Cognitive Training for Adults With Bothersome Tinnitus: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology
• Audiology

Background:

• Tinnitus is associated with cognitive impairments, including reduced working memory, processing speed, and attention.
• These deficits negatively impact daily functioning and performance.
• Cognitive training programs aim to enhance cognitive health by leveraging neuroplasticity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the Brain Fitness Program-Tinnitus (BFP-T) in adults with tinnitus.
• To assess the impact of BFP-T on tinnitus perception and cognitive function.

Main Methods:

• An open-label, randomized clinical trial involving 40 adults with tinnitus and 20 healthy controls (HCs).
• Participants with tinnitus were randomized to either BFP-T or a non-BFP-T control group.
• The BFP-T intervention consisted of 8 weeks of online cognitive training, 5 days per week.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) scores between the BFP-T and control groups.
• Significant improvements in functional connectivity within cognitive control brain regions were observed in the BFP-T group.
• 50% of BFP-T participants self-reported improvements in tinnitus, memory, and attention.

Conclusions:

• Computer-based cognitive training may lead to self-reported improvements in attention, memory, and tinnitus perception.
• Neuroplastic changes in cognitive control networks may underlie these improvements.
• Cognitive training programs show promise as a future therapeutic approach for tinnitus management.