The investigators will evaluate the effects of wearing auditory mirror earmuffs on tinnitus and on audiometry.The auditory mirror earmuffs is a device that re-routes auditory input from the left side of the head to the right ear, and vice verse, thereby flipping the auditory input. This procedure is called Auditory Mirror Therapy (AMT).
The goal of this study is to determine efficacy of a 21 day, 3 hours per day intervention of auditory mirror therapy (AMT) for chronic tinnitus. Hypothesis: AMT, as contrasted to a sham device, will significantly reduce symptom ratings on the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) scale. Along with TFI, additional measures will be collected every two days throughout the intervention; Tinnitus Handicap Index, Visual Analogue Scale, Minimum Masking Level (MML) and Residual Inhibition (RI), and Auditory Mirror Therapy Questionnaire.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
56
21 days, up to 3 hours per day intervention
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States
Change in Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI)
The Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) is a 25-item questionnaire measuring tinnitus severity on a 0-100 scale. Scores are calculated by averaging item responses and scaling to 0-100, where higher scores signify greater distress. The change in TFI score between baseline and follow up is reported, with negative numbers indicating a decrease in tinnitus severity.
Time frame: 3 weeks
Change in Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI)
a brief and psychometrically robust self-report measure used to quantify the impact of tinnitus on daily living.
Time frame: 3 weeks
Change in Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)
Scale from 0 to 100 for tinnitus awareness, loudness and annoyance, on separate VAS. VAS loudness and annoyance are valid and effective measurements for capturing reductions in tinnitus severity in patients with chronic tinnitus
Time frame: 3 weeks
Change in Minimum Masking Level (MML) and Residual Inhibition (RI)
MML is defined as the lowest tone intensity level required to cover or mask and individual's tinnitus. Correspondingly, the RI is considered the temporary decrease of tinnitus after a prolonged acoustic stimulation.
Time frame: 3 weeks
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