title: Heidelberg Neuro-Music Therapy for chronic-tonal tinnitus - treatment outline and psychometric evaluation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Musical training positively influences the cortical plasticity of the brain and has proven to be effective in treating chronic tinnitus.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  A neuro-music therapy concept, the "Heidelberg Neuro-Music Therapy" treatment was developed and evaluated.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective, cross-sectional design was used.
  
  
  METHODS
  N = 135 patients (mean age 47 years) with chronic, tonal tinnitus attended a standardized protocol for Neuro-Music Therapy (either "standard therapy" ST or "compact therapy" CT). The results were compared to a cognitive behavioral placebo music therapy procedure (PT). Tinnitus distress was assessed using the German version of the Tinnitus-Questionnaire (TQ) at admission, at discharge and six months after therapy. Changes were assessed statistically and by means of clinical significance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  TQ scores significantly improved - independent of group allocation. But more than 80% of the music therapy patients (both ST and CT) revealed a reliable improvement ("responder") compared to 44% in the PT group. Therapy impact seems to be lasting since TQ scores remained stable until follow-up at six months.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The "Heidelberg Neuro-Music Therapy" is a method with fast onset and long lasting effect for patients with "tonal" tinnitus. A number of potential working factors accounting for the treatment success are highlighted.
authors.forename: Heike
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Argstatter
authors.forename: Miriam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Grapp
authors.forename: Peter K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Plinkert
authors.forename: Hans Volker
authors.initials: HV
authors.lastname: Bolay
mesh_terms: D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D009147:Music Therapy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011594:Psychometrics; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome