Comparison of Auditory Spatial Processing in Normal Hearing Individuals with and without Tinnitus

Abstract

The study aimed to compare the spatial processing abilities of normal-hearing individuals with and without tinnitus. Spatial processing was assessed using interaural time difference (ITD)), interaural level difference (ILD), and virtual auditory space identification (VASI). Forty individuals with normal hearing were divided into two groups: individuals with tinnitus and individuals without tinnitus, with 20 in each group. All the participants considered were based on the inclusion criteria, and a tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) was administered to know the tinnitus severity level. ITD and ILD thresholds were determined using the Matlab-2014a version, and VASI was carried out using paradigm player software. All the testing was done with a calibrated instrument in a quiet room. All the statistical analysis was done through IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago). The results showed significant differences for a few VASI spatial angles with respect to its accuracy and reaction time, but no significant differences were found for ITD & ILD tasks. The findings from this study indicate that individuals with normal hearing with tinnitus have spatial processing affected when the tasks are complex and considering the tests that focus on tapping the functioning of the auditory system, which sub-clinically has subtle changes.