Abnormal Slow Electroencephalography Activity in Eyes-Open and Eyes-Closed Conditions as an Optimal Marker for Tinnitus

Manoosh  Sobhany; Younes  Lotfi; Saeed  Talebian; Enayatollah  Bakhshi; Mohanna  Javanbakht

doi:10.18502/avr.v34i4.19954

Manoosh Sobhany Department of Audiology, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Younes Lotfi Department of Audiology, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Saeed Talebian Motor Control Laboratory, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Enayatollah Bakhshi Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mohanna Javanbakht Department of Audiology, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/avr.v34i4.19954

Keywords: Tinnitus; quantitative electroencephalography; delta to alpha ratio; biomarker

Abstract

Background and Aim: Recent studies try to clarify the difference of neuro-physiological responses of people with tinnitus. Quantitative Electroencephalography (QEEG) analysis is different in the eyes-closed or eyes-open conditions. This study aimed to compare the EEG activity of tinnitus patients between eyes-closed and eyes-open conditions at rest position.

Methods: Participants were 46 people with tinnitus (34 males and 12 females). Their QEEG was recorded in two eye conditions (close/open) for three minutes at resting position. Relative power of delta, theta, alpha, beta and gamma bands were estimated. Paired t-test was used for comparison of Delta/Alpha Ratio (DAR), and Delta+Theta/Alpha+Beta Ratio (DTABR) between the two eye conditions.

Results: The DAR and DTABR ratios were significantly higher in the eyes-open condition compared to the eyes-closed condition (p=0.009 and p=0.016, respectively). The delta power increased and alpha power decreased significantly in the eyes-open condition compared to the eyes-closed condition (p<0.001).

Conclusion: People with tinnitus have different EEG activities in eyes open/closed conditions. Increased delta power and decreased alpha power in the eyes-open condition may be an indicative of severe tinnitus. It seems better to record EEG activity with eyes open. Increased DAR is a good indicator in the eyes-open condition which is recommended to be used as a potential biomarker for comparing the severity of tinnitus.