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Cochrane LibraryCognitive-Behavioral TherapyTinnitus/VertigoYoga

Cognitive behavioral therapy for tinnitus

JR

Tinnitus is hearing a sound in the ear or in the head in the absence of external acoustic stimulation.

This Cochrane review assessed whether cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective in managing this condition.

First, the details.

  • 8 studies in 468 participants were included.

And, the results.

  • For subjective tinnitus loudness
    • No evidence of a difference with CBT vs no treatment or any other treatment (yoga, education, and ‘minimal contact – education’).
  • Quality of life
    • Tinnitus improved with CBT vs no treatment or another treatment (education and ‘minimal contact education’).
  • Depression
    • Improved with CBT vs no treatment.
    • No benefit in depression with CBT vs other treatments (yoga, education and ‘minimal contact – education’).
  • There were no side effects reported in any study.

The bottom line?

The authors concluded, “CBT has a positive effect on the management of tinnitus.”

There was no evidence of a significant difference in the subjective loudness of tinnitus. However, depression and quality of life (decrease of global tinnitus severity) improved significantly.

9/12/10 21:05 JR

Hi, I’m JR

John Russo, Jr., PharmD, is president of The MedCom Resource, Inc. Previously, he was senior vice president of medical communications at www.Vicus.com, a complementary and alternative medicine website.

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