Systematic review and meta-analysis of extended high-frequency audiometry in tinnitus patients

This study aimed to systematically evaluate the detection effect of extended high-frequency audiometry (EHFA) in tinnitus patients and provide a theoretical basis for the clinical diagnosis of tinnitus.

We conducted a computer-based search for randomized controlled trial (RCT) literature on extended audiometry in tinnitus patients using the PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Elsevier Science Direct databases. The search dates ranged from the database establishment date to February 2020. Risk of bias in the included literature was evaluated using the RCT bias risk assessment standard provided in the Handbook for Systematic Reviews for Interventions (version 5.0.2, 2008, Chapter 9). Finally, Review Manager 5.3 software was used to conduct a meta-analysis of the included literature.

The retrieved literature was systematically screened. A total of 10 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis, which involved a total of 1,389 tinnitus patients. The results of the meta-analysis showed that at the frequencies of 14 kHz and 16 kHz, there was visible difference in detection rate of hearing threshold (DR-HT) between the 2 groups [odds ratio (OR) =0.21, 95 confidential interval (CI): 0.14-0.32, Z=7.29, P<0.00001] and (OR =0.14, 95% CI: 0.07-0.27, Z=5.96, P<0.00001) respectively. When the frequency was 18 kHz, there was a significant statistical difference in DR-HT between the 2 groups (OR =0.13, 95% CI: 0.07-0.24, Z=6.50, P<0.00001), and at 20 kHz, the statistically significant difference in DR-HT between the 2 groups was high (OR =0.17, 95% CI: 0.12-0.23, Z=10.38, P<0.00001).

EHFA had a critical effect on tinnitus patients. The meta-analysis provided evidence for early hearing loss in tinnitus patients. EHFA played a crucial role in the clinical diagnosis of tinnitus patients.