Tinnitus and event related potentials: a systematic review / Zumbido e potenciais evocados auditivos relacionados a eventos: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract Introduction Tinnitus is sound perception in the absence of a sound source. Changes in parameters of latency and amplitude on the auditory event related potentials or long latency potentials waves have been cited in tinnitus patients when compared to a control group. Objective To perform an assessment of scientific evidence that verifies the possibility of alterations in latency or amplitude of the waves of event related potentials in individuals with tinnitus. Methods By using SciELO, Lilacs, ISI Web and PubMed, scientific databases, a review was performed. Articles published in English, Portuguese, French and Spanish that correlated tinnitus with changes in event related potentials were included in this review. Results Twelve articles were located, however only eight fulfilled the criteria for inclusion. Conclusion The sample of selected studies demonstrate that the long latency auditory evoked potentials related to events between the control and tinnitus patients showed some changes in latency and or amplitude in tinnitus patients. There are changes in event-related potentials when comparing patients with tinnitus and the control group. These changes take place considering the severity of tinnitus, tinnitus site of lesion, and capacity for changes after interventions. The event related potentials can help to determine the neurotransmitter involved in tinnitus generation and evaluate tinnitus treatments.

Resumo Introdução O zumbido é a percepção de um som na ausência de uma fonte sonora. Mudanças nos parâmetros de latência e amplitude nas ondas dos potenciais evocados auditivos relacionados a eventos ou potenciais de longa latência foram citadas em pacientes com zumbido quando comparados a um grupo controle. Objetivo Realizar uma avaliação de evidências científicas que verifiquem a possibilidade de alterações na latência ou amplitude das ondas de potenciais evocados auditivos relacionados a eventos em indivíduos com zumbido. Método Foi feita uma revisão a partir dos bancos de dados científicos SciELO, Lilacs, ISI Web e PubMed. Artigos publicados em inglês, português, francês e espanhol que correlacionavam zumbido com alterações nos potenciais evocados auditivos relacionados a eventos foram incluídos. Resultados Foram localizados 12 artigos, porém apenas oito preencheram os critérios de inclusão. Conclusão A amostra de estudos selecionados demonstra que os potenciais evocados auditivos de longa latência relacionados a eventos entre os pacientes-controle e com zumbido apresentaram algumas alterações na latência e/ou amplitude nos pacientes com zumbido. Há mudanças nos potenciais relacionados a eventos ao comparar pacientes com zumbido e o grupo controle. Essas alterações consideram a gravidade do zumbido, o local da lesão do zumbido e a capacidade de alterações após as intervenções. Os potenciais evocados auditivos relacionados a eventos podem ajudar a determinar o neurotransmissor envolvido na geração do zumbido e avaliar os tratamentos para o zumbido.

Tinnitus and event related potentials: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Tinnitus is sound perception in the absence of a sound source. Changes in parameters of latency and amplitude on the auditory event related potentials or long latency potentials waves have been cited in tinnitus patients when compared to a control group. OBJECTIVE: To perform an assessment of scientific evidence that verifies the possibility of alterations in latency or amplitude of the waves of event related potentials in individuals with tinnitus. METHODS: By using SciELO, Lilacs, ISI Web and PubMed, scientific databases, a review was performed. Articles published in English, Portuguese, French and Spanish that correlated tinnitus with changes in event related potentials were included in this review. RESULTS: Twelve articles were located, however only eight fulfilled the criteria for inclusion. CONCLUSION: The sample of selected studies demonstrate that the long latency auditory evoked potentials related to events between the control and tinnitus patients showed some changes in latency and or amplitude in tinnitus patients. There are changes in event-related potentials when comparing patients with tinnitus and the control group. These changes take place considering the severity of tinnitus, tinnitus site of lesion, and capacity for changes after interventions. The event related potentials can help to determine the neurotransmitter involved in tinnitus generation and evaluate tinnitus treatments.

