Auditory and visual 3D virtual reality therapy as a new treatment for chronic subjective tinnitus: Results of a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Subjective tinnitus (ST) is a frequent audiologic condition that still requires effective treatment. This study aimed at evaluating two therapeutic approaches: Virtual Reality (VR) immersion in auditory and visual 3D environments and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). METHODS: This open, randomized and therapeutic equivalence trial used bilateral testing of VR versus CBT. Adult patients displaying unilateral or predominantly unilateral ST, and fulfilling inclusion criteria were included after giving their written informed consent. We measured the different therapeutic effect by comparing the mean scores of validated questionnaires and visual analog scales, pre and post protocol. Equivalence was established if both strategies did not differ for more than a predetermined limit. We used univariate and multivariate analysis adjusted on baseline values to assess treatment efficacy. In addition of this trial, purely exploratory comparison to a waiting list group (WL) was provided. RESULTS: Between August, 2009 and November, 2011, 148 of 162 screened patients were enrolled (VR n = 61, CBT n = 58, WL n = 29). These groups did not differ at baseline for demographic data. Three month after the end of the treatment, we didn't find any difference between VR and CBT groups either for tinnitus severity (p = 0.99) or tinnitus handicap (p = 0.36). CONCLUSION: VR appears to be at least as effective as CBT in unilateral ST patients.

[Cognitive-behavioral therapy in the burning mouth syndrome--a new approach]. / Glossodynie et thérapie cognitive et comportementale. Une nouvelle approche dans le traitement des glossodynies.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to present a new approach of burning mouth syndrome treatment by cognitive and behavioral therapy. METHODS: Cognitive and behavioral therapy in a patient with severe and resistant burning mouth syndrome. RESULTS: Disappearing of the oral pain of the burning mouth syndrome. CONCLUSION: After a review of the literature, we propose the treatment of burning mouth syndrome by cognitive and behavioral therapy.

[Contribution of cognitive and behavioral therapy for patients with tinnitus: implication in anxiety and depression]. / Apport des thérapies cognitives et comportementales dans la prise en charge des acouphènes: implication de l'anxiété et de la dépression.

OBJECTIVES: Tinnitus is a common otologic symptom but, despite important advances in the evaluation and management of such symptom, ENTs often fail to address tinnitus properly. Some tinnitus patients report that tinnitus interferes with activities of daily living, such as reading, social interactions, sleep, concentrating on complex tasks. Anxiety and depression are current major disorders associated with tinnitus. Many theories exist regarding mechanisms of tinnitus origin. A number of publications favors the theory of discordant dysfunction of inner or outer hair cells of the organ of Corti. Nevertheless, some authors insist on the possible role of the central auditory pathways. Multiple functional connections between auditory system, limbic system, autonomic nervous system seem crucial in the development of tinnitus. The aim of this paper is to present a new approach in France of tinnitus treatment by cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: 96 patients with chronic and intense tinnitus were included in the study (38 females, 36 males, mean age 48 years). A CBT was developed after a clinical evaluation based on standardized questionnaires. RESULTS: The two main results are: (i) the importance of anxiety and depression in this population, (ii) the amelioration of tinnitus perception in 750f the included patients. CONCLUSION: CBT shows promise as a treatment of tinnitus-related distress.