Resting-state Networks in Tinnitus A Scoping Review

Chronic subjective tinnitus is the constant perception of a sound that has no physical source. Brain imaging studies show alterations in tinnitus patients' resting-state networks (RSNs). This scoping review aims to provide an overview of resting-state fMRI studies in tinnitus, and to evaluate the evidence for changes in different RSNs. A total of 29 studies were included, 26 of which found alterations in networks such as the auditory network, default mode network, attention networks, and visual network; however, there is a lack of reproducibility in the field which can be attributed to the use of different regions of interest and analytical methods per study, and tinnitus heterogeneity. Future studies should focus on replication by using the same regions of interest in their analysis of resting-state data, and by controlling adequately for potential confounds. These efforts could potentially lead to the identification of a biomarker for tinnitus in the future.

Automated summary

This scoping review provides an overview of resting-state fMRI studies in chronic subjective tinnitus patients. It identifies alterations in various resting-state networks, such as the auditory network, default mode network, attention networks, and visual network. However, the lack of reproducibility in the field may be attributed to the use of different regions of interest and analytical methods, as well as the heterogeneity of tinnitus. Future studies should focus on replication using the same regions of interest and controlling for potential confounds, in order to potentially identify a biomarker for tinnitus.