Tinnitus and sound intolerance: evidence and experience of a Brazilian group / Zumbido e intolerância a sons: evidência e experiência de um grupo brasileiro

Abstract Introduction Tinnitus and sound intolerance are frequent and subjective complaints that may have an impact on a patient's quality of life. Objective To present a review of the salient points including concepts, pathophysiology, diagnosis and approach of the patient with tinnitus and sensitivity to sounds. Methods Literature review with bibliographic survey in LILACS, SciELO, Pubmed and MEDLINE database. Articles and book chapters on tinnitus and sound sensitivity were selected. The several topics were discussed by a group of Brazilian professionals and the conclusions were described. Results The prevalence of tinnitus has increased over the years, often associated with hearing loss, metabolic factors and inadequate diet. Medical evaluation should be performed carefully to guide the request of subsidiary exams. Currently available treatments range from medications to the use of sounds with specific characteristics and meditation techniques, with variable results. Conclusion A review on tinnitus and auditory sensitivity was presented, allowing the reader a broad view of the approach to these patients, based on scientific evidence and national experience.

Resumo Introdução Zumbido e intolerância a sons são queixas frequentes e subjetivas que podem ter impacto na qualidade de vida do paciente. Objetivo Apresentar uma revisão dos principais pontos, inclusive conceitos, fisiopatologia, diagnóstico e abordagem do paciente com zumbido e sensibilidade a sons. Método Revisão da literatura com levantamento bibliográfico na base de dados da LILACS, SciELO, Pubmed e MEDLINE. Foram selecionados artigos e capítulos de livros sobre zumbido e sensibilidade a sons. Os diversos tópicos foram discutidos por um grupo de profissionais brasileiros e as conclusões, descritas. Resultado A prevalência de zumbido tem aumentado ao longo dos anos, muitas vezes associado a perda auditiva, fatores metabólicos e erros alimentares. A avaliação médica deve ser feita minuciosamente no sentido de orientar a solicitação de exames subsidiários. Os tratamentos disponíveis atualmente variam de medicamentos ao uso de sons com características específicas e técnicas de meditação, com resultados variáveis. Conclusão Foi apresentada uma revisão sobre os temas que permitindo ao leitor uma visão ampla da abordagem dos pacientes com zumbido e sensibilidade auditiva baseada em evidências científicas e experiência nacional.

Tinnitus and sound intolerance: evidence and experience of a Brazilian group.

INTRODUCTION: Tinnitus and sound intolerance are frequent and subjective complaints that may have an impact on a patient's quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To present a review of the salient points including concepts, pathophysiology, diagnosis and approach of the patient with tinnitus and sensitivity to sounds. METHODS: Literature review with bibliographic survey in LILACS, SciELO, Pubmed and MEDLINE database. Articles and book chapters on tinnitus and sound sensitivity were selected. The several topics were discussed by a group of Brazilian professionals and the conclusions were described. RESULTS: The prevalence of tinnitus has increased over the years, often associated with hearing loss, metabolic factors and inadequate diet. Medical evaluation should be performed carefully to guide the request of subsidiary exams. Currently available treatments range from medications to the use of sounds with specific characteristics and meditation techniques, with variable results. CONCLUSION: A review on tinnitus and auditory sensitivity was presented, allowing the reader a broad view of the approach to these patients, based on scientific evidence and national experience.

Tinnitus Treatment with Oxytocin: A Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION: Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the absence of an external stimulus. It is a frequent condition for which there is as yet no pharmacological treatment approved. Auditory and non-auditory pathways are involved in tinnitus' pathophysiology. Oxytocin is a neurohormone and eventual neurotransmitter that plays a complex role in social cognition and behavior. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the potential of oxytocin as a tinnitus treatment. STUDY DESIGN: Two studies were performed. Study 1 was a long-term open pilot study, while study 2 investigated short-term effects with a double-blinded placebo-controlled cross-over study. SETTING: Ambulatory ENT care. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: In study 1, 15 patients were investigated over a 10-week period in an open pilot study. In study 2, 16 patients were included in a placebo-controlled crossover trial to investigate short-term effects following a single dose. RESULTS: For the long-term study (study 1), analysis of variance revealed a significant decrease in tinnitus sensation, both for the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and Clinical Global Impression (CGI). Also, the short-term effects in study 2 revealed a significant reduction of tinnitus because of the oxytocin nasal spray as measured with the Visual Analog Scale and the CGI Scale. CONCLUSION: These preliminary studies demonstrated that oxytocin may represent a helpful tool for treating tinnitus and further larger controlled studies are warranted.

