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Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation noise levels: methodological implications for tinnitus treatment
Stéphane Tringali1, Xavier Perrot, Lionel Collet
1Université de Lyon, Lyon, France.
Objective:
To measure noise levels generated by repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation.
Intervention:
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS).
Main Outcome Measures:
rTMS noise levels measured in equivalent continuous sound level (LAeq) and in peak level (LC, peak), as a function of maximum power output of the equipment.
Methods:
rTMS noise levels were measured for an active and a corresponding sham coil, as a function of distance and percentage power output of a MagPro X100 system (Medtronic) and compared with occupational noise exposure standards, using parameters classically used for rTMS tinnitus treatment.
Results:
Significant differences in frequency composition and intensity levels were observed between sham and active coil noises. The active coil noise reached, at 50% power, 96 LAeq (peak at 132 LC, peak), varying by 3.9 LAeq (3.9 LC, peak) per 10% of power increase, whereas the sham coil reached 87 LAeq (114 LC, peak), varying by 3.2 LAeq (3.6 LC, peak) per 10% of power increase.
Conclusion:
rTMS noise levels differ significantly between active and sham coils, and can go beyond the American and European legal occupational noise limits, hence making ear protection a specific issue, particularly relevant to rTMS treatment for tinnitus.
