Effectiveness of residual inhibition therapy

Tinnitus is considered as one of the major symptom associated with many pathologies along with its presence in individuals with normal hearing. With varied cause and mechanism of its generation and increase in number of individuals with complaint of tinnitus, rehabilitation becomes crucial for Audiologists.

Study was undertaken to find the efficacy of Residual Inhibition Therapy as treatment procedure for unilateral tinnitus in individuals with normal hearing by comparing pre and post Residual Inhibition Therapy, Contra-lateral Acoustic Reflexes and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory.

Ten subjects between the age range of 20-45 years were included for the study. Tinnitus pitch and intensity were matched and Residual Inhibition Therapy was provided. The Pre Residual Inhibition Therapy, contra-lateral acoustic reflexes and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory scores were compared to post Residual Inhibition Therapy, contra-lateral acoustic reflexes and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory scores.

Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference, however, elevated contra-lateral acoustics reflexes post Residual Inhibition Therapy were seen. Even though small sample size made it hard to conclude on the effectiveness of Residual Inhibition Therapy as treatment of tinnitus, elevated contralateral acoustic reflexes post Residual Inhibition Therapy pay way for further advanced studies on the same.