Evaluation of depressive symptoms and qualit y of life in individuals with tinnitus and temporomandibular disorders / Avaliação da presença de sintomas depressivos e qualidade de vida de indivíduos portadores de zumbido e desordens temporomandibulares

Various etiologies are attributed to the development of subjective tinnitus, but their inter-relationship with the presence of temporomandibular disorders and depression is still poorly understood. To assess the presence of depressive symptoms in individuals with TMD and subjective tinnitus, assessing the impact on their quality of life. This is a cross-sectional observational descriptive study. We evaluated 44 patients in a public University. For TMD diagnosis as well as assessment of depressive symptoms, the RDC/TMD questionnaire was used. Otolaryngological assessment was conducted by means of pure tone, speech, and immitance audiometry. The "Tinnitus Handicap Inventory" questionnaire was also administered. 84% of the individuals with tinnitus had myofascial pain, with the masseter muscle being the most prevalent area of pain, and 16% exclusively had painful and/or degenerative TMJ changes. Among the patients with myofascial pain, 86,5% had depressive symptoms, while among those without myofascial pain, only 42,8% presented these symptoms. Eleven (11) patients (25%) reported slight impact of tinnitus on quality of life, 15 (34%) mild impact, 7 (16%) moderate, 7 (16%) severe, and 4 (9%) catastrophic impact. There was a positive association between the presence of myofascial pain and depressive symptoms (p=0,02), as the intensity of tinnitus increases and the severity of depressive symptoms (p<0,01).

Diversas etiologias são atribuídas ao desenvolvimento do zumbido subjetivo, contudo sua inter-relação com a presença das desordens temporomandibulares e depressão é ainda pouco compreendida. Avaliar a presença de sintomas depressivos em indivíduos portadores de DTM e zumbido subjetivo, avaliando o impacto da presença do zumbido na qualidade de vida dos mesmos. Tipo de estudo: trata-se de um estudo descritivo observacional transversal. Foram avaliados 44 pacientes do Serviço ATM da Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora. Para diagnóstico das DTM assim como avaliação dos sintomas depressivos, foi utilizado o questionário do RDC/TMD. Foi realizada avaliação otorrinolaringológica, sendo feitas a audiometria tonal, vocal e imitanciometria. Também foi aplicado o questionário "Tinnitus Handicap Inventory". Dos 84% indivíduos com zumbido apresentaram dor miofascial, sendo o músculo masseter a região mais prevalente de dor, e 16% possuíram exclusivamente alterações álgicas e/ou degenerativas da ATM. Dentre os portadores de dor miofascial, 86,5% apresentaram sintomas depressivos, enquanto naqueles sem dor miofascial a presença destes sintomas estava presente em apenas 42,8%. 11 indivíduos (25%) relataram impacto do zumbido na qualidade de vida desprezível, 15 (34%) impacto leve, 7 (16%) moderado, 7 (16%) severo e 4 (9%) impacto catastrófico. Houve associação positiva entre a presença de sintomas depressivos e dor miofascial (p=0,02), assim como relação direta entre o aumento da intensidade do zumbido e a severidade dos sintomas depressivos (p<0,01).

Positive Association between Tinnitus and Arterial Hypertension.

INTRODUCTION: Tinnitus is the perception of noise in the absence of an external source and is considered by most authors as a multifactorial symptom. A systematic review concerning the association of tinnitus and systemic arterial hypertension retrieved suggestions of a positive association, but the articles included failed to perform a detailed analysis on the theme. PURPOSE: To analyze the presence of arterial hypertension in tinnitus and non-tinnitus patients, to analyze differences between tinnitus impact and psychoacoustic measurements in hypertensive and normotensive patients, and to evaluate the association between the presence of tinnitus and the diverse antihypertensive drugs employed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This includes cross-sectional transversal study, comparing two groups of subjects (144 in the study group with tinnitus and 140 in the control group without tinnitus). Clinical, demographical, audiometrical, and psychoacoustics characteristics of the subjects were compared. RESULTS: Hypertension prevalence in tinnitus subjects was 44.4% against 31.4% in subjects without tinnitus (p = 0.024). Positive associations with tinnitus were found with hypertension treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (p = 0.006), tiazidic diuretics (p < 0.0001), potassium-sparing diuretics (p = 0.016), and calcium channels blockers (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: There is an association between tinnitus and arterial hypertension. This association is particularly strong in older patients. Hypertension treatment with diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and calcium channels blockers were more prevalent in tinnitus patients, suggesting that an eventual ototoxicity of these drugs may be involved in tinnitus pathophysiology, a hypothesis that should be evaluated in further studies.

