ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Using a randomized group design, the efficacy of an outpatient cognitive-behavioral Tinnitus Coping Training (TCT) was compared to two minimal-contact (MC) interventions. METHODS: TCT was conducted in a group format with 11 sessions (total n=43). One MC [MC-E (education), n=16] consisted of two group sessions in which education on tinnitus was presented and self-help strategies were introduced. The second MC [MC-R (relaxation), n=16] comprised four sessions. Besides education, music-supported relaxation was suggested as self-help strategy and audiotapes with relaxing music were provided. Furthermore, a waiting-list control group was installed (WC, n=20). Data were assessed at baseline (pretherapy) and at posttherapy period. Only TCT was additionally evaluated at a 6-month and a 12-month follow-up. Several outcome variables (e.g., awareness of tinnitus) were recorded in a tinnitus diary. Tinnitus coping and disability due to tinnitus were assessed by questionnaires. Subjective ratings of improvement were also requested from the patients. Furthermore, inventories of psychopathology were given to the patients. RESULTS: Findings reveal highly significant improvements in TCT in comparison to the control group (WC). MC interventions do not differ significantly from each other, but are superior to WC in a few domains of outcome. Outcome in TCT is somewhat superior to combined MC interventions in two domains of data, but not regarding disability reduction. Effect sizes, nevertheless, indicate distinct differences in degree of improvement, with TCT achieving the best results. CONCLUSIONS: A sequential scheme for the treatment of chronic tinnitus is discussed on the basis of cost-effectiveness considerations.
Subject(s)
Ambulatory Care , Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/methods , Teaching/methods , Tinnitus/therapy , Adaptation, Psychological , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Chronic Disease , Disability Evaluation , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Psychotherapy, Group/methods , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
Two non-medical treatment strategies for chronic idiopathic tinnitus were evaluated in a randomized control group design. A cognitive-behavioural tinnitus coping training (TCT) was developed and compared to yoga and a self-monitoring control condition. Forty-three chronic tinnitus patients, were assessed at baseline, directly after therapy, and at 3 months follow-up. For evaluation, differential psychoacoustic variables were registered, a tinnitus diary as well as the Tinnitus Questionnaire and different measures of general well-being were used. Statistical analyses showed effects favouring the TCT treatment in comparison to the control and yoga treatment. The TCT-treated patients reported more satisfaction with the training than the yoga group. Participants in the self-monitoring control group were treated either by TCT or yoga after a waiting period. The outcome in this group was even better than in the experimental groups while yoga again showed rather poor effects.
