This presentation will explore the challenges associated with diagnosing and treating tinnitus, a phantom-like sound that occurs in the absence of external stimuli. We will discuss the lack of a validated protocol for identifying tinnitus, limiting our ability to diagnose and treat non-verbal adults and pediatric populations. Our research studies have investigated the use of the gap-paradigm in detecting tinnitus, measuring electrophysiological changes when a person is presented with gapped stimuli. Our results suggest a cortical signature that may allow us to identify tinnitus objectively. Our scoping review on tinnitus and gap-elicited EEGs has provided evidence of the effectiveness of this method, and our study on tinnitus and the N1 has supported the use of electrophysiological measures in identifying tinnitus. Overall, using electrophysiological measures in detecting tinnitus can offer new possibilities for objectively diagnosing and tracking treatment progress over time, contributing to the development of effective interventions for tinnitus and improving the quality of life for those affected by this condition.

Learning objectives:

• Identifying the challenges associated with diagnosing and treating tinnitus in non-verbal populations and explain how the lack of a validated protocol for identifying tinnitus limits diagnosis and treatment options.
• Understand the concept of the gap-paradigm in detecting tinnitus, and explain how electrophysiological changes can be measured when a person is presented with gapped stimuli.
• Recognize the potential of electrophysiological measures in identifying tinnitus and the benefits of using these measures to track treatment progress over time.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the gap-paradigm in detecting tinnitus, based on the evidence presented in the scoping review on tinnitus and gap-elicited EEGs, and the study on tinnitus and the N1.