Tinnitus and arterial hypertension: a systematic review.

Tinnitus is considered a multi-factorial symptom. Arterial hypertension has been cited as a tinnitus etiological factor. To assess the scientific evidence on the associations between arterial hypertension and tinnitus. A systematic review was performed using PubMed, ISI Web, Lilacs and SciELO scientific databases. This review included articles published in Portuguese, Spanish, French and English correlating tinnitus with hypertension. Letters to editors and case reports were excluded. A total of 424 articles were identified, of which only 20 met the inclusion criteria. Studies that analyzed the incidence of hypertension in tinnitus patients tended to show an association, while those that evaluated the incidence of tinnitus in hypertensive patients did not. There is evidence of an association between tinnitus and hypertension, although a cause and effect relationship is uncertain. Changes in the cochlear microcirculation, resulting in hearing loss, may be an adjuvant factor in tinnitus pathophysiology.

[Effects of the reduction of caffeine consumption on tinnitus perception]. / Efeitos da redução no consumo de cafeína sobre a percepção do zumbido.

INTRODUCTION: For many years, excessive caffeine consumption has been touted as an aggravating factor for tinnitus. The pathophysiology behind this effect is probably related to the blockage of adenosine receptors by the action of caffeine on the central nervous system. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of reduction of coffee consumption on tinnitus sensation and to identify subgroups more prone to benefit from this therapeutic strategy. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective. METHODS: Twenty-six tinnitus patients who consumed at least 150 mL of coffee per day were selected. All were asked to reduce their coffee consumption. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) questionnaire was completed by the patients before and after the reduction of coffee consumption, as well as a visual-analog scale (VAS) graduated from 1 to 10. RESULTS: THI and VAS scores were significantly reduced (p<0.05). In the subgroups less than 60 years old, bilateral tinnitus and daily coffee consumption between 150 and 300 mL showed a significantly greater reduction of THI and VAS scores. CONCLUSION: Patients under 60 years of age with bilateral tinnitus and daily coffee consumption between 150 and 300 mL are more prone to benefit from consumption reduction. Thirty-day observation periods may be helpful for a better therapeutical decision.

Effects of the reduction of caffeine consumption on tinnitus perception / Efeitos da redução no consumo de cafeína sobre a percepção do zumbido

INTRODUCTION: For many years, excessive caffeine consumption has been touted as an aggravating factor for tinnitus. The pathophysiology behind this effect is probably related to the blockage of adenosine receptors by the action of caffeine on the central nervous system. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of reduction of coffee consumption on tinnitus sensation and to identify subgroups more prone to benefit from this therapeutic strategy. Study design: prospective. METHODS: Twenty-six tinnitus patients who consumed at least 150 mL of coffee per day were selected. All were asked to reduce their coffee consumption. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) questionnaire was completed by the patients before and after the reduction of coffee consumption, as well as a visual-analogue scale (VAS) graduated from 1 to 10. RESULTS: THI and VAS scores were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). In the subgroups less than 60 years old, bilateral tinnitus and daily coffee consumption between 150 and 300 mL showed a significantly greater reduction of THI and VAS scores. CONCLUSION: Patients under 60 years of age with bilateral tinnitus and daily coffee consumption between 150 and 300 mL are more prone to benefit from consumption reduction. Thirty-day observation periods may be helpful for a better therapeutical decision. .

