TINNITUS MATCHING IN FEIGNED TINNITUS

Adelman C (1,2), Priner R (1,2), Fraenkel R (2), Levi H (1,2).

(1) Speech and Hearing Center, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel; (2) Department of Communication Disorders, Hadassah Academic College, Jerusalem, Israel.

Tinnitus is a frequent complaint following exposure to noise. As disability damages may be claimed for hearing loss and/or tinnitus, there is a need for methods to evaluate the presence of tinnitus and its severity. This is difficult, as tinnitus is usually subjective.

In this study, two groups (normal hearing, sensorineural hearing loss) of volunteers without tinnitus were asked to feign tinnitus during tinnitus-matching tests and while answering questionnaires. Tinnitus-matching for type (steady or warble pure tone, narrow band noise), frequency, and loudness were carried out three times at half-hour intervals in the contralateral ear. The resulting characteristics and consistency of responses were compared to those obtained in individuals with tinnitus following noise-induced hearing loss and acoustic trauma.

Tinnitus matching to narrow-band noise, frequencies under 3000Hz, and high intensities (mean over 35dB SL) were more common in both feigned-tinnitus groups, compared to a predominance of steady pure tone, frequencies 3000Hz and above, and low subjective intensities (mean 12.6dB SL) in those with tinnitus. Consistency of response was significantly different between the groups feigning tinnitus and those with real tinnitus, but many individuals feigning tinnitus were consistent within norms established for the group with tinnitus. In the group of volunteers with sensorineural hearing loss feigning tinnitus, the "tinnitus" was often at a frequency other than the frequency with greatest hearing loss. The questionnaire included scales for the extent the tinnitus disrupted daily life in various situations: scores were significantly lower in feigned tinnitus groups. In the groups feigning tinnitus, there was no correlation between the tinnitus level obtained in the matching procedure and the level reported in the questionnaire.

When summarizing tinnitus-matching parameters and questionnaire results, it's possible to conclude that the results are consistent with those expected in tinnitus, but not to determine if someone is feigning.     

E-mail: cahtiaa@hadassah.org.il