Thermal biofeedback and the treatment of tinnitus

Thermal biofeedback and general relaxation procedures were employed to treat 32 patients with subjective tinnitus. Each patient received eight 1-hour biofeedback sessions over an eight-week period, while listening to standard Jacobsonian type relaxation tapes. Sixty-five percent of the patients experienced a reduction of their symptoms. While none reported worsening of their symptoms, only two reported total symptom abatement. Findings suggest relaxation and peripheral vascular circulation are inversely related to the intensity of tinnitus symptoms. The probability that an individual will benefit from biofeedback appears related to his/her ego strength (Es). No differences were noted between the performance of male and female patients. Although not fail-safe, biofeedback and relaxation treatment are excellent management tools in the treatment of tinnitus.