INTRODUÇÃO: O consumo abusivo de cafeína vem sendo descrito como fator de piora e causa do zumbido há muitos anos. A fisiopatologia deste efeito está provavelmente relacionada ao bloqueio dos receptores inibitórios adenosínicos pela cafeína no sistema nervoso central. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos da redução do consumo de cafeína na percepção do zumbido e identificar subgrupos de pacientes mais propensos a benefícios com esta proposta. Tipo de estudo: prospectivo. MÉTODO: Selecionados 26 pacientes com zumbido neurossensorial e consumo diário superior a 150 mL de café. Os efeitos da redução do consumo foram avaliados através do Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) e da escala visual-análoga (EVA). RESULTADOS: Houve redução estatisticamente significativa (p < 0,05) nos escores do THI e EVA. Nos subgrupos com idade inferior a 60 anos, zumbido bilateral e consumo diário de café entre 150 e 300 mL apresentaram maior redução dos escores THI e EVA. CONCLUSÃO: Em pacientes com idade inferior a 60 anos, zumbido bilateral e consumo diário de café entre 150 e 300 mL apresentaram benefícios com a redução no consumo diário de cafeína. Períodos observacionais de 30 dias podem ser úteis para a decisão terapêutica. .

Incidence of tinnitus in mp3 player users.

UNLABELLED: Exposure to loud noise is one of the main causes of tinnitus. AIM: To analyze the incidence of tinnitus in mp3 player users and non-users. MATERIAL AND METHOD: One hundred subjects aged from 15 to 30 years were enrolled, 54 of them were regular mp3 player users and 46 were not. Patients with continuous tinnitus for at least 6 months completed the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and were tested with high frequency audiometry and transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions (TAOE). STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional cohort study. RESULTS: The incidence of tinnitus in non-users was about 8 %; in mp3 player users it was about 28 %, a statistically significant difference. Hearing thresholds at 8 kHz were significantly higher in tinnitus patients that used mp3 portable players.TAOE were reduced at 2 kHz in the users group. No statistically significant difference was found in the THI scores between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Tinnitus was more frequent in teenagers and young adults who regularly listen to mp3 music in players. Moreover, the incidence of tinnitus among mp3 player users was associated with higher hearing thresholds at 8 kHz and lower TOAE at 2 kHz.

Incidence of tinnitus in mp3 player users / Incidência de zumbido em usuários de estéreos pessoais

Exposure to loud noise is one of the main causes of tinnitus. AIM: To analyze the incidence of tinnitus in mp3 player users and non-users. MATERIAL AND METHOD: One hundred subjects aged from 15 to 30 years were enrolled, 54 of them were regular mp3 player users and 46 were not. Patients with continuous tinnitus for at least 6 months completed the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and were tested with high frequency audiometry and transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions (TAOE). STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional cohort study. RESULTS: The incidence of tinnitus in non-users was about 8 percent; in mp3 player users it was about 28 percent, a statistically significant difference. Hearing thresholds at 8kHz were significantly higher in tinnitus patients that used mp3 portable players.TAOE were reduced at 2 kHz in the users group. No statistically significant difference was found in the THI scores between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Tinnitus was more frequent in teenagers and young adults who regularly listen to mp3 music in players. Moreover, the incidence of tinnitus among mp3 player users was associated with higher hearing thresholds at 8 kHz and lower TOAE at 2 kHz.

Uma das principais causas de zumbido é a exposição a ruído. OBJETIVO: Comparar a incidência de zumbido entre usuários e não usuários de estéreos pessoais. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Cem indivíduos entre 15 e 30 anos foram recrutados, 54 deles usuários regulares de estéreos pessoais e 46 não-usuários. Pacientes com zumbido preencheram a versão validada para o português brasileiro do Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI). Todos foram submetidos à audiometria de altas frequências (AAF) e otoemissões acústicas transientes (OEAT). DESENHO CIENTÍFICO: Estudo de coorte contemporânea com corte transversal. RESULTADOS: A incidência de zumbido entre os usuários de estéreos pessoais foi significativamente maior (aproximadamente 28 por cento x 8 por cento). Os limiares auditivos em 8 kHz foram maiores nos portadores de zumbido usuários dos referidos aparelhos. As OEAT apresentaram-se reduzidas na frequência de 2 kHz no grupo de usuários. Não houve diferenças significativas entre os escores do THI dos dois grupos. CONCLUSÕES: O zumbido é mais prevalente em adolescentes e adultos jovens que usam estéreos pessoais de forma regular. A incidência de zumbido entre os usuários foi acompanhada por limiares auditivos maiores em 8 kHz e por redução nas OEAT em 2 kHz.

Correlation analysis of hearing thresholds, validated questionnaires and psychoacoustic measurements in tinnitus patients.

