Khaberni - A recent study found that a type of online psychological therapy, commonly used to treat anxiety and depression, may also help alleviate the psychological impact of tinnitus.
Tinnitus is a common condition that causes a constant sound like buzzing or ringing inside the ears, and its impact is not limited to the auditory aspect but also extends to negatively affect the mental health of those affected, and no definitive treatment is available yet.
In this context, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (ICBT) can relieve this psychological burden. The study included 49 participants with an average age of 54 years, who underwent an eight-week treatment program.
During the program, participants used a digital version of the "Facing Tinnitus" program, which is usually presented in person, which included completing exercises and short tests, watching videos, and reviewing graphics, along with regular follow-up with an audiologist who provided weekly online feedback.
The results showed that the treatment had a positive, albeit limited, effect on levels of anxiety, depression, and insomnia, as well as on overall life satisfaction. Importantly, this effect lasted for up to six years after the treatment ended.
After this period, 39% of the participants reported a significant reduction in their suffering from tinnitus, and more than half reported a slight improvement in their mental health.
On the other hand, the treatment did not improve hearing ability itself, as the researchers clarified that its effect is focused on alleviating the psychological suffering associated with the condition, and not on physically treating it.
Despite these positive results, the researchers pointed to some limitations, the most prominent of which was the withdrawal of a large number of participants during the study, which could affect the accuracy of the results. The study started with 138 participants, but only 49 completed it.
Nevertheless, the research team believes that the results are encouraging and support the need for further studies to understand the long-term benefits of this type of therapy.
They also pointed out that digital therapy could represent a practical option, especially given the long waiting lists and economic pressures, as it allows patients access to support at any time and to refer back to therapeutic materials as needed, without the necessity of frequent visits to health centers.
The researchers also noted that relying on these digital solutions could help healthcare systems better allocate resources, by reserving in-person appointments for cases that truly need them.
