Client-centered hypnotherapy for tinnitus: who is likely to benefit?

In this study we prospectively analyzed 41 patients, 15 females and 26 males with a mean age of 54, who underwent three sessions of client-centered hypnotherapy for their tinnitus. Of these patients, 28 (68%) showed some benefit for their tinnitus 3 months after completing their hypnosis, and 13 (32%) showed no evidence of improvement for their tinnitus. Hearing loss was associated with a nonbeneficial outcome for tinnitus treated with hypnotherapy. Of the nonbeneficial group, 46% had a hearing loss of 30 db or more in their better-hearing ear compared to less than 15% in the beneficial group, a significant difference (X2 = 6.34, df = 1, p < 0.02). Client-centered hypnotherapy can be offered to anyone who wants to have therapy for their tinnitus; in those with significant hearing loss the benefit may be less.