Phase-shift treatment for predominant tone tinnitus.
OBJECTIVE
To independently evaluate phase-shift treatment for predominant tone tinnitus.


METHODS
Prospective, single-blinded crossover study.


METHODS
61 subjects with predominant tone tinnitus participated in 2 weeks of control and 2 weeks of phase-shift treatment. Frequency and intensity matching, pre- and post-treatment tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) scores, and patient diaries were outcome measures.


RESULTS
Initial volume comparisons show a strong relationship between treatment and decrease in tinnitus intensity, with 57% of patients achieving successful treatment. Thirty-seven percent decreased by one THI grade, 5% by two. Utilizing patient diaries, 42% of patients reported periods of complete residual inhibition (CRI) ranging from 1 hour to 7 days (average 2 days). No periods of CRI were reported in control weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
Phase-shift treatment significantly benefited the majority of our patients. These outcomes suggest that this device may be a valuable tool. Further long-term studies with home therapy are warranted.
Lipman
Ruthann I
RI
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, PA 16508, USA. ruthann.lipman@gmail.com
Lipman
Sidney P
SP
D000161:Acoustic Stimulation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010470:Perceptual Masking; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome