Impact of the recruitment survey of tinnitus patients for the validation of Enriched Acoustic Environment therapy in Ecuador

Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the absence of an external acoustic estimation. However, Jastreboff and Jastreboff (2000) define it as the perception of sound resulting from the activity of the nervous system, without any mechanical vibratory activity in the cochlea (p. 163). Although nowadays this pathology has no cure, recent studies demonstrate that proper therapies can provide some relief if they are applied in an early stage. This work is the description of the procedure for the recruitment of valid patients, and the collection of documentation of their clinical histories, prior to the experimental validation of Enriched Acoustic Environment therapy (EAE). It is the first time that a validation of this therapy has been carried out in Ecuador; consequently, several demographic factors must also be taken into account, since the social, cultural, climatological, and geographical characteristics could be of importance.