Tinnitus and cognitive-behavioral therapy

Introduction > Tinnitus is a common auditory symptom that interferes with activities of daily living and is often associated with anxiety and depression.

Method > This study included consecutive patients with chronic intense tinnitus for more than six months who were treated with Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT), a cognitive-behavioral therapy, after previous treatment failed and after a clinical evaluation based on standardized questionnaires, including the Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaire (THQ). One year after the end of the TRT, the treatment was evaluated by the same standardized questionnaires.

Results > This prospective study included 96 consecutive patients (49 women, 47 men, mean age: 48 years). Tinnitus improved significantly in 75%, where significant improvement was defined as a final THQ score of less than 500 after CBT. This improvement varied according to initial THQ scores and was seen in: all patients with moderate (THQ ≪ 500), 70.3% of the patients with intermediate (500 ≪ THQ > 1001), and 34.8% of patients with severe (THQ > 1000) tinnitus.

Conclusion > CBT shows promise as a treatment of tinnitus-related distress.