Chronic tinnitus is a prevalent condition associated with significant distress and functional impairment. Despite various therapeutic attempts, there is currently no curative treatment. Although clinical management has advanced in recent years, overall outcomes remain unsatisfactory....
This meta-analysis provides the strongest available evidence that combined CBT plus sound therapy is effective for chronic tinnitus; audiologists and tinnitus therapists should consider this combination approach as a best-practice option where resources allow.
A high-quality meta-analysis supporting combined CBT and sound therapy could meaningfully shift tinnitus management guidelines and multidisciplinary care pathways.
- 01Systematic review and meta-analysis — the highest level of evidence for treatment effectiveness.
- 02Evaluated the combined efficacy of CBT (talk therapy) and sound therapy for chronic (long-term) tinnitus.
- 03Published in European Archives of Otorhinolaryngology (doi: 10.1007/s00405-026-10445-z).
- 04Combined therapy likely addresses both the psychological distress and the sensory aspects of tinnitus.
- 05Results have direct implications for tinnitus clinic protocols and referral pathways.
Combining cognitive behavioral therapy and sound therapy is efficacious for managing chronic tinnitus.
studysupported- PMID
- 42472924
- DOI
- 10.1007/s00405-026-10445-z.
- Journal
- European Archives of Otorhinolaryngology
- Publication type
- meta_analysis
- Evidence level
- 1a
- Population
- Adults with chronic tinnitus
- Intervention
- Combined cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and sound therapy
- Comparator
- CBT alone, sound therapy alone, or no treatment / waitlist control
Primary outcomes
Tinnitus severity or distress (composite measure); Quality of life or psychological well-being