[Neurofeedback-based EEG alpha and EEG beta training. Effectiveness in patients with chronically decompensated...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Audiology
• Psychology

Background:

• Chronic tinnitus is a debilitating condition with limited treatment options.
• Existing therapies for tinnitus often yield restricted success rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of short-term neurofeedback training for chronic tinnitus.
• To assess the impact of EEG-Alpha and EEG-Beta training on tinnitus annoyance.

Main Methods:

• 40 patients with chronic tinnitus participated in the study.
• Patients received either EEG-Alpha or EEG-Beta neurofeedback training over 12 sessions.
• Group assignment was based on initial EEG stress-test results.

Main Results:

• A significant reduction in subjective tinnitus annoyance was observed in both training groups (p<0.001).
• 23 patients successfully increased EEG Alpha activity by 16% (p<0.042).
• 13 patients did not show a decrease in EEG Beta activity.

Conclusions:

• Neurofeedback training shows promise as a novel therapeutic technique for chronic decompensated tinnitus.
• Further research is needed to confirm if altered brain activity patterns mediate the reduction in tinnitus annoyance.