A Study of the Effect of Sound Therapy in People with Mild Tinnitus

Purpose: Tinnitus refers to the maladaptive perception of sound in the absence of external sounds. Sound therapy is a representative rehabilitation option that has been used to relieve the adverse effects of tinnitus. It helps to reduce the discomfort caused by tinnitus by providing various external background noises to those suffering from tinnitus. The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of sound therapy on tinnitus relief in people with mild tinnitus. Methods: Twelve participants with mild tinnitus participated in this study. Sound therapy was performed for 3 months using a customized mobile phone application. Broadband noise was used as the sound therapy stimulus. The level of stimulus was set to the level of the mixing point. The Korean version of the Tinnitus Primary Function Questionnaire (K-TPFQ) score, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, and tinnitus loudness level were recorded as outcome measurements at baseline and 3 months. Results: There were no significant differences in the K-TPFQ and VAS scores and tinnitus loudness level between the baseline and 3-month follow-up session. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that sound therapy alone for 3 months does not provide significant tinnitus relief in participants with mild tinnitus. Therefore, considering only sound therapy for rehabilitation in people with mild tinnitus might not be ideal for providing relief.