Tinnitus
Conditions
Brief summary
Nearly 50 million people in the U.S. experience tinnitus, of which about 20 million people have burdensome chronic tinnitus. Tinnitus can be very debilitating as many aspects of daily life can be affected, such as sleep, mood, and concentration. Currently, there is no cure for tinnitus. Pharmacological or sound-therapy based interventions are sometimes provided, but may be of limited value to certain individuals. Research suggests that Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) based approaches have the most evidence of effectiveness in the management of tinnitus. However, CBT is rarely offered in the U.S. (less than 1%), partly attributed to a lack of trained professionals who can deliver CBT. To improve access to CBT for tinnitus, and online CBT program has been developed. The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility and efficacy of a CBT Internet-based intervention for adults with tinnitus in the United States.
Detailed description
Objective: This study aims to determine the feasibility and efficacy of an Internet-based Cognitive Behavior Therapy (ICBT) in reducing the impact associated with tinnitus in the United States. Hypothesis: It is hypothesized that ICBT will result in reduced tinnitus-related distress, decreased sleep disturbance, decreased anxiety and depression, and improved health-related quality of life in a treatment group as compared with adults in the weekly check-in control-group in the U.S. population. The investigators also hypothesize that these results will be stable in both short- and long-term post-intervention. Design: A two-armed Randomized Control Trial (RCT), with a one-year follow-up design will be used to evaluate the efficacy of ICBT on tinnitus distress. Setting: This will be an Internet-based study for adults with tinnitus living in the State of Texas, USA. Participants: Eligible participants will include adults with tinnitus for a minimum period of 3 months with internet access and no major medical or psychiatric conditions. 80 participants will be recruited for each group and will be randomly assigned using a computer-generated randomization schedule by an independent research assistant after being pre-stratified for language and tinnitus severity. Intervention: The intervention offered is a guided CTB-based internet intervention (ICBT), providing an opportunity to learn about new ways of coping with tinnitus during everyday life. It is 8-week long e-learning intervention, with new modules introduced weekly and assignments are given to practice techniques learned. Outcome measures: The main outcome measure is the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI). Secondary outcome measures are the Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS), Tinnitus Cognition Questionnaire (TCQ), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and EuroQol EQ-5D-5L VAS.
Interventions
The intervention offered is a CTB-based internet intervention, providing an opportunity to learn about new ways of coping with tinnitus during everyday life. It is 8-week long e-learning intervention, with new modules introduced weekly and assignments are given to practice techniques learned.
Sponsors
Lamar University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Intervention model description
The experimental group will initially undergo the ICBT intervention while the control group are monitored weekly. Once the experimental group has completed the intervention, the control group will undertake the ICBT intervention.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
1. aged 18 years and older living in the State of Texas, USA; 2. the ability to read and type in English or Spanish; 3. no barriers to using a computer (e.g. no significant fine motor control or visual problems); 4. Internet and e-mail access and the ability to use it; 5. commitment to completing the program; 6. completion of the online screening and outcome questionnaires; 7. agreeing to participate in either group and be randomized to one of these groups; 8. understanding and working towards the end goal of reducing the impact and distress of tinnitus, although the strength of the tinnitus may remain the same; 9. be available for 12 months after starting the study to complete a 1-year follow-up questionnaire; 10. suffering with experiencing tinnitus for a minimum period of 3 months; and 11. tinnitus outcome measure scores indicating the need for tinnitus care \[25 or above on the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI)\].
