Abnormal Slow Electroencephalography Activity in Eyes-Open and Eyes-Closed Conditions as an Optimal Marker for Tinnitus

Background and Aim: Recent studies try to clarify the difference of neuro-physiological responses of people with tinnitus. Quantitative Electroencephalography (QEEG) analysis is different in the eyes-closed or eyes-open conditions. This study aimed to compare the EEG activity of tinnitus patients between eyes-closed and eyes-open conditions at rest position. Methods: Participants were 46 people with tinnitus (34 males and 12 females). Their QEEG was recorded in two eye conditions (close/open) for three minutes at resting position. Relative power of delta, theta, alpha, beta and gamma bands were estimated. Paired t-test was used for comparison of Delta/Alpha Ratio (DAR), and Delta+Theta/Alpha+Beta Ratio (DTABR) between the two eye conditions. Results: The DAR and DTABR ratios were significantly higher in the eyes-open condition compared to the eyes-closed condition (p=0.009 and p=0.016, respectively). The delta power increased and alpha power decreased significantly in the eyes-open condition compared to the eyes-closed condition (p<0.001). Conclusion: People with tinnitus have different EEG activities in eyes open/closed conditions. Increased delta power and decreased alpha power in the eyes-open condition may be an indicative of severe tinnitus. It seems better to record EEG activity with eyes open. Increased DAR is a good indicator in the eyes-open condition which is recommended to be used as a potential biomarker for comparing the severity of tinnitus.