Investigating the relation between minimum masking levels and hearing thresholds for tinnitus subtyping
Jose L Santacruz1, Emile de Kleine1, Pim van Dijk1
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands; Graduate School of Medical Sciences (Research School of Behavioral and Cognitive Neurosciences), University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.
Progress in Brain Research
|July 10, 2021
Summary
Tinnitus treatment is challenging due to its varied nature. This study explored hearing thresholds and minimum masking levels (MML) in tinnitus patients, suggesting a continuum of characteristics rather than distinct subgroups.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Otolaryngology
- Medical Data Analysis
Background:
- Tinnitus heterogeneity complicates treatment, necessitating subtype identification for personalized therapies.
- The minimum masking level (MML) is a clinical measure for assessing tinnitus, but its patterns vary among patients.
- Understanding variations in MML and hearing thresholds could aid in tinnitus subtyping.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the variability of hearing thresholds and MMLs in tinnitus patients.
- To identify potential tinnitus subgroups based on audiological characteristics and masking patterns.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of hearing thresholds and MMLs in 366 tinnitus patients across various frequencies.
- Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for dimensionality reduction.
- Clustering analysis to identify patient subgroups based on reduced data components.
Main Results:
- Five clusters were identified, showing differences in tinnitus pitch, lateralization, hearing thresholds, MML, age, and gender.
- Clusters exhibited distinct patterns of hearing thresholds and MML contours.
- A low silhouette value (0.45) indicated weak and potentially artificial clustering.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights significant diversity among tinnitus patients.
- Results suggest a continuum of patient characteristics rather than discrete tinnitus subgroups.
- Further research may be needed to refine tinnitus classification and guide individualized treatment strategies.
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