Investigating Neural Dynamics in Tinnitus Using Constrained Independent Component Analysis

Background: Tinnitus is a neurological condition characterized by the perception of ringing or other phantom sounds in the absence of external auditory stimuli. It affects an estimated 10%-15% of adults worldwide and can significantly affect sleep and mood. Neuroimaging techniques, particularly functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), have been widely used to investigate the auditory system and brain networks in tinnitus. Resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI), a noninvasive approach, is particularly effective in examining spontaneous neural activity and functional connectivity (FC) across brain regions. Methods: This study investigated alterations in FC in individuals with chronic, non-bothersome tinnitus due to acoustic trauma using both static FC (sFC) and dynamic FC (dFC) analyses. A constrained independent component analysis was applied to identify five resting-state networks across the 23 regions of interest. Results: sFC analysis revealed increased connectivity between the posterior cingulate cortex (a key region in the default mode network) and left angular gyrus (in the executive control network) in the tinnitus group. The dFC analysis showed that patients with tinnitus spent significantly more time in a weakly connected state, whereas healthy controls predominantly occupied a more segregated and strongly connected state. Conclusion: Findings suggest reduced network differentiation and altered temporal stability in individuals with non-bothersome tinnitus, potentially influenced by hearing loss. These alterations in both static and dynamic FC patterns provide insights into the neural underpinnings of tinnitus and its interaction with large-scale brain networks.