The measurements included self-reported measures of tinnitus and hyperacusis (VAS), validated questionnaires (THI, HQ) and psychoacoustic measurements (tinnitus battery and loudness functions). There was also a 1-month follow-up after the end of the stimulation protocol. Participants received sound stimulation for 3 weeks and were tested before (at baseline), then after 1 week and at the end of the 3 weeks of sound stimulation.
A broadband noise shaped to cover most of the tinnitus frequency spectrum was delivered through hearing aids using the noise generator feature (no amplification) and verified through real-ear measurements. Two distinct series of tinnitus participants were tested: one with normal or near-normal hearing ( n = 16) and one with hearing loss ( n = 14). This study investigates the effect of sound stimulation on both tinnitus and hyperacusis in the same patients. Interestingly, sound stimulation has been shown to reduce central gain and is currently used for the treatment of both conditions. It has been postulated that they may originate from similar pathophysiological mechanisms such as an increase in central gain.
Tinnitus and hyperacusis are two debilitating conditions that are highly comorbid.
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