Distraction and relaxation training in acute tinnitus - Effects of a complement to otorhinolaryngological treatment

We examined whether training conceptualized as a complement to standard medical treatment (ST) for acute tinnitus to promote patients' capacity to distract attention from their tinnitus and to relax (distraction and relaxation training) has a positive effect on tinnitus-specific distress (tinnitus loudness, tinnitus-related distress and disability), as well as on general well-being. Study participants comprised 29 patients with tinnitus of maximum 4 weeks' standing (first lifetime tinnitus episode) who were randomized to ST (rheological therapy) or advanced standard treatment (AST) (rheological therapy complemented by distraction and relaxation training). Tinnitus-specific distress was reduced to a significantly greater extent in the EST group as compared to ST, especially in patients with a striking psychopathology. The improvement in general well-being was comparable in both groups. In acute tinnitus, distraction and relaxation training should be conducted as a complement to standard medical treatment, especially in high-risk patients demonstrating abnormal psychopathological status, since treatment results can be improved in this way.