Clinical efficacy of tinnitus retraining therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy in the treatment of subjective tinnitus: a systematic review. Issue 12 (24th November 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Grewal, R; Spielmann, P M; Jones, S E M; Hussain, S S M
• Is Part Of: Journal of laryngology & otology. Volume 128:Issue 12(2014)
• Page Start: 1028
• Page End: 1033
• Publication Date: 2014-11-24
• Subjects: Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1017/S0022215114002849
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-2151

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="normal"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="sec1"> <title>Objective:</title> <p>This study aimed to compare the outcomes of two frequently employed interventions for the management of tinnitus: tinnitus retraining therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy.</p> </sec> <sec id="sec2"> <title>Method:</title> <p>A systematic review of literature published up to and including February 2013 was performed. Only randomised control trials and studies involving only human participants were included.</p> </sec> <sec id="sec3"> <title>Results:</title> <p>Nine high-quality studies evaluating the efficacy of tinnitus retraining therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy were identified. Of these, eight assessed cognitive behavioural therapy relative to a no-treatment control and one compared tinnitus retraining therapy to tinnitus masking therapy. Each study used a variety of standardised and validated questionnaires. Outcome measures were heterogeneous, but both therapies resulted in significant improvements in quality of life scores. Depression scores improved with cognitive behavioural therapy.</p> </sec> <sec id="sec4"> <title>Conclusion:</title> <p>Both cognitive behavioural therapy and tinnitus retraining therapy are effective for tinnitus, with neither therapy being demonstrably superior. Further research using standardised, validated questionnaires is needed so that objective comparisons can be made.</p> </sec> </abstract>