Evaluation of Long-Term Efficacy and Quality of Life of Tinnitus Retraining Therapy in Patients with Chronic Tinnitus:  A Meta-Analysis

Mi  Wang; Nianci  Xiao; Qingxiu  Yao; Mengmeng   Chen; Weiliu  Zhu

doi:10.18502/ijph.v55i1.20971

Mi Wang Otolaryngology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
Nianci Xiao Otolaryngology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
Qingxiu Yao Otolaryngology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
Mengmeng Chen Otolaryngology Department, Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital, Hangzhou 310000, Zhejiang Province, China
Weiliu Zhu Otolaryngology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v55i1.20971

Keywords: Chronictinnitus; Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT); Long-term effects; QoL; Meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Chronic tinnitus significantly impacts patients' quality of life, with no consensus on the long-term efficacy of different interventions. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, literature was searched across eight databases up to November 2024. Ten randomized controlled trials were selected. A random-effects model was used to calculate weighted mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores.

Results: Compared to control groups, TRT significantly improved THI scores (MD = -8.72, 95% CI: -16.65 to -0.79, P=0.03) and showed a trend toward improving VAS scores (MD = -2.78, 95% CI: -5.57 to 0.02, P=0.05). Heterogeneity was high (I²=90-96%), but sensitivity analysis confirmed stable results.

Conclusion: TRT has a significant long-term therapeutic effect on chronic tinnitus. Future studies should increase sample sizes, standardize interventions, and optimize review processes to reduce heterogeneity and define optimal TRT strategies.