Reverse Correlation Uncovers More Complete Tinnitus Spectra

Goal This study validates a method for characterizing the sounds experienced by tinnitus patients with potential for characterizing a wider range of sounds than currently possible. The approach is based on reverse correlation, an established behavioral method widely used in psychophysics for unconstrained characterization of internal perceptual representations. Methods Ten normal-hearing subjects participated in a reverse correlation experiment, where they assessed the subjective similarity of random auditory stimuli and target tinnitus-like sounds (“buzzing” and “roaring”). Reconstructions of the targets were obtained by regressing subject responses on the stimuli, and were compared for accuracy to the frequency spectra of the targets using Pearson’s r. Results Reconstruction accuracy was significantly higher than chance across subjects: buzzing (M = 0.53, SD = 0.27): t(9) = 5.766, p < 0.001; roaring (M = 0.57, SD = 0.30): t(9) = 5.76, p < 0.001. Conclusion Reverse correlation can accurately reconstruct non-tonal tinnitus-like sounds in normal-hearing subjects, indicating its potential for characterizing the sounds experienced by patients with non-tonal tinnitus. Impact Statement Characterization of tinnitus can inform tinnitus treatment by allowing for individualized sound therapies, leading to better outcomes for patients suffering from the cognitive and psychological effects of tinnitus.