Exclusion criteria
1. reporting any major medical or psychiatric conditions; 2. reporting pulsatile, objective or unilateral tinnitus, which has not been investigated medically; 3. tinnitus as a consequence of a medical disorder, still under investigation; and 4. undergoing any other tinnitus therapy while participating in this study.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) - Measure of Tinnitus Distress | T0: Baseline, T1: Post-intervention after the experimental group completed the intervention, T2: Post-intervention after control group completed intervention; T3: 2-months post-intervention | The Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) is a 25-item questionnaire that evaluates tinnitus distress. The total possible score ranges from 0-to-100 with higher scores indicate more severe tinnitus distress (i.e., worse outcome). Scores \>25 indicate tinnitus is a significant problem requiring tinnitus intervention. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9); Measure of Depression | Baseline, Post-intervention (8-weeks from baseline), 2-months post-intervention (16 weeks from baseline) | Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) is a 9-item questionnaire that assesses depression severity. Responses are marked on a four-point Likert scale (0 to 3). The total score can range from 0 to 27 with higher scores indicating more severe depression (i.e., worse outcome). |
| Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7); Measure of Anxiety | Baseline, Post-intervention (8-weeks from baseline), 2-months post-intervention (16 weeks from baseline) | Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) is a 7-item questionnaire that assesses the severity of anxiety. Responses are marked on a four-point Likert scale (0 to 3). The total score can range from 0 to 21 with higher scores indicating more severe anxiety (i.e., worse outcome). |
| Insomnia Severity Index (ISI); Measure of Insomnia | Baseline, Post-intervention (8-weeks from baseline), 2-months post-intervention (16 weeks from baseline) | Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) is a 7-item questionnaire that evaluates the severity of insomnia. Responses are marked on a five-point Likert scale (0 to 4). The total score can range from 0 to 28 with higher scores indicating more severe insomnia (i.e., worse outcome). |
| Tinnitus Cognition Questionnaire (TCQ); Measure of Tinnitus Cognition | Baseline, Post-intervention (8-weeks from baseline), 2-months post-intervention (16 weeks from baseline) | Tinnitus Cognition Questionnaire (TCQ) is a 26-item questionnaire that assesses positive and negative cognitions associated with tinnitus. The first 13 items refer to negative thoughts and the second 13 items refer to positive thoughts. Responses are marked on a five-point Likert scale (0 to 4). The negative items (1-13) are scored 0-4, whereas the positive items (14-26) are reverse-scored: 4-0. The scoring procedure involves the simple addition of the number circled by the respondent for items 1-13 and the addition of reverse-scored items 14-26. The total score of the TCQ has a potential range from 0 to 104. A high score represents a greater tendency to engage in negative cognitions (i.e., worse outcome) in response to tinnitus and low engagement in positive cognitions. |
| Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS) - Tinnitus Sub-scale; Measure of Tinnitus Problem | T0: Baseline, T1: Post-intervention after the experimental group completed the intervention, T2: Post-intervention after control group completed intervention; T3: 2-months post-intervention | Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS) is a 10-item questionnaire that helps in determining how much of a patient's complaint about tinnitus is due to a hearing problem and how much is due specifically to the tinnitus. THS has three sections/subscales (A, B, and C). Section A consists of four items that address common tinnitus problems. Section B contains four items that address hearing. Section C, which includes two items, which focus on sound tolerance problems and the ability to participate in group therapy. Responses for each item can range from 0 (not a problem) to 4 (very big problem). The total THS score can range from 0 to 40. However, the scores for this specific sub-scale can range from 0 to 16 with higher scores indicating more tinnitus problem (i.e., worse outcome). |
| Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS) - Hearing Sub-scale; Measure of Hearing Problem | T0: Baseline, T1: Post-intervention after the experimental group completed the intervention, T2: Post-intervention after control group completed intervention; T3: 2-months post-intervention | Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS) is a 10-item questionnaire that helps in determining how much of a patient's complaint about tinnitus is due to a hearing problem and how much is due specifically to the tinnitus. THS has three sections/subscales (A, B, and C). Section A consists of four items that address common tinnitus problems. Section B contains four items that address hearing. Section C, which includes two items, which focus on sound tolerance problems and the ability to participate in group therapy. Responses for each item can range from 0 (not a problem) to 4 (very big problem). However, the scores for this specific sub-scale can range from 0 to 16 with higher scores indicating more hearing problem (i.e., worse outcome). |
| Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS) - Sound Tolerance Sub-scale; Measure of Sound Tolerance | T0: Baseline, T1: Post-intervention after the experimental group completed the intervention, T2: Post-intervention after control group completed intervention; T3: 2-months post-intervention | Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS) is a 10-item questionnaire that helps in determining how much of a patient's complaint about tinnitus is due to a hearing problem and how much is due specifically to the tinnitus. THS has three sections/subscales (A, B, and C). Section A consists of four items that address common tinnitus problems. Section B contains four items that address hearing. Section C, which includes two items, which focus on sound tolerance problems and the ability to participate in group therapy. Responses for each item can range from 0 (not a problem) to 4 (very big problem). However, the scores for this specific sub-scale can range from 0 to 8 with higher scores indicating more sound tolerance problem (i.e., worse outcome). |
| EuroQol EQ-5D-5L VAS Scores; Measure of Health-related Quality of Life | T0: Baseline, T1: Post-intervention after the experimental group completed the intervention, T2: Post-intervention after control group completed intervention; T3: 2-months post-intervention | EQ-5D-5L VAS is a single questionnaire that evaluates the health-related quality of life. Responses are marked on a 0-100 scale with higher scores indicate the higher overall health-related quality of life (i.e., better outcome). |
Countries
United States
Participant flow
Recruitment details
315 participants completed the informed consent and completed the pre-intervention screening measures. However, 157 participants were excluded (49 participants reported high depression and/or positive answers to self-harm questions, 37 participants had low tinnitus severity, 71 participants resided outside the state/country) and the remaining 158 were included in the study.
Participants by arm
| Arm | Count |
|---|---|
| Experimental Group The intervention offered is a guided Internet-based CBT intervention. The intervention is similar to a self-help program, providing an opportunity to learn about new ways of coping with tinnitus during everyday life. It is a 8-week long e-learning intervention, with new modules introduced weekly and assignments are given to practice the techniques learned.
Internet-based Cognitive Behavior Therapy: The intervention offered is a CTB-based internet intervention, providing an opportunity to learn about new ways of coping with tinnitus during everyday life. It is 8-week long e-learning intervention, with new modules introduced weekly and assignments are given to practice techniques learned. | 79 |
| Weekly check-in Control Group The weekly check-in control group will be monitored weekly by means of the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory-Screening version (THI-S) and the Tinnitus Qualities Questionnaire (TQQ). Once the experimental group completes the ICBT intervention, the control group undertake the same ICBT intervention.
Internet-based Cognitive Behavior Therapy: The intervention offered is a CTB-based internet intervention, providing an opportunity to learn about new ways of coping with tinnitus during everyday life. It is 8-week long e-learning intervention, with new modules introduced weekly and assignments are given to practice techniques learned. | 79 |
| Total | 158 |
Withdrawals & dropouts
| Period | Reason | FG000 | FG001 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Study | Did not engage in intervention | 13 | 17 |
| Overall Study | Lost to Follow-up | 22 | 12 |
| Overall Study | Withdrawal by Subject | 7 | 3 |
Baseline characteristics
| Characteristic | Experimental Group | Total | Weekly check-in Control Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age, Continuous | 56 Years STANDARD_DEVIATION 13 | 57 Years STANDARD_DEVIATION 12 | 58 Years STANDARD_DEVIATION 11 |
| Ethnicity (NIH/OMB) Hispanic or Latino | 9 Participants | 20 Participants | 11 Participants |
