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BMC Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders
Published in: BMC Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders 1/2012

Open Access 01-12-2012 | Research article

Cortisol suppression and hearing thresholds in tinnitus after low-dose dexamethasone challenge

Authors: Veerle L Simoens, Sylvie Hébert

Published in: BMC Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders | Issue 1/2012

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Abstract

Background

Tinnitus is a frequent, debilitating hearing disorder associated with severe emotional and psychological suffering. Although a link between stress and tinnitus has been widely recognized, the empirical evidence is scant. Our aims were to test for dysregulation of the stress-related hypothalamus-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis in tinnitus and to examine ear sensitivity variations with cortisol manipulation.

Methods

Twenty-one tinnitus participants and 21 controls comparable in age, education, and overall health status but without tinnitus underwent basal cortisol assessments on three non-consecutive days and took 0.5 mg of dexamethasone (DEX) at 23:00 on the first day. Cortisol levels were measured hourly the next morning. Detection and discomfort hearing thresholds were measured before and after dexamethasone suppression test.

Results

Both groups displayed similar basal cortisol levels, but tinnitus participants showed stronger and longer-lasting cortisol suppression after DEX administration. Suppression was unrelated to hearing loss. Discomfort threshold was lower after cortisol suppression in tinnitus ears.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest heightened glucocorticoid sensitivity in tinnitus in terms of an abnormally strong glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-mediated HPA-axis feedback (despite a normal mineralocorticoid receptor (MR)-mediated tone) and lower tolerance for sound loudness with suppressed cortisol levels. Long-term stress exposure and its deleterious effects therefore constitute an important predisposing factor for, or a significant pathological consequence of, this debilitating hearing disorder.
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Metadata
Title
Cortisol suppression and hearing thresholds in tinnitus after low-dose dexamethasone challenge
Authors
Veerle L Simoens
Sylvie Hébert
Publication date
01-12-2012
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders / Issue 1/2012
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6815
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6815-12-4

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