Positive Health Online

Abstract

ANDERSSON and LYTTKENS, Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Sweden, Gerhard.Andersson@psyk.uu.se reviewed the psychological treatment of tinnitus using meta-analysis .

Background

Meta-analysis combines results from different studies to obtain estimates of effects across studies . To date, meta-analysis has rarely been used in audiological research.

Methodology

The outcomes of 18 studies, including 24 samples and up to 700 patients, were included and coded. Studies included those on cognitive/cognitive-behavioural treatment, relaxation, hypnosis, biofeedback, educational sessions and problem solving. Effect sizes for perceived tinnitus loudness, annoyance, negative affect (e.g. depression) and sleep problems were calculated for randomized controlled studies, pre-/post-treatment design studies and follow-up results.

Results

There were strong to moderate effects on tinnitus annoyance for controlled studies, pre-/post designs and follow-ups. Effects on tinnitus loudness were weaker and these disappeared at follow-up. Effects on tinnitus loudness were also obtained for measures of negative affect and sleep problems. Exploratory analyses revealed that cognitive-behavioural treatments were more effective on ratings of annoyance in controlled studies .

Conclusion

Psychological treatment for tinnitus is effective, but aspects such as depression and sleep problems may need targeting in future studies.

References

Andersson G, Lyttkens L. A meta-analytic review of psychological treatments of tinnitus. British Journal of Audiology 33 (4): 201-10. Aug 1999.