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EEG Spectral Analysis of Tinnitus Sound Therapy: Meta-Analysis.
Xueyan Wang1, Sisi Liu1, Yanjun Jia2
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
Journal of Otology
|May 14, 2026
Summary
Sound therapy (ST) shows potential for tinnitus treatment by modulating brainwave activity, specifically delta and alpha power. Further research with larger sample sizes is needed to confirm these findings and advance precision tinnitus therapeutics.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Audiology
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Chronic subjective tinnitus impacts 15-20% of adults globally, severely affecting quality of life for 3-5%.
- Sound therapy (ST) is a primary intervention, but its underlying neuromodulatory mechanisms require further elucidation due to a lack of objective biomarkers.
- Electroencephalography (EEG) offers a potential avenue for objective biomarker development in tinnitus research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effects of sound therapy (ST) on EEG spectral power in tinnitus patients.
- To investigate ST-induced changes in delta (0.5-4 Hz) and alpha (8-14 Hz) brainwave activity.
- To assess the potential of EEG as an objective biomarker for monitoring ST efficacy in tinnitus.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search following PRISMA guidelines across major databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase) from 1977-2025.
- Inclusion of RCTs with pre/post-ST EEG data in delta and alpha bands; data extraction and bias assessment by two independent reviewers.
- Meta-analysis of standardized mean differences (SMDs) using fixed/random-effects models to pool EEG spectral power changes.
Main Results:
- Two RCTs (n=71) met inclusion criteria, revealing non-significant trends towards increased delta (SMD=0.11) and alpha (SMD=0.09) power post-ST.
- Customized ST showed a trend towards greater alpha enhancement compared to controls (SMD=0.40, P=0.13).
- Alpha power changes exhibited moderate consistency across studies (I²=39%).
Conclusions:
- Sound therapy appears to induce measurable delta and alpha power modulation, suggesting potential mechanisms involving inhibitory neurotransmission and attentional regulation.
- Limited statistical significance due to small sample sizes highlights the need for larger studies.
- EEG shows promise as an objective tool for monitoring tinnitus treatment response, supporting a 'dual-band synergistic neuromodulation' framework for ST.
