Open AccessCan Computerized Tests Serve as an Objective Measure and Improve Cognitive Abilities in Tinntius?
Author(s) -
Kallogjeri Dorina,
Katta Nikta,
Wineland Andre,
Piccirillo Jay F.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
otolaryngology–head and neck surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.232
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1097-6817
pISSN - 0194-5998
DOI - 10.1177/0194599811416318a149
Subject(s) - tinnitus , audiology , medicine , cognition , physical therapy , psychology , psychiatry
Objective Examine the relationship between severity of tinnitus, as measured by the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), and performance on a computer‐based objective test of cognition (ie, Brain Speed Test (BST)) and investigate the impact of a Brain Fitness Program (BFP) on tinnitus patients. Method Cross‐sectional study of 60 adults with tinnitus. BST was completed by all participants. Results were transformed to z scores (BSTZ) based on age‐matched control data. Fifteen subjects continued in a longitudinal study using BFP. Attention, memory, and bother scores were assessed in addition to THI score and BST post‐training. Results Duration of tinnitus for the 60 participants (average age, 54 years; 51% males) ranged from 6 months to 47 years (median, 7 years). THI ranged from 0 to 80 (median, 26). Severe tinnitus was present in 27 (46%) of participants. A significant relationship between severity of tinnitus and BSTZ was identified in the group of participants with severe tinnitus (Spearman rho = 0.52, P =. 006). Thirteen subjects completed BFP. All subjects with bothersome tinnitus (n = 6) reported a subjective improvement in attention and memory. Conclusion These results suggest that BST could serve as the first objective measure of the cognitive impairment associated with tinnitus. These data also suggest that Brain Fitness Program can be a potential aid to patients with severe tinnitus, as it seems to improve attention, memory, and ability to comprehend.