Tinnitus and hyperacusis in children: clinic reports and basic research

ObjectiveTinnitus and hyperacusis are subjective symptoms which can be reported by people of any age. Although tinnitus and hyperacusis can have a negative effect on child development, these symptoms are commonly overlooked by their parents and clinicians. In this paper, we review clinical reports on tinnitus and hyperacusis in children and basic scientific studies on these disorders in order to provide updates of these disorders in the pediatric population. Recent studies have found that tinnitus and hyperacusis are not uncommon in children, especially in those with conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. The parents and clinicians should pay attention when children show abnormal behaviors and especially when they develop hearing loss. Since there is no objective measurement for tinnitus and hyperacusis, the diagnosis in children can be challenging. Tinnitus and hyperacusis are also common in Williams syndrome and autism but the mechanisms are still not clear. High doses of salicylate and noise exposure can induce tinnitus. Animal studies have determined lack of inhibition in the auditory cortex and the inferior colliculus may be critical for tinnitus and hyperacusis generation. The non–classic auditory system may also be involved in the awareness and tolerance of tinnitus and hyperacusis.