The Association Between Effectiveness of Tinnitus Intervention and Cognitive Function-A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Tinnitus, the perception of sound without external stimuli, can negatively impact cognitive functions, including attention and memory.
• Existing studies on tinnitus interventions lack clarity regarding their quality, generalizability, and impact on cognitive function.
• The predictive role of cognitive function in tinnitus intervention outcomes remains uncertain.

Approach:

• A systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines was conducted.
• Searches of Medline (PubMed), Embase, and PsycINFO identified relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
• Included RCTs compared tinnitus interventions with cognitive function measures in adult tinnitus patients.

Key Points:

• Eight RCTs involving 610 participants were analyzed, utilizing 11 cognitive assessment tools and 5 tinnitus outcome measures.
• Tinnitus interventions demonstrated a positive effect on improving cognitive functions.
• Cognition and emotion appear crucial for tinnitus adjustment, but their predictive value for treatment outcomes requires further investigation.

Conclusions:

• Tinnitus interventions offer benefits beyond symptom management, showing improvements in cognitive functions.
• Standardized protocols are needed for future research, particularly for sound-based interventions, to assess effects on tinnitus severity and cognition.
• Investigating cognitive function as a predictor for tinnitus therapy effectiveness is a critical area for future studies.