| Ethnicity (NIH/OMB) Not Hispanic or Latino | 70 Participants | 138 Participants | 68 Participants |
| Ethnicity (NIH/OMB) Unknown or Not Reported | 0 Participants | 0 Participants | 0 Participants |
| Race (NIH/OMB) American Indian or Alaska Native | 0 Participants | 0 Participants | 0 Participants |
| Race (NIH/OMB) Asian | 0 Participants | 0 Participants | 0 Participants |
| Race (NIH/OMB) Black or African American | 2 Participants | 4 Participants | 2 Participants |
| Race (NIH/OMB) More than one race | 2 Participants | 5 Participants | 3 Participants |
| Race (NIH/OMB) Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander | 1 Participants | 1 Participants | 0 Participants |
| Race (NIH/OMB) Unknown or Not Reported | 0 Participants | 0 Participants | 0 Participants |
| Race (NIH/OMB) White | 74 Participants | 148 Participants | 74 Participants |
| Region of Enrollment United States | 79 Participants | 158 Participants | 79 Participants |
| Sex: Female, Male Female | 39 Participants | 80 Participants | 41 Participants |
| Sex: Female, Male Male | 40 Participants | 78 Participants | 38 Participants |
| Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) | 54.04 score on a scale STANDARD_DEVIATION 17.85 | 53.98 score on a scale STANDARD_DEVIATION 17.53 | 53.93 score on a scale STANDARD_DEVIATION 17.32 |
Adverse events
| Event type | EG000 affected / at risk | EG001 affected / at risk |
|---|---|---|
| deaths Total, all-cause mortality | 0 / 79 | 0 / 79 |
| other Total, other adverse events | 0 / 79 | 0 / 79 |
| serious Total, serious adverse events | 0 / 79 | 0 / 79 |
Outcome results
Primary
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) - Measure of Tinnitus Distress
The Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) is a 25-item questionnaire that evaluates tinnitus distress. The total possible score ranges from 0-to-100 with higher scores indicate more severe tinnitus distress (i.e., worse outcome). Scores \>25 indicate tinnitus is a significant problem requiring tinnitus intervention.
Time frame: T0: Baseline, T1: Post-intervention after the experimental group completed the intervention, T2: Post-intervention after control group completed intervention; T3: 2-months post-intervention
Population: 79 participants started the trial in both the experimental group and control group 41 participants from the experimental group and 66 from the control group completed the post-intervention measure at T137 participants from the experimental group and 47 from the control group completed the post-intervention measure at T2 37 participants from the experimental group and 25 from the control group completed the 2-month post-intervention measure
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Experimental Group | Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) - Measure of Tinnitus Distress | T0: Baseline | 54.04 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 17.85 |
| Experimental Group | Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) - Measure of Tinnitus Distress | T1: Post-intervention for experimental group | 29.44 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 19.6 |
| Experimental Group | Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) - Measure of Tinnitus Distress | T2: Post-intervention for the control group | 25.10 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 19.46 |
| Experimental Group | Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) - Measure of Tinnitus Distress | T3: 2-month post-intervention | 25.10 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 19.46 |
| Weekly check-in Control Group | Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) - Measure of Tinnitus Distress | T3: 2-month post-intervention | 32.82 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 14.7 |
| Weekly check-in Control Group | Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) - Measure of Tinnitus Distress | T0: Baseline | 53.93 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 17.32 |
| Weekly check-in Control Group | Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) - Measure of Tinnitus Distress | T2: Post-intervention for the control group | 38.50 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 21.36 |
| Weekly check-in Control Group | Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) - Measure of Tinnitus Distress | T1: Post-intervention for experimental group | 47.35 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 21.25 |
Secondary
EuroQol EQ-5D-5L VAS Scores; Measure of Health-related Quality of Life
EQ-5D-5L VAS is a single questionnaire that evaluates the health-related quality of life. Responses are marked on a 0-100 scale with higher scores indicate the higher overall health-related quality of life (i.e., better outcome).
