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Randomized controlled trial of a smartphone-based cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic tinnitus
Uso Walter1, Stefan Pennig2, Tanja Kottmann3
1ENT Practice Walter & Zander, Duisburg and mynoise GmbH, Duisburg, Germany.
PLOS Digital Health
|September 7, 2023
Summary
This study shows a tinnitus app significantly reduced tinnitus distress and anxiety in patients. The smartphone intervention demonstrated a clinically relevant effect on self-reported tinnitus management.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Digital Health
- Psychology
Background:
- Tinnitus, the perception of phantom sounds, causes significant distress and anxiety.
- Cognitive behavioral treatments are effective for managing chronic tinnitus.
- Smartphone-based interventions offer a novel approach to tinnitus management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a smartphone-based tinnitus app (Kalmeda Tinnitus app).
- To assess the app's impact on tinnitus distress and related psychological parameters over a 3-month period.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 187 participants with chronic tinnitus.
- Intervention group used the Kalmeda Tinnitus app for 9 months; control group had a 3-month delayed start.
- The Tinnitus Questionnaire (TQ) was the primary outcome measure.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant and clinically relevant reduction in TQ sum score was observed in the intervention group (p<0.001, Cohen's d = 1.1).
- Improvements were noted in Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ9) and Perceived-Stress-Questionnaire (PSQ20) scores.
- Self Efficacy-Optimism-Pessimism short form (SWOP-K9) scores remained unchanged; no treatment-related side effects were reported.
Conclusions:
- The Kalmeda Tinnitus app effectively decreases tinnitus distress.
- The app shows a clinically relevant impact on patients' self-reported management of tinnitus.
- Digital health interventions are promising for chronic tinnitus management.
