First assessment of sophrology for the treatment of subjective tinnitus

Abstract

Objectives: To assess (without comparison versus controls) the efficacy of a sophrology protocol adapted to disabling subjective tinnitus, in diminishing the handicap induced by perception of tinnitus.

Materials and methods: One hundred and forty consecutive patients, aged 18-83 years, underwent a protocol comprising 6-8 sessions of sophrology over a 2-4 month period. Impact was assessed on pre- to post-treatment progression on the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), a validated questionnaire measuring handicap induced by tinnitus.

Results: Mean THI scores improved, by >20 points in 59.2% of cases (i.e., clinically significant decrease). Improvement was independent of tinnitus duration (>versus<6 months) and origin (acoustic trauma versus emotional shock), and concerned all 3 THI subscales (functional, catastrophic and emotional).

Conclusion: The present sophrology protocol, dedicated to subjective tinnitus, reduced intrusiveness. Further studies with a control group are needed to confirm efficacy as compared to waiting list or other validated treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapies.

Keywords: Protocol; Relaxation; Sophrology; Subjective tinnitus; Treatment.