Neuromonics tinnitus treatment for patients with significant level of hearing loss: an adaptation of the protocol.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aimed to explore a variation of the NTT standard protocol that would be more beneficial for those patients with hearing loss >50 dB HL in the worst ear (average hearing thresholds at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 KHz).

STUDY SAMPLE

This study involved 26 subjects who had previously undergone NTT at a single private practice.

DESIGN

Patients with high level of hearing loss were divided into two groups: Standard protocol group (SP) concluded the treatment following the standard NTT protocol proposed by the treatment's developers and Neuromonics guidelines. Extended protocol group (EP) was treated using a variation of the standard protocol, in which patients continued in stage 1 of the treatment for a prolonged time. Consistent with previously reported studies of the NTT, the tinnitus reaction questionnaire was used to assess tinnitus distress. Clinical outcomes for the two groups were analysed.

RESULTS

Both groups achieved statistically significant improvement of their tinnitus distress. EP group achieved quicker clinical benefits when compared to the SP group.

CONCLUSIONS

Extension of high stimulation period from two to four months may be beneficial for patients with higher level of hearing loss undergoing NTT.