White Matter Changes in the Brains of Adults with Tinnitus

Abstract

Tinnitus is a hearing disorder that causes the sensation of noises
to be heard when there is no source generating it (“ringing in the
ears”). Many people that experience tinnitus become depressed
or anxious and are left with a sense of not wanting to participate
in their daily activities. Tinnitus affects about 10-20% of the population
(American Tinnitus Association, 2012). White matter tracts
in the brain connect different brain regions and conduct information
between these regions. In this study, we will examine
white matter tracts through diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) that
allows us to investigate the manner in which the white matter
tracts are organized in patients with differing tinnitus severity with
also taking into consideration the limbic and attention areas of the
brain. This information can give important insights into neural
mechanisms underlying tinnitus perception. Currently there is no
cure for tinnitus. As a result of conducting this study, better understanding
of tinnitus’ neural mechanisms will then lead to better
therapy treatments.