Tinnitus: evaluation of biofeedback and stomatognathic treatment.
Thirty-two patients with disabling tinnitus received stomatognathic treatment and biofeedback therapy according to a cross-over design. The evaluation of treatment outcomes showed some improvements at the group level: decrease of tinnitus intensity, mood improvement and reduction of clinical signs of dysfunction in the masticatory system. Qualitative observations indicated numerous positive changes in patients' emotional and cognitive orientation vis à vis tinnitus. Some possible predictors of positive treatment outcome were observed: comparatively low severity of tinnitus, normal hearing or compensated hearing loss, occlusal interferences, jaw fatigue, diurnal bruxism and fluctuations in tinnitus intensity. Left-sided tinnitus seemed to be a negative predictor of stomatognathic and biofeedback treatment outcome. Consequently, stomatognathic and biofeedback treatment seem to have some positive effects on subgroups of tinnitus patients.
Erlandsson
S I
SI
Department of Psychology, University of Göteborg, Sweden.
Rubinstein
B
B
Carlsson
S G
SG
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology; D004576:Electromyography; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010516:Periodontal Splints / Q000592:standards*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*