Estimation of factors influencing the results of tinnitus retraining therapy.

Abstract

Conclusion: The factors of tinnitus loudness and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) score in tinnitus patients have the potential to relate to therapeutic results of tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT).

Objectives: To confirm what factors in tinnitus influence the results of TRT.

Patients and methods: Twelve factors were investigated in 53 patients with tinnitus, examining the relationship between these factors and the results of TRT. A THI score was determined before and 6 months after TRT introduction (pre- and post-TRT). Moreover, the change of THI score from pre- to post-TRT (delta THI) was referred to as the therapeutic effect of TRT. Based on the 12 factors, subjects were respectively divided into two groups, comparing delta THI between groups.

Results: Two groups of greater tinnitus loudness and higher THI score showed significant increases in delta THI, indicating that two factors of tinnitus loudness and THI score were related to the therapeutic effect of TRT.