Effects of Tinnitus Retraining Therapy with Different Colours of Sound.

BACKGROUND: In Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) sound stimulation is conventionally performed with low-level broadband sound generators; since the patient has to receive it for many hours in a day, it is important that the sound is tolerable and agreeable to the patient. A clinical trial was undertaken to evaluate the effect of different colour sound generators on tinnitus. The colour of a sound refers to the power spectrum of the signal. The sound generators used in this study provide the option to choose the preferred or most acceptable sound among white, red and pink noise. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Changes in Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and Numeric Rating Scales were measured in 20 patients after 3 and 6 months following the fitting of ear-level multi-colour sound generators. The outcomes were compared to a similar group of 20 participants receiving the same management except through conventional white noise sound generators. Significant improvements were obtained in both groups following 3 and 6 months after fitting. No significant difference was found between the two groups using one or the other type of sound. Two thirds of the patient preferred white noise, making it the most appealing amongst the options. The rest of the patients indicated red noise as the preferred sound given that it reminded them of soothing noises like shower or rainfall. No one chose pink noise. CONCLUSIONS: TRT with different colour sound generators is effective in reducing the discomfort caused by tinnitus in normal hearing patients. Enabling the patients to choose their preferred sound after short trial periods achieved higher patient satisfaction. This practice could help tailor individualized treatment for each patient.

The effect of a gluten-free diet on a patient complaining of severe tinnitus.

We report a case of a patient complaining of severe high pitched tinnitus, dizziness, joint/muscle pain and gastrointestinal symptoms. A mild high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss of cochlear origin was diagnosed in the ear where tinnitus was present. The patient reported a considerable decrease in tinnitus and other symptoms with a gluten-free diet. Gluten sensitivity may have contributed to the pathogenesis of tinnitus in our patient; further research is needed to determine the exact role of gluten in this condition.

Questionnaires to evaluate anxiety and depressive levels in tinnitus patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the most common instruments used to quantify tinnitus and the level of anxiety and depression experienced by patients in order to provide a guideline for otolaryngologists. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 108 tinnitus patients were submitted to a series of instruments, including Visual Analogue Scales (VAS), Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), State Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y (STAI-T), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). These instruments were chosen based on their psychometric properties, time of administration, and validity in many countries. RESULTS: Of the patients studied, 24 percent had severe tinnitus, 35 percent had anxiety disorders, and 13 percent had a depressive pathosis. Significant correlations between STAI-T and THI scores (P < 0.001), and between BDI and THI scores were shown (P < 0.001). The same results were found with VAS. CONCLUSION: If a patient reports a THI greater than 38, the otolaryngologist should supplement diagnostic studies with a psychological consultation.