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The difference in poststimulus suppression between residual inhibition and forward masking
P H Bourez1, Philippe Fournier1, Arnaud J Noreña1
1Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives, UMR 7291, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France.
Progress in Brain Research
|May 1, 2021
Summary
This study found that while masking tinnitus and a mimicking sound required similar levels, suppressing tinnitus (residual inhibition) needed significantly higher levels than suppressing the mimicking sound. Tinnitus neural activity differs from external sound activity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Audiology
- Auditory Perception
Background:
- Tinnitus masking (TM) and residual inhibition (RI) are key phenomena for understanding how external sounds interact with tinnitus.
- TM offers insights into the fusion of external sound and tinnitus activity, while RI explores temporary suppression of tinnitus by external sounds.
- Previous research noted heterogeneity in masking levels; this study uniquely explores differences in post-stimulus suppression (RI vs. forward masking).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare minimum masking levels (MMLs) and minimum residual inhibition levels (MRILs) for tinnitus itself versus an external tone mimicking tinnitus.
- To explore these measures using both diotic and dichotic noise presentations in individuals with tinnitus and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Twenty participants with tinnitus and 20 controls were tested.
- Pulsed narrowband noises and white noise were presented diotically and dichotically.
- Minimum masking levels (MMLs) and minimum residual inhibition levels (MRILs) were measured for tinnitus and a 4kHz external tone mimicking tinnitus loudness.
Main Results:
- Minimum masking levels (MMLs) for tinnitus and the mimicking external sound were similar.
- Minimum residual inhibition levels (MRILs) were significantly higher for the mimicking sound compared to tinnitus within tinnitus participants.
- MRILs also differed between tinnitus participants and controls, and showed no significant difference between diotic and dichotic conditions.
Conclusions:
- Tinnitus-related neural activity is distinct from stimulus-related neural activity, as evidenced by the differing requirements for residual inhibition.
- The findings suggest that the neural processes underlying tinnitus perception are not simply a response to external auditory input.
- This distinction has implications for understanding tinnitus pathophysiology and developing targeted therapeutic strategies.
Keywords:
DichoticDioticForward maskingMinimum masking levelMinimum residual inhibition levelPoststimulus suppressionResidual inhibitionTinnitusTinnitus masking
