Potencial evocado auditivo do tronco encefálico: uma análise do ganho central em adultos com zumbido crônico

Objective: To evaluate whether the presence of chronic tinnitus alters the amplitudes and wave III/I and V/I ratio responses in the Auditory Brainstem Evoked (ABR) with click stimulus in young adults. Methods: This was an analytical, cross-sectional, and quantitative study. The sample included individuals aged 19 to 30 years, divided into two groups: the study group, comprising individuals with chronic tinnitus, and the control group, consisting of typical individuals. The evaluation included the following procedures: anamnesis, basic audiological assessment,transient otoacoustic emissions, behavioral assessment of central auditory processing, and ABR-click. Results: A total of 51 ears were included in the study, with 25 ears in the study group and 26 ears in the control group. Significant differences were observed between the groups only forwave I amplitudes, which were higher in individuals with tinnitus. Additionally, the study group exhibited higher average responses for wave I/III ratios and lower averages for wave V/I ratios. Conclusion: Chronic tinnitus leads to increased wave I amplitude and altered wave III/I and V/I ratios in ABR-click assessments. These findings suggest a promising analytical approach, potentially indicative of increased central gain.