The effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in the management of tinnitus

Abstract

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) has been suggested as an effective modality in reducing the effects of tinnitus and improving quality of life. This article aimed to compare the effectiveness of MBCT with that of standard treatment in the management of tinnitus in Thai patients. All participants were voluntarily divided into experimental MBCT and control groups depending on their availability. In addition to educational sessions and standard treatment, the MBCT group completed four weekly 120-minute sessions of mindfulness practicing skills. The Thai version of the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI-T) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADs-T) were administered at baseline, 4th week, and 12th week. Tinnitus intensity (dB) was measured at baseline and 12th week. All data were compared between the different time points, within each group, and between the two groups. A total of 45 patients were enrolled, 24 in the MBCT group and 21 in the control group. When comparing baseline to post-Treatment measurements, statistically significant improvements were observed in all outcomes except tinnitus intensity in both groups. The THI-T and HADs-T scores in the MBCT group were significantly lower than those in the control group at the 12th week. The reduction in the THI-T scores, HADs-T scores, and tinnitus intensity tended to be greater in the MBCT group after the 4-week course and at the 3-month follow-up assessment. The MBCT showed benefits in the management of tinnitus in terms of improved THI-T and HADs-T scores, and overall quality of life.