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Internet/smartphone-based applications for the treatment of tinnitus: a systematic review

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European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

A Letter to the Editor to this article was published on 22 June 2020

Abstract

Introduction

Most of the individuals suffering from tinnitus report of negative effects on their lives to the extent that clinical intervention is necessary. Although traditional tinnitus management has proven to be effective in treating tinnitus, there are a few drawbacks. The major drawback is the lack of professionals for the treatment of tinnitus, especially in remote areas. Considering the growing usage of the internet as a platform for availing treatment, there is a requirement for the development of applications in the health care sector. Recent search related to tinnitus treatment revealed that more than 200 applications are available online in the most popular platforms like Android and iOS. However, most of the applications for the treatment of tinnitus lack validation, and thus, there is a need for research on this ground.

Method

Five studies evaluating the efficacy of Internet/app delivered tinnitus treatments were identified. The treatment forms included were Tinnitus E-program, Mobile serious game, Tinnitus web-based sound therapy, and Tailor-made notch music therapy delivered through a smart phone.

Results

Each study used a variety of standardized and validated questionnaires to measure the outcome of the treatment. The outcome measures were diverse, but both Internet/app-based and traditional methods like Tinnitus Retraining Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy had similar improvements in terms of tinnitus distress and quality of life.

Conclusion

It can be construed that the development of tinnitus treatment applications and web-based platforms will have a significant impact on the normal life of individuals with tinnitus.

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Acknowledgements

Authors acknowledge the Director, All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysuru and HOD-Audiology, All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysuru for permitting to publish this research work.

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  1. Research Officer (Audiology), All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Manasagangothri, Mysuru, 570 006, India

    Megha Kondli Nagaraj & Prashanth Prabhu

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  1. Megha Kondli Nagaraj
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Correspondence to Megha Kondli Nagaraj.

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Nagaraj, M.K., Prabhu, P. Internet/smartphone-based applications for the treatment of tinnitus: a systematic review. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 277, 649–657 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-019-05743-8

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