Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Managing Chronic Tinnitus

Background and Objectives Cognitive behavioral therapy, with recent adaptations integrating mindfulness meditation techniques, is an established evidence-based treatment for tinnitus. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in alleviating tinnitus-related distress.Subjects and Method Between June and November 2024, 20 adults with subjective tinnitus were prospectively enrolled, excluding those with identifiable etiologies, severe hearing loss, or other otologic conditions. Participants completed 5 weekly 60-minute MBCT sessions. Tinnitus severity was assessed using the tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) and its subscales (functional subscale of the THI [THI-F], emotional subscale of the THI [THI-E], catastrophic subscale of the THI [THI-C]), along with Visual Analogue Scale ratings for awareness (VASAW), loudness (VAS-LD), annoyance (VAS-AN), and effect of tinnitus on life (VAS-EOL) at the baseline and at 2 weeks post-treatment. Mental well-being was evaluated using the Korean version of the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS).Results The mean age of the 20 participants consisting of 8 males and 12 females was 56.40 ±16.71 years. THI scores significantly improved from 41.00±20.02 to 31.90±20.49 (<i>p</i>= 0.005), with significant reductions in THI-F (<i>p</i>=0.012). While reductions in THI-E (<i>p</i>=0.052) and THI-C (<i>p</i>=0.081) were observed, they did not reach statistical significance. A clinically meaningful reduction in THI (≥7-point decrease) was observed in 65% of the participants. Significant improvements were observed in VAS-AN (<i>p</i>=0.021), VAS-EOL (<i>p</i>=0.022), and WEMWBS scores (<i>p</i>=0.006).Conclusion MBCT significantly reduces tinnitus-related distress, enhances the quality of life in individuals with tinnitus, and exhibits high adherence and acceptability, positioning it as a promising therapeutic approach for tinnitus.