Accuracy of Tinnitus Matching Using a Web-Based Protocol

Abstract

Objective: 1) Learn whether a web-based protocol can be used to match tonal tinnitus. 2) Compare the accuracy of a web-based protocol with tinnitus matching using an audiometer.

Method: Twenty subjects had tinnitus frequency matching using an audiometer in an anechoic chamber using a standard protocol. The subjects then matched their tinnitus at a desktop computer in an examination room using a web-based protocol with a multiple choice and a slider. Octave challenge testing was performed.

Results: The age ranged between 30 and 77 years (median age, 53.5 years). Median tinnitus frequency was 6000 Hz (range, 2000-12000 Hz) using the audiometer and multiple choice self-directed protocol. Using the slider, the median frequency was 5925 Hz (range, 1850-16000 Hz). The patients with tinnitus frequency of over 12000 Hz experienced a higher level of satisfaction with their tinnitus match when using the computer-based slider system. Five patients (25%) experienced octave confusion (matched to a frequency one octave below or above) when performing self-directed multiple choice tinnitus matching. These patients accurately matched their tinnitus frequency after the octave challenge step.

Conclusion: A web-based protocol for tinnitus frequency matching is as accurate as a standard protocol. Patients with very high frequency tinnitus preferred a web-based slider. Patients may inaccurately identify their tinnitus frequency as one octave above or below. An octave challenge test is necessary for a patient-directed tinnitus frequency matching.