Abstract
Objective
Previous studies report that enhanced power in the delta range (1.5–4 Hz) and reduced power in the alpha frequency band (8–12 Hz) were most pronounced in the temporal regions. These studies referred to the 8–12 Hz activity as tau activity, and they created a new neurofeedback protocol to treat
tinnitus using a temporally generated tau rhythm (8–12 Hz) and slow waves in the delta range (3–4 Hz) for feedback. This study aims to repeat this protocol and to evaluate its effect
on tinnitus.
Methods
Fifteen normal-hearing patients with tinnitus were treated with the neurofeedback
protocol. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and Visual Analogue Scales were administered
before and after treatment and at 1, 3 and 6 months post-treatment.
Results
After therapy, all questionnaires scores were significant improved, and the improvements
persisted throughout the followup period. Moreover, an increasing trend in the tau/delta
ratio was observed; specifically, the trend was more stable respect of the pre-recording
measure. However, only in some subjects may the signal alone be enough to develop
the correct behaviors.
Conclusion
Further studies are necessary to characterize the tinnitus subjects who recovered
from and adapted to this psychophysical condition and, therefore, responded to neurofeedback
therapy.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
February 24,
2011
Received:
June 14,
2010
Identification
Copyright
© 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
