Exploring the interaction between emotional states and tinnitus severity before and after a sound therapy intervention

This study examines the interaction between emotional states (anxiety and depression) and tinnitus severity in individuals undergoing a four-month sound therapy intervention. 43 participants (28 males and 15 females) of a study on four-month sound therapy of tinnitus were recruited and their tinnitus severity (Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, THI, and Tinnitus Functional Index, TFI) and emotional state (Hospitalary Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS) were assessed before and after finishing the treatment. The participants, predominantly with moderate tinnitus, showed a significant reduction in tinnitus-related distress, with a mean reduction of approximately 30 points on both the THI and the TFI. Analysis revealed significant gender differences, with women experiencing higher baseline tinnitus distress but higher response to sound therapy. Emotional state assessments revealed moderate levels of anxiety and depression at baseline, which decreased significantly after therapy, particularly in women. Correlational analyses revealed a strong relationship between changes in emotional state and tinnitus severity, with reductions in anxiety and depression associated with improved tinnitus outcomes. The results highlight the complex relationship between emotional well-being and tinnitus severity and underline the potential of sound therapy to alleviate both emotional distress and tinnitus symptoms.