Resting-state functional connectivity and local activity differences across bothersome and non-bothersome tinnitus phenotypes

This study aimed to characterize resting-state functional differences across clinically defined bothersome tinnitus, non-bothersome tinnitus, and hospital-based non-tinnitus control groups, focusing on imaging differences related to tinnitus phenotype.

Continue reading at PubMed →

No actionable change yet — findings are characterization-level neuroimaging data that may eventually inform tinnitus subtyping and targeted therapy, but do not currently alter clinical management.

Identifying distinct brain connectivity signatures for bothersome versus non-bothersome tinnitus could lay groundwork for precision tinnitus treatments and better patient stratification.

1. 01Resting-state fMRI used to compare bothersome tinnitus, non-bothersome tinnitus, and healthy controls.
2. 02Significant differences in functional connectivity and local brain activity found between phenotypes.
3. 03Results support a neurobiological basis for why some people find tinnitus distressing and others do not.
4. 04Published in Frontiers in Neurology; adds to growing neuroimaging literature on tinnitus subtypes.
5. 05Findings are preliminary and require replication in larger, prospective cohorts.

PMID

42369362

DOI

10.3389/fneur.2026.1831863.

Journal

Frontiers in Neurology

Publication type

research_article

Evidence level

3

Population

Adults with bothersome tinnitus, non-bothersome tinnitus, and healthy controls

Intervention

Resting-state fMRI neuroimaging characterization

Comparator

Non-bothersome tinnitus group and healthy controls