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Combined Bifrontal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Auditory Stroop Training in Chronic Tinnitus
Maryam Emadi1, Abdollah Moossavi2, Mehdi Akbari3
1Department of Audiology, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Fahmideh Street, Pazhoohesh Square, Hamadan, Iran.
Summary
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with auditory Stroop training significantly reduces tinnitus severity. This approach improves cognitive control, offering relief for chronic tinnitus sufferers.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Audiology
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Chronic tinnitus is often linked to cognitive control and executive function deficits.
- These cognitive issues may cause, not just complicate, tinnitus.
- Improving inhibitory control shows promise for tinnitus management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with auditory Stroop training for chronic tinnitus.
- To assess the impact on inhibitory control and the ability to ignore tinnitus.
Main Methods:
- 34 chronic tinnitus patients were randomized into two groups.
- Group 1 received active tDCS followed by auditory Stroop training.
- Group 2 received sham tDCS followed by auditory Stroop training. Assessments included audiometry, psychoacoustics, Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
Main Results:
- Significant reductions in THI scores, VAS for loudness, and annoyance were observed.
- Faster reaction times to incongruent Stroop words correlated with improved THI and VAS scores.
- Combined tDCS and Stroop training demonstrated significant tinnitus improvement.
Conclusions:
- Transcranial direct current stimulation and auditory Stroop training effectively alleviate chronic tinnitus symptoms.
- Improvements in cognitive control, specifically inhibitory control, are key to tinnitus management.
- This combined therapy offers a promising non-pharmacological intervention for tinnitus.
