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Individual-Level Brain Network Predictors and Distinct Reorganization Mechanism in Sound Therapies for Tinnitus
Jiahong Li1,2, Zhaopeng Tong1,2, Weiwei Cai3
1Department of Otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China.
Summary
Tailor-made notched music training (TMNMT) and tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) reorganize brain networks in tinnitus patients. Baseline brain network characteristics predict treatment success for both therapies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Audiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Tinnitus is a prevalent condition characterized by phantom auditory perception.
- Brain network alterations are implicated in tinnitus pathophysiology.
- Current treatments like TMNMT and TRT aim to modify these neural networks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate brain network reorganization in tinnitus patients undergoing TMNMT or TRT.
- To determine if baseline network characteristics predict treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, single-blind, controlled trial involving 80 tinnitus patients and 46 controls.
- Patients received either TMNMT or TRT for 3 months.
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) assessed functional and effective brain connectivity at baseline and post-treatment.
Main Results:
- Both TMNMT and TRT induced significant reorganization in multiple brain networks associated with tinnitus severity reduction.
- Increased connectivity from the posterior cingulate cortex and insula to the auditory network predicted TMNMT responders (AUC=0.820).
- Increased connectivity from the medial prefrontal cortex to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex predicted TRT non-responders (AUC=0.875).
Conclusions:
- Both TMNMT and TRT demonstrate neural effects in tinnitus management.
- Baseline brain network patterns can differentiate treatment responders from non-responders.
- Pre-treatment brain connectivity analysis holds potential for predicting therapeutic outcomes in tinnitus.
