Cochlear Functioning in Individuals with Sensorineural Hearing Loss with and without Tinnitus

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the cochlear functioning in sensorineural hearing impaired individuals with and without tinnitus. The study consists of two group of hearing impaired participants in the age range of 18 to 45 years. Group 1 consist of 15 participants of hearing impaired with tinnitus and Group 2 consists of 15 participants of hearing impaired without tinnitus. Each group were further divided into 3 sub-groups depending on degree of hearing loss in to minimal, mild and moderate (each subgroup consists of 5 participants). The cochlear function was assessed through SWPTC, TEN test and ECochG. Results revealed, reduced Q10 of PTC and reduced CM amplitude in individuals with tinnitus compare to individuals without tinnitus; whereas no significant difference was found between groups for tip frequency of PTC and TEN test. It was also found that the there was no significant difference within individuals with tinnitus across all parameters. However, PTCs obtained from individuals with tinnitus reduced from minimal to moderate hearing loss. Thus, it can be concluded from the study that, damage to OHC are more common in individuals with tinnitus than in those without tinnitus also that OHC are the probable site of generation for tinnitus. Also, it can be concluded that, as degree of hearing loss increases the frequency resolution of cochlea tend to become poorer.