UNLABELLED: One of the most criticized points in tinnitus clinical studies arise from the lack of consensus about measurement methods. AIM: To evaluate the correlation between audiometric thresholds, pitch matching (PM), minimum masking level (MML), Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) in tinnitus patients. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, cross-sectional. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects were submitted to tonal audiometry, PM and MML for tinnitus. They also filled out the THI and BDI. Data was statistically compared for correlation purposes between audiometric thresholds, psycho-acoustic measures and questionnaires. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant correlation between THI and MML, both in patients with BDI scores under and over 14 points. There was no statistically significant correlation between the worst hearing frequency and PM, as well as between the cut-off frequency and the PM in patients with descending hearing curves in their audiograms. CONCLUSIONS: There is no statistically significant correlation between psycho-acoustic measures (PM and MML), audiometric thresholds, THI and BDI. Tinnitus is a very complex symptom and isolated measures by psycho-acoustic methods; tinnitus and depression questionnaires are not satisfactory.

Análise da correlação entre limiares auditivos, questionários validados e medidas psicoacústicas em pacientes com zumbido / Correlation analysis of hearing thresholds, validated questionnaires and psychoacoustic measurements in tinnitus patients

Uma das principais dificuldades nos estudos clínicos sobre zumbido reside na falta de consenso sobre os métodos de mensuração. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a correlação entre os limiares audiométricos, pitch matching (PM), minimum masking level (MML), Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) e o Inventário de Depressão de Beck (BDI) em pacientes com zumbido. MODELO DE ESTUDO: Prospectivo, coorte transversal. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: 48 pacientes com zumbido como queixa principal foram submetidos aos testes audiométricos e questionários acima descritos. Os dados foram comparados estatisticamente para as correlações entre os métodos. RESULTADOS: Não houve correlação estatisticamente significativa entre o THI e MML, tanto em pacientes com BDI acima e abaixo de 14 pontos, bem como entre a frequência de pior limiar auditivo e o Pitch matching e entre a frequência de "cut-off" e o PM nos pacientes com curvas descendentes em rampa. CONCLUSÕES: Não existe correlação estatisticamente significativa entre as medidas psicoacústicas do zumbido, os limiares audiométricos e os questionários de avaliação. O zumbido é um sintoma muito complexo e avaliações isoladas pelos métodos acima não são satisfatórias.

One of the most criticized points in tinnitus clinical studies arise from the lack of consensus about measurement methods. AIM: To evaluate the correlation between audiometric thresholds, pitch matching (PM), minimum masking level (MML), Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) in tinnitus patients. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, cross-sectional. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects were submitted to tonal audiometry, PM and MML for tinnitus. They also filled out the THI and BDI. Data was statistically compared for correlation purposes between audiometric thresholds, psycho-acoustic measures and questionnaires. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant correlation between THI and MML, both in patients with BDI scores under and over 14 points. There was no statistically significant correlation between the worst hearing frequency and PM, as well as between the cut-off frequency and the PM in patients with descending hearing curves in their audiograms. CONCLUSIONS: There is no statistically significant correlation between psycho-acoustic measures (PM and MML), audiometric thresholds, THI and BDI. Tinnitus is a very complex symptom and isolated measures by psycho-acoustic methods; tinnitus and depression questionnaires are not satisfactory.

Amiloidose laríngea nodular isolada: relato de caso / Isolated laryngeal amyloidosis nodular: a case report

Introdução: A amiloidose isolada da laringe é rara, sendo a localização isolada mais comum em cabeça e pescoço. Pode ser dividida em difusa e nodular, sendo o tratamento prioritariamente cirúrgico. Objetivo: Descrever um caso de amiloidose nodular isolada de laringe, com revisão da literatura. Relato do Caso: Paciente do sexo feminino, 23 anos, apresentou-se com queixas de bolo cervical e disfonia há cerca de 3 meses. A videolaringoscopia revelou lesão de aspecto polipoide de grande volume em prega vocal esquerda. Submetida à remoção por microcirurgia de laringe, o laudo histopatológico foi compatível com amiloidose, sendo submetida à investigação clínica adicional simplificada para localizações extralaríngeas de amiloidose, a qual foi negativa. Permanece em acompanhamento clínico e laringoscópico semestral. Comentários Finais: A amiloidose isolada da laringe, apesar de rara, deve ser sempre cogitada pelo otorrinolaringologista, uma vez que se trata da apresentação clínica mais frequente da doença em cabeça e pescoço, com aspecto muitas vezes indistinguível ao de outras lesões benignas. É indispensável a investigação para manifestações extralaríngeas.

