Relationship of Induced Tinnitus to Physical Characteristics of the Inducing Stimulus

Abstract

Volunteer subjects were exposed to 500-, 1000-, 2000-, and 3000-cps tones and to white noise at intensities up to 120 dB for 5 min. Subsequently, the subjects' temporary threshold shift (TTS) was measured at selected frequencies and they were asked to manipulate the controls of an oscillator to match their tinnitus, if any. Contrary to previously reported findings, most subjects reported tonal rather than noise tinnitus. There was a significant and positive relationship between the frequency of the elicited stimulus and that of the reported tinnitus, but considerable variability was noted. There was not a simple relationship between the frequency of the reported tinnitus and the point of maximum TTS.