Desensitizing nicotinic agents normalize tinnitus-related inhibitory dysfunction in the auditory cortex and ameliorate behavioral evidence of tinnitus.

Tinnitus impacts between 10-20% of the population. Individuals most troubled by their tinnitus have their attention bound to and are distracted by, their tinnitus percept. While numerous treatments to ameliorate tinnitus have been tried, no therapeutic approach has been clinically accepted.

Change in EEG Activity is Associated with a Decrease in Tinnitus Awareness after rTMS.

Objective: To examine how 1Hz and 10Hz rTMS temporarily influence ratings of tinnitus loudness, annoyance, and awareness. The thalamocortical dysrhythmia (TCD) model of tinnitus was tested by examining changes in spectral power and coherence of resting state EEGs from baseline to each phase of treatment and correlating these data with change in tinnitus.

Methods: Nineteen participants completed a double-blind, placebo (sham rTMS) controlled, within-subjects study with crossover between the two active rTMS treatment conditions.

Animal Models of Tinnitus: A Review.

Animal models have significantly contributed to understanding the pathophysiology of chronic subjective tinnitus. They are useful because they control etiology, which in humans is heterogeneous; employ random group assignment; and often use methods not permissible in human studies. Animal models can be broadly categorized as either operant or reflexive, based on methodology.

Chronic Sound-induced Tinnitus and Auditory Attention in Animals.

Attention may be an important factor in tinnitus. Individuals most disturbed by their tinnitus differ from those who are not in terms of attention allocation. This study used an operant-conditioning animal model to examine the interaction between tinnitus and auditory vigilant attention as well as auditory selective attention.

The effect of tinnitus retraining therapy on chronic tinnitus: A controlled trial.

Objectives: The goal of this study was to compare treatment outcomes for chronic bothersome tinnitus after Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) versus standard of care treatment (SC) and to determine the longevity of the effect over an 18-month period.

Study Design: A randomized controlled trial comparing TRT to SC for chronic tinnitus.

Methods: Adults with subjective, stable, bothersome chronic tinnitus associated with hearing loss amenable to aural rehabilitation with hearing aids were recruited.