Introduction: Isolated amyloidosis of the larynx is rare, being the single most common location in head and neck. Can be divided into diffuse and nodular, and the surgical treatment priority. Objective: To describe a case of isolated nodular amyloidosis of the larynx, with review of literature. Case report: A female patient, 23 years, presented with complaints of dysphonia and cervical cake for about three months. A laryngoscopy revealed a polypoid lesion of large volume in the left vocal cord. Underwent microsurgery for the removal of the larynx, the histopathological report was consistent with amyloidosis, and underwent further simplified for clinical research locations extralaryngeal of amyloidosis, which was negative. It remains in clinical and laryngoscopic semester. Final Comments: The isolated amyloidosis of the larynx, although rare, should always be entertained by the otolaryngologist, since it is the most frequent clinical presentation of disease in head and neck, often indistinguishable in appearance to that of other benign lesions. It is indispensable for research extralaryngeal demonstrations.

Correlation analysis of the visual-analogue scale and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory in tinnitus patients.

UNLABELLED: One of the most challenging topics in tinnitus clinical studies is the measuring method used. Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) are frequently used in tinnitus. AIM: To verify the relationship between VAS and THI scores in tinnitus patients in a prospective study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 43 patients classified their tinnitus according to VAS and THI, and both scores were compared through the Spearman's correlation coefficient test. RESULTS: There was a correlation between the VAS and THI scores. CONCLUSION: There is correlation between VAS and THI scores in patients with sensorineural tinnitus.

Análise da correlação entre a escala visual-análoga e o Tinnitus Handicap Inventory na avaliação de pacientes com zumbido / Correlation analysis of the visual-analogue scale and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory in tinnitus patients

Um dos tópicos mais questionado nos estudos clínicos sobre zumbido é o método de mensuração do mesmo. As Escalas Visual-Análogas (EVAs) e o Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) são freqüentemente utilizados para este fim. OBJETIVO: Verificar a correlação entre os escores da EVA e do THI em pacientes com zumbido neurossensorial através de um estudo prospectivo. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: 43 pacientes com zumbido neurossensorial quantificaram o zumbido pelos dois métodos, sendo os escores comparados através do Coeficiente de Relação de Spearman. RESULTADOS: Foi observada correlação entre os escores da EVA e do THI. CONCLUSÃO: Em pacientes com zumbido neurossensorial existe correlação entre os escores da EVA e do THI.

One of the most challenging topics in tinnitus clinical studies is the measuring method used. Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) are frequently used in tinnitus. AIM: To verify the relationship between VAS and THI scores in tinnitus patients in a prospective study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 43 patients classified their tinnitus according to VAS and THI, and both scores were compared through the Spearman's correlation coefficient test. RESULTS: There was a correlation between the VAS and THI scores. CONCLUSION: There is correlation between VAS and THI scores in patients with sensorineural tinnitus.

Complications of ent foreign bodies: a retrospective study.

UNLABELLED: Foreign bodies are one of the most common ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) urgencies. Serious complications may occur, like tympanic perforations and bronchoaspiration, but they are uncommon. AIM: To analyze a 1356 foreign body series and establish causes for the complications, looking at prevention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 1356 patients with ear, nose and throat foreign bodies from the ENT Department of Souza Aguiar Hospital, in Rio de Janeiro, between 1992 and 2000, were analyzed in a retrospective study for parameters like age, gender, type and localization of the foreign body, time span between introduction and removal of the foreign body and complications. RESULTS: The most common foreign bodies were beans and the most frequent age was between 1 and 4 years old. Ear foreign bodies were the most common, followed by nasal foreign bodies. Complications were statistically related to time, childs age and practical experience of the physician. CONCLUSION: Most of the situations related to ENT foreign bodies are avoidable. Improvements in Public Health Assistance and otolaryngologists training are essential to avoid serious complications.