Objective Diagnostic Tool for Tinnitus in Military Personnel

Despite the prevalence of tinnitus in the military, its diagnosis is currently largely subjective and imprecise. An objective and quantitative diagnostic tool for the detection of occurrence and severity of tinnitus is needed. In the proposed program, we will combine metabolic and electrophysiological neurodiagnostic modalities to observe tonotopic reorganization and neural dynamics in the primary auditory cortex. This approach will allow objective diagnosis and characterization of tinnitus without active participation from the subjects. The proposed system, consisting of an instrumented headcap, interface electronics and a laptop computer, will be lightweight and portable, facilitating its use in field hospitals. Objective and quantitative diagnostic tools would significantly improve therapeutic strategies. In addition, objective diagnostic tools will facilitate injured military personnel with functional capabilities returning to duty. The tinnitus diagnosis tool would also allow assessment of the true prevalence and degree of severity of tinnitus in the military population.