic intervention for the suppression of tinnitus.

Author List

Friedland DR, Gaggl W, Runge-Samuelson C, Ulmer JL, Kopell BH

Authors

David R. Friedland MD Associate Director, Director, Chief, Professor in the Otolaryngology department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Christina Runge PhD Associate Provost, Chief, Professor in the Otolaryngology department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Aged
Audiometry
Audiometry, Pure-Tone
Auditory Cortex
Auditory Threshold
Cross-Over Studies
Depression
Double-Blind Method
Electric Stimulation Therapy
Electrodes, Implanted
Epidural Space
Female
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Male
Middle Aged
Otologic Surgical Procedures
Prospective Studies
Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
Surveys and Questionnaires
Tinnitus
Treatment Outcome