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Initial Response to Combination Therapies for Tinnitus: Lessons Learned From a Retrospective Analysis
Seung-Ho Shin1, Sung Wan Byun, Ho Yun Lee
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Summary
Directive counseling significantly reduced tinnitus effects in a majority of patients. While other therapies like hearing aids and neuromodulation showed limited impact, counseling remains the primary treatment for tinnitus management.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Audiology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Tinnitus, a common auditory perception, significantly impacts quality of life.
- Optimal treatment strategies for tinnitus are continuously being investigated.
- General otology clinics seek effective, combinable therapies for tinnitus management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the initial reduction of tinnitus symptoms using combined therapies.
- To establish optimal treatment strategies for tinnitus in a clinical setting.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study involving 151 patients with subjective tinnitus.
- Utilized combination therapies including counseling, hearing aids, medication, and neuromodulation.
- Assessed tinnitus severity using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) at baseline and 1-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- 31.8% of participants achieved a significant improvement (≥20 points) in THI scores.
- Directive counseling demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in THI scores.
- Hearing aids and neuromodulation were not significant prognostic factors for tinnitus improvement.
Conclusions:
- Directive counseling, based on the neurophysiological model, is the most effective initial treatment for most tinnitus patients.
- Some patients may benefit from adjunctive therapies such as hearing aids, medications, or neuromodulation alongside counseling.
