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Tinnitus outcome profile and tinnitus control.
Barbara A Goldstein1, Abraham Shulman
1Health Science Center at Brooklyn, State University of New York, Martha Entenmann Tinnitus Research Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA. metrc@inch.com
The International Tinnitus Journal
|February 7, 2004
Summary
This study suggests developing new self-assessment tools for tinnitus patients to improve care. While some measures improved with receptor-targeted therapy, others did not, highlighting the need for better outcome assessments in tinnitus management.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Tinnitus management often lacks consistent subjective outcome measures.
- An inconsistency exists between patient self-reports and clinical assessments.
- The Tinnitus Outcome Profile (TOP) integrates five existing measures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of receptor-targeted therapy for severe tinnitus.
- To assess changes in patient-reported outcomes using the TOP.
- To explore the correlation between patient-reported control and TOP score changes.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 19 patients with severe idiopathic tinnitus received receptor-targeted therapy (gabapentin and clonazepam).
- The Tinnitus Outcome Profile, comprising five subjective questionnaires, was administered.
- Statistical analysis was performed using a 0.05 significance level.
Main Results:
- Significant reductions were observed in Tinnitus Intensity Index, Tinnitus Annoyance Index, and Tinnitus Stress Test scores.
- No significant changes were found in Tinnitus Handicap Inventory or Measurement of Depression Scale scores.
- Patient-reported tinnitus control did not correlate with TOP score improvements.
Conclusions:
- Receptor-targeted therapy shows potential for reducing tinnitus intensity, annoyance, and stress.
- Current subjective measures like the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and depression scales may not fully capture treatment effects.
- Further development of comprehensive outcome measures for tinnitus is recommended.