title: The efficacy of auditory perceptual training for tinnitus: a systematic review.
abstract: Auditory perceptual training affects neural plasticity and so represents a potential strategy for tinnitus management. We assessed the effects of auditory perceptual training on tinnitus perception and/or its intrusiveness via a systematic review of published literature. An electronic database search using the keywords 'tinnitus and learning' or 'tinnitus and training' was conducted, updated by a hand search. The ten studies identified were reviewed independently by two reviewers, data were extracted, study quality was assessed according to a number of specific criteria and the information was synthesised using a narrative approach. Nine out of the ten studies reported some significant change in either self-reported or psychoacoustic outcome measures after auditory training. However, all studies were quality rated as providing low or moderate levels of evidence for an effect. We identify a need for appropriately randomised and controlled studies that will generate high-quality unbiased and generalisable evidence to ascertain whether or not auditory perceptual training has a clinically relevant effect on tinnitus.
authors.affiliation: National Biomedical Research Unit in Hearing, 113 The Ropewalk, Nottingham, UK. derek.hoare@nottingham.ac.uk
authors.forename: Derek J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Hoare
authors.forename: Paula C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Stacey
authors.forename: Deborah A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Hall
mesh_terms: D001307:Auditory Perception; D006801:Humans; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome