Central auditory processing abilities in individuals with tinnitus and normal hearing sensitivity: a systematic review

Abstract

Abstract Background Tinnitus is the perception of sound when there is no external sound stimulus. Individuals with tinnitus may have altered neurological system corresponding to the auditory pathway. Therefore, central auditory processing abilities, which rely on the central auditory pathway, may be affected. This study reviewed the published studies regarding the impact of tinnitus on central auditory processing abilities. Main text A total of 3087 studies were identified, of which 18 fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. The included studies scored good or fair in the quality assessment checklist. The review showed that individuals who had tinnitus with normal hearing sensitivity performed poorly on temporal resolution tests, speech perception in noise, localization, and auditory memory. However, temporal patterning and dichotic tests were not shown to be affected by tinnitus. Conclusion The audiologists involved in tinnitus assessment are recommended to include central auditory processing tests in routine evaluation for the early diagnosis and intervention for subjects with tinnitus.