title: Evaluation of a customized acoustical stimulus system in the treatment of chronic tinnitus.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a customized acoustical stimulus (Neuromonics) system in the treatment of chronic tinnitus.
  
  
  METHODS
  Multi-institutional prospective.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nine U.S. Tertiary Otological referral centers; ambulatory.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty-two adults with chronic tinnitus for a minimum of 6 months, with poor or no response to previous treatments, and not undergoing concomitant therapies were enrolled.
  
  
  METHODS
  Treatment was delivered in 2 stages: Stage 1 consisted of stimulation with the patient-customized musical tracks and white noise masking of the tinnitus for 2 months, 2 to 4 hours a day. Stage 2 consisted of listening to the same tracks, with no tinnitus masking for 4 months. Both phases included education, cognitive therapy, and periodic follow-up.
  
  
  METHODS
  Treatment response was measured through validated psychometric testing: the Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory. Other measures included the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale and loudness discomfort levels.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patients' responses were recorded from 38 patients at 6 months, 28 patients at 12 months, and 12 patients at 24 months after initiation of treatment. A total of 14 patients withdrew or were lost to follow-up, and the rest had not reached the 12- or 24-month testing interval. The Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire score was significantly reduced in 74% of patients at 12 months and 84% of patients at 24 months. Tinnitus Handicap Inventory scores were significantly reduced in 77% of patients at 12 months and 50% at 24 months.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The customized acoustical stimulus system offers a safe and effective means of tinnitus management for patients with chronic tinnitus.
authors: Silverstein Institute, Sarasota, Florida 34239, USA. jwazen@earsinus.com
authors: Jack J
authors: JJ
authors: Wazen
authors: Julie
authors: J
authors: Daugherty
authors: Karen
authors: K
authors: Pinsky
authors: Craig W
authors: CW
authors: Newman
authors: Sharon
authors: S
authors: Sandridge
authors: Robert
authors: R
authors: Battista
authors: Patricia
authors: P
authors: Ramos
authors: William
authors: W
authors: Luxford
mesh_terms: D000161:Acoustic Stimulation; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011594:Psychometrics; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome