Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026
12:21
Probing the Brain in Autism Using fMRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging
Published on: September 12, 2011
25.2K
Evaluation of White Matter Integrity by Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Patients with Presbycusis.
Yagmur Basak Polat1, Bahar Atasoy1, Huseyin Ozdemir1
1Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Fatih, Turkey (Y.B.P., B.A., H.O., U.E.K., S.B., A.A.).
Academic Radiology
|November 27, 2024
Summary
This study reveals white matter changes in presbycusis (age-related hearing loss) using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). These microstructural alterations correlate with hearing loss severity and speech discrimination abilities.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Audiology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, is a prevalent condition affecting millions worldwide.
- While often considered an auditory system disorder, emerging evidence suggests central nervous system involvement.
- White matter integrity, crucial for neural communication, may be impacted by hearing loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate white matter microstructure integrity in patients with presbycusis using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).
- To investigate the relationship between DTI parameters and the severity of hearing loss.
- To explore correlations between DTI metrics and speech discrimination scores.
Main Methods:
- 148 patients aged 50+ with presbycusis were categorized by hearing loss severity (mild, moderate, severe) based on pure-tone average (PTA).
- Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was used to measure fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) in 16 white matter regions.
- Multiple linear regression analysis assessed the association between DTI parameters and speech discrimination scores, controlling for age, sex, and vascular risk factors.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in white matter microstructure were observed across presbycusis severity groups.
- The severe presbycusis group showed lower FA in the left cingulum and right inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFOF), and higher RD in the left cingulum compared to milder groups.
- Speech discrimination scores were significantly associated with MD in the right hippocampal cingulum, RD in the left IFOF, and MD and AD in the right Heschl's gyrus.
Conclusions:
- Presbycusis is associated with significant alterations in white matter microstructure.
- DTI parameters reflect the severity of hearing loss and impact on speech discrimination.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the full spectrum of cognitive and central auditory dysfunctions in presbycusis.
