Assessment of Treatment Efficacy in Patients with Chronic Tinnitus: An Ambispective Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION

Tinnitus, a subjective perception of sound without external stimuli, affects millions worldwide, impairing daily function and quality of life. The severity of tinnitus is influenced by associated symptoms such as stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) is a validated tool for assessing tinnitus severity and treatment outcomes. Despite the lack of a definitive cure, multimodal treatments, including pharmacotherapy and Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT), show promise in managing the condition.

AIM

This ambispective cohort study aimed to evaluate treatment efficacy in chronic tinnitus patients without hearing loss, using the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) as an assessment tool.

METHODOLOGY

Forty patients were divided into two groups: Group A received pharmacological treatment alone, while Group B received both pharmacological treatment and tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT). TFI scores were recorded at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months.

RESULTS

Statistical analyses revealed significant improvements in TFI scores in both groups over time, with Group B demonstrating greater improvement, indicating the efficacy of TRT.

CONCLUSION

Our findings underscore the importance of multimodal treatment approaches, particularly TRT, in managing chronic tinnitus without hearing loss. Further research is warranted to refine treatment protocols and enhance patient outcomes.