Effects of tinnitus retraining therapy on patients with tinnitus: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Abstract

Purpose: This review aims to explore the influences of tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) on patients with tinnitus.

Methods: PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDro, SCOPUS, and Web of Science were screened for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that explored the effects of TRT on patients with tinnitus from inception to June 30, 2024. The methodological quality of the included RCTs was evaluated using the physiotherapy evidence database (PEDro) scale.

Results: Fifteen studies met our eligibility criteria. A total of 2069 patients with tinnitus (mean age 52.93 years; 66% male) were involved in the present review. The quality of the selected studies ranged from 5 to 8 on the PEDro scale, with a median score of 7. TRT did not provide superior effects in treating patients with tinnitus compared to tinnitus masking (TM), tinnitus educational counselling (TED), TRT with open ear hearing aids, Tailor-made notched music training (TMNMT), partial TRT, usual care, and smart TRT.

Conclusions: TRT intervention is considered a treatment option for patients with tinnitus. Combining TRT with other interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, pharmacotherapy, or tDS, may show even greater efficacy. Additional studies are strongly required to recognize the long-term effects of TRT on tinnitus, determine who most likely would benefit from the intervention regarding tinnitus type and severity, and identify the optimal treatment protocol.