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Patients with Tinnitus: Their Perspective on Sound Generators
Bérangère Villatte1,2,3, Charlotte Bigras1,2,3, Philippe Fournier3,4
1School of Speech Pathology and Audiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.
Noise & Health
|June 27, 2025
Summary
First-time users of sound therapy (ST) for chronic tinnitus reported varied experiences with sound generators. Patient perceptions were influenced by factors like noise sensitivity and appreciation, highlighting the need for further research into ST effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Audiology and Otolaryngology
- Psychology and Behavioral Medicine
Background:
- Sound therapy (ST) is a recognized treatment for tinnitus.
- Limited research exists on patient perspectives regarding sound generators for tinnitus management.
- Understanding user experience is crucial for optimizing ST interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the perspectives of first-time sound generator users on sound therapy for chronic tinnitus.
- To explore patient perceptions of sound generators and their effects on tinnitus symptoms.
- To identify key themes in the subjective experience of sound therapy.
Main Methods:
- A qualitative study involving 29 adult patients with chronic tinnitus undergoing a 3-week sound therapy trial.
- Participants used hearing aids with built-in sound generators delivering individualized broadband noise.
- Semistructured interviews were conducted one month post-trial, analyzed using an interpretive description approach.
Main Results:
- Five primary themes emerged: effects during generator use, effects after removal, perception of generated noise, untargeted effects, and purchasing intentions.
- Themes were further detailed into subthemes, providing nuanced insights into patient experiences.
- Initial noise hypersensitivity, hearing loss, and noise appreciation significantly influenced perceived benefits.
Conclusions:
- Short-term sound therapy shows uncertain overall perceived benefits, influenced by individual patient factors.
- Future research should control for variables like noise sensitivity and hearing loss.
- Further investigation into tailored sound effects and physiological modulation of tinnitus is recommended for improved patient counseling.
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