Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2014; 18 - a2060
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1388704

The Influence of Sound Generator Associated with Conventional Amplification for Tinnitus Control: Randomized Blind Clinical Trial

Gisele Munhoes dos Santos 1, Eleonora Csipai da Silva 1, Ricardo Ferreira Bento 1, Silvio Penteado 1
  • 1Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo (FM-USP)

Introduction: Hearing aids with an integrated sound generator have been used to enhance the treatment of tinnitus.

Objective: To verify whether the combined use of amplification and sound generator is more effective than conventional amplification alone in reducing tinnitus annoyance by means of the use of a new hearing aid with an integrated sound generator.

Methods: Forty-nine patients underwent a blind randomized clinical trial. Tinnitus annoyance was measured by Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, numerical scale, and psychoacoustic measures of tinnitus were also performed. The sound generator was set at the lowest intensity capable of providing relief from tinnitus.

Results: In the combined fitting group, 62.5% of patients showed a reduction in tinnitus annoyance and 78% in the group with amplification alone, with no difference between the groups.

Conclusion: The combined use of amplification and sound generator was equally effective to tinnitus control.