Ultrahigh frequency stimulation for tinnitus relief-a method for patient selection.
Abstract
The efficacy of ultrahigh frequency (UHF) and/or ultrasonic (US) external acoustic stimulation has been found to be directly related to residual neuronal function in the ultrahigh frequency/ultrasonic frequency range. Retrospective review of 26 patients has revealed a correlation between the efficacy of the UltraQuiet unit and the residual auditory threshold neuronal response established by ultrahigh frequency audiometry. Classical audiometry was performed in the 250-8000Hz range for both air and bone conduction. The UHF threshold determination (10-20kHz) was obtained both by electrical and acoustical UHF stimulation. The tinnitus patients with a residual neuronal population in the 10-20kHz range and particulary 10-12kHz at no greater than 50-60dBSPL were found to have a higher incidence of reported tinnitus relief than patients with an auditory threshold in excess of 50-60dBSPL. It is proposed that the tinnitus patient suitable for achieving tinnitus relief with UHF stimulation, shoudl demonstrate with audiometric testing a residual neuronal population at least in the range of 10-14kHz and an auditory threshold no greater than 50-60dB. A testing method for tinnitus patient selection for attempting tinnitus relief with ultrahigh frequency stimulation will be described.
