Evaluation of central hearing processes and application of the Tinnitus Disability Test (T.H.I) in patients with chronic tinnitus and normal hearing, at the Luis Guillermo Ibarra National Rehabilitation Institute.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to examine patients with chronic tinnitus and normal hearing thresholds, assessing their performance on central auditory processing tests and measuring their self-perceived disability using the Tinnitus Disability Test, as described in other similar studies.

GENERAL OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and describe alterations in central auditory processing skills and the degree of disability in patients with normal hearing thresholds and idiopathic chronic tinnitus, through the application of psychoacoustic tests and the Tinnitus Disability Test, studied at the tinnitus clinic of the LGII National Rehabilitation Institute.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional, observational study. The performance of central auditory processing functions will be evaluated using psychoacoustic tests, and the Tinnitus Disability Test will be administered to patients with idiopathic chronic tinnitus and normal hearing thresholds. A descriptive analysis of the data will then be performed.

RESULTS: Performance on central auditory processing tests, such as filtered speech, compressed speech, and speech in noise, showed lower minimum percentiles compared to the other tests, while the most prevalent degree of disability was mild disability, as measured by the Tinnitus Disability Test.

CONCLUSIONS: Efforts should continue to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying chronic idiopathic tinnitus, and, according to the results of this study, a focus on alterations in central auditory processing could answer these questions.