Response time, amplitude, and neural auditory maintenance in individuals with tinnitus: a comparative study

ABSTRACT Purpose To verify and compare the response time, amplitude, and neural auditory maintenance of the central auditory pathway in subjects with and without tinnitus disorder. Methods This is an analytical, cross-sectional, and quantitative study approved by the Research Ethics Committee. The responses of Long Latency Auditory Evoked Potentials (LLAEP) with verbal stimuli were compared between 16 subjects with tinnitus disorder (Study Group - SG) and 12 subjects without tinnitus (Control Group - CG). The neural response time was evaluated by the latency of the P1, N1, P2, N2, and P300 potentials. The amplitude of these potentials was also analyzed. Neural response maintenance was verified through the duration values of the P300 component. The results were compared between the groups, considering a significance level of 5%. Results In the comparison between the groups regarding the latency and amplitude values of the cortical potentials (P1, N1, P2, and N2), no statistically significant differences were observed (p>0.05). However, concerning the latency, amplitude, and duration of the P300 component between the groups, a statistically significant difference was observed for the latency variable, which was greater for individuals with tinnitus disorder (p<0.05). Conclusion Individuals with tinnitus disorder have a longer neural response time for the P300 component, suggesting disorganization in central auditory processing.