Comparison of Enriched Acoustic Environment and White Noise as Sound Stimuli for Tinnitus Treatment: A 4-Month Feasibility Study

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: This study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of three sound therapies-enriched acoustic environment with random noise (EAERR), enriched acoustic environment with gamma tones (EAEGT), and white noise (WN)-in alleviating tinnitus distress and enhancing emotional well-being. <b>Methods</b>: A total of 125 individuals with tinnitus were recruited, with 92 completing the four-month intervention. Following counseling, participants selected a therapy and listened daily for one hour for four-months at the mixing point intensity. Tinnitus severity and emotional state were assessed at the baseline and post-treatment using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). <b>Results</b>: All therapies significantly reduced tinnitus distress and improved emotional well-being, with 80.4% of participants reporting benefits. <b>Conclusions</b>: These findings suggest that sound therapies are effective for tinnitus management, though further research with larger and more homogeneous samples is needed to refine their application and optimize treatment for diverse tinnitus profiles.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Brain Sciences
Published
2025-03-26
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15040342
Citations
2
Primary Topic
Hearing, Cochlea, Tinnitus, Genetics
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
2.93
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Comparison of Enriched Acoustic Environment and White Noise as Sound Stimuli for Tinnitus Treatment: A 4-Month Feasibility Study

Pedro Cobo, Ricardo Sanz‐Fernández, Marı́a Cuesta, M. Ledesma
2 citations
Brain Sciences
Hearing, Cochlea, Tinnitus, Genetics
2.93
article

Comparison of Enriched Acoustic Environment and White Noise as Sound Stimuli for Tinnitus Treatment: A 4-Month Feasibility Study

Pedro Cobo, Ricardo Sanz‐Fernández, Marı́a Cuesta, M. Ledesma
article en
2 citations

Abstract

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: This study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of three sound therapies-enriched acoustic environment with random noise (EAERR), enriched acoustic environment with gamma tones (EAEGT), and white noise (WN)-in alleviating tinnitus distress and enhancing emotional well-being. <b>Methods</b>: A total of 125 individuals with tinnitus were recruited, with 92 completing the four-month intervention. Following counseling, participants selected a therapy and listened daily for one hour for four-months at the mixing point intensity. Tinnitus severity and emotional state were assessed at the baseline and post-treatment using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). <b>Results</b>: All therapies significantly reduced tinnitus distress and improved emotional well-being, with 80.4% of participants reporting benefits. <b>Conclusions</b>: These findings suggest that sound therapies are effective for tinnitus management, though further research with larger and more homogeneous samples is needed to refine their application and optimize treatment for diverse tinnitus profiles.

Brain SciencesVol. 15(4)
Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (ES), Instituto de Tecnologías Físicas y de la Información “Leonardo Torres Quevedo” (ES), Universidad Europea de Madrid (ES)
Openalex Percentile: Top 12%
Hearing, Cochlea, Tinnitus, Genetics
2.93
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.