Smartphone-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Customized Sound Therapy for Tinnitus: A Randomized Controlled...

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Behavioral Medicine
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Tinnitus, a prevalent condition, significantly impacts quality of life.
• Existing treatments for tinnitus have varying efficacy and accessibility.
• Smartphone-based interventions offer a scalable approach to managing chronic conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of a mobile application delivering tinnitus-specific cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and personalized sound therapy.
• To evaluate the impact of the digital intervention on tinnitus severity, anxiety, depression, stress, and sleep quality.

Main Methods:

• A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted with 92 tinnitus patients.
• The intervention group received daily sound therapy and weekly interactive CBT modules via a smartphone app.
• The control group was waitlisted. Outcome measures were assessed at 8 weeks using validated questionnaires (TFI, GAD-7, PHQ-9, PSS, PSQI).

Main Results:

• The treatment group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) scores (16.7 vs 1.9, P < .001).
• Significant reductions were observed in depression (PHQ-9: 1.9 vs -0.7, P = .002), anxiety (GAD-7: 1.1 vs -0.9, P = .009), and sleep quality (PSQI: 2.5 vs -1.1, P < .001) in the treatment group.
• 38.3% of treatment participants achieved a TFI improvement of ≥20, with notable improvements in moderate-severe depression, anxiety, and sleep difficulties.

Conclusions:

• A smartphone application integrating CBT and customized sound therapy is effective for tinnitus management.
• The digital intervention successfully reduced tinnitus symptom severity and improved associated psychological and sleep disturbances.
• This novel approach offers a promising, accessible treatment option for individuals suffering from tinnitus.