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.