Tinnitus sound amplification and masking therapy: Treatment and outcomes at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Abstract

BackgroundTinnitus is burdensome to many patients. Sound amplification and masking therapy has been useful for some patients. MethodRetrospective chart review of patients treated for tinnitus at a single academic medical center over a 12-month period. Information on treatment course and outcomes was collected and analyzed. Statistical comparisons were made using a t-test for paired means. ResultsIn 2021, 141 patients were evaluated for tinnitus sound amplification and masking therapy at our medical center. Average age at presentation was 55.2. Average onset was 6–7 years before presentation. Tinnitus perception was decreased in patients who received a trial of amplification and masking therapy, from 9.2 out of 20 at baseline to 6.1 with amplification and 3.2 with amplification and masking at the initial visit. The difference in each of these values is statistically significant. Nine patients recorded a Tinnitus Handicap Index (THI), which measures tinnitus burden, before and after being treated with amplification and masking therapy. These nine patients saw a decrease in THI from 39.6/100 to 19.1/100, which was also statistically significant. LimitationsThis study has several limitations. Our data are from a single clinic over one year with limited follow up information, and it is a retrospective study. ConclusionOur data showed benefit in sound amplification and masking therapy for the treatment of tinnitus. Patients treated with amplification and masking therapy showed a statistically significant decrease in perception of their tinnitus during their in-office demonstration. Long term data are still needed. Our data contribute to the broader discussion on the proper treatment course of tinnitus and the most effective measures.