Tinnitus management by improving resilience using exposure in virtual reality: a scoping review.

PURPOSE

To investigate effectiveness of Virtual Reality (VR) on tinnitus burden in adult patients, and which improvements can be implemented. Literature review focuses on VR's usability as a tinnitus management tool, and on comparison with standard care.

METHODS

Systematic search of PubMed and Google Scholar databases, covering articles from 2000 to 2024. We used MeSH terms "VR," "Virtual Reality," and "3D immersion" combined with "tinnitus," applying filters for clinical trials and randomized controlled trials. In Google Scholar, the advanced search function was used. Only English peer reviewed articles were included. Studies were selected based on PICOS (Patient Intervention Comparison Outcome Study) criteria, including adult patients receiving VR therapy with outcomes measured by questionnaires.

RESULTS

Of the 17 initially identified articles, 10 remained after removing duplicates, and 2 studies were ultimately included for detailed review. Data extraction followed the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, with independent reviewers charting data. Primary outcomes included change in functional limitations, mood and distress. Results suggest beneficial findings of VR immersion equivalent to standard care. However, the clinical significance remains unclear due to small sample and effect sizes and short follow-up periods.

CONCLUSIONS

VR therapy shows promise as a potential tool for managing tinnitus, particularly due to its independence from therapists and shorter treatment duration, while being as effective as usual care. Further research with larger sample sizes, extended follow-up periods and incorporation of minimal clinically important differences (MCID) is necessary to validate effectiveness and scalability as an intervention for tinnitus resilience enhancement. Suggestions are given for content optimization.