"Distressed aging": the differences in brain activity between early- and late-onset tinnitus

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Audiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Tinnitus characteristics vary with age of onset.
• Understanding neural differences between early-onset tinnitus (EOT) and late-onset tinnitus (LOT) is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the neural correlates of tinnitus based on age of onset.
• To compare brain activity and connectivity in LOT versus EOT groups.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) data from 29 LOT, 30 EOT, and 59 control participants.
• Resting-state EEG source localization and functional connectivity analyses were performed.
• Comparisons were made between LOT and EOT groups, and against age- and sex-matched controls.

Main Results:

• The LOT group exhibited increased localized activity and functional connectivity.
• These differences were observed in the prefrontal cortices, dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, and insula.
• LOT showed altered activity within tinnitus distress, default mode, and intrinsic alertness networks compared to EOT and controls.

Conclusions:

• Intrinsic differences in tinnitus-related neural activity exist between LOT and EOT groups.
• Findings suggest potential for individualized treatment strategies based on tinnitus onset age.
• Age of onset may be a significant factor in other neurological conditions like pain and depression.