Tinnitus can impair cognitive functions, such as attention, working memory and executive control. Pathophysiologically, this is explained by maladaptive neural plasticity, in which central auditory and nonauditory networks (e.g., prefrontal and limbic structures) become overactive or dysfunctional....
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Discussion
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Clinicians should be aware that tinnitus patients may present with measurable cognitive difficulties; however, this evidence is preliminary and does not yet support a change in routine assessment or management protocols.
Establishing cognitive correlates of tinnitus strengthens the case for interdisciplinary care models that address both auditory and cognitive dimensions of the condition.
- 01Tinnitus is associated with deficits in attention, working memory, and executive control.
- 02Maladaptive neural plasticity (unhelpful brain rewiring) is proposed as an underlying mechanism.
- 03Findings are from a peer-reviewed HNO journal article.
- 04Multiple cognitive domains appear affected, not just auditory processing.
- 05Results support neuropsychological screening as part of tinnitus evaluation.
Tinnitus is associated with deficits in attention, working memory, and executive control.
studypartially supportedMaladaptive neural plasticity underlies the cognitive associations seen in tinnitus patients.
studyunclear- PMID
- 42714575
- DOI
- 10.1007/s00106-026-01801-w.
- Journal
- HNO
- Publication type
- research_article
- Evidence level
- 2b
- Population
- Adults with tinnitus compared to controls
- Intervention
- Assessment of cognitive functions (attention, working memory, executive control) in tinnitus patients
- Comparator
- Typical-hearing or tinnitus-free controls (assumed)
Primary outcomes
Attention performance; Working memory performance; Executive control performance