Time frame: T0: Baseline, T1: Post-intervention after the experimental group completed the intervention, T2: Post-intervention after control group completed intervention; T3: 2-months post-intervention
Population: 79 participants started the trial in both the experimental group and control group 41 participants from the experimental group and 66 from the control group completed the post-intervention measure at T137 participants from the experimental group and 47 from the control group completed the post-intervention measure at T2 37 participants from the experimental group and 25 from the control group completed the 2-month post-intervention measure
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Experimental Group | EuroQol EQ-5D-5L VAS Scores; Measure of Health-related Quality of Life | T0: Baseline | 78.23 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 13.14 |
| Experimental Group | EuroQol EQ-5D-5L VAS Scores; Measure of Health-related Quality of Life | T2: Post-intervention for the control group | 80.79 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 16.16 |
| Experimental Group | EuroQol EQ-5D-5L VAS Scores; Measure of Health-related Quality of Life | T1: Post-intervention for the experimental group | 79.68 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 15.66 |
| Experimental Group | EuroQol EQ-5D-5L VAS Scores; Measure of Health-related Quality of Life | T3: 2-month post-intervention | 80.79 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 16.16 |
| Weekly check-in Control Group | EuroQol EQ-5D-5L VAS Scores; Measure of Health-related Quality of Life | T1: Post-intervention for the experimental group | 76.02 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 13.7 |
| Weekly check-in Control Group | EuroQol EQ-5D-5L VAS Scores; Measure of Health-related Quality of Life | T0: Baseline | 75.51 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 13.96 |
| Weekly check-in Control Group | EuroQol EQ-5D-5L VAS Scores; Measure of Health-related Quality of Life | T3: 2-month post-intervention | 78.05 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 21.44 |
| Weekly check-in Control Group | EuroQol EQ-5D-5L VAS Scores; Measure of Health-related Quality of Life | T2: Post-intervention for the control group | 78.52 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 13.29 |
Secondary
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7); Measure of Anxiety
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) is a 7-item questionnaire that assesses the severity of anxiety. Responses are marked on a four-point Likert scale (0 to 3). The total score can range from 0 to 21 with higher scores indicating more severe anxiety (i.e., worse outcome).
Time frame: Baseline, Post-intervention (8-weeks from baseline), 2-months post-intervention (16 weeks from baseline)
Population: 79 participants started the trial in both the experimental group and control group 41 participants from the experimental group and 66 from the control group completed the post-intervention measure at T137 participants from the experimental group and 47 from the control group completed the post-intervention measure at T2 37 participants from the experimental group and 25 from the control group completed the 2-month post-intervention measure
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Experimental Group | Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7); Measure of Anxiety | T0: Baseline | 5.97 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 4.22 |
| Experimental Group | Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7); Measure of Anxiety | T1: Post-intervention for the experimental group | 4.8 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 4.84 |
| Experimental Group | Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7); Measure of Anxiety | T3: 2-month post-intervention | 3.77 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 4.65 |
| Experimental Group | Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7); Measure of Anxiety | T2: Post-intervention for the control group | 3.77 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 4.65 |
| Weekly check-in Control Group | Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7); Measure of Anxiety | T3: 2-month post-intervention | 5.17 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 5.58 |
| Weekly check-in Control Group | Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7); Measure of Anxiety | T1: Post-intervention for the experimental group | 5.35 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 4.59 |
| Weekly check-in Control Group | Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7); Measure of Anxiety | T2: Post-intervention for the control group | 3.77 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 3.52 |
| Weekly check-in Control Group | Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7); Measure of Anxiety | T0: Baseline | 5.23 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 4.29 |
Secondary
Insomnia Severity Index (ISI); Measure of Insomnia
Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) is a 7-item questionnaire that evaluates the severity of insomnia. Responses are marked on a five-point Likert scale (0 to 4). The total score can range from 0 to 28 with higher scores indicating more severe insomnia (i.e., worse outcome).
Time frame: Baseline, Post-intervention (8-weeks from baseline), 2-months post-intervention (16 weeks from baseline)
Population: 79 participants started the trial in both the experimental group and control group 41 participants from the experimental group and 66 from the control group completed the post-intervention measure at T137 participants from the experimental group and 47 from the control group completed the post-intervention measure at T2 37 participants from the experimental group and 25 from the control group completed the 2-month post-intervention measure
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Experimental Group | Insomnia Severity Index (ISI); Measure of Insomnia | T3: 2-months post-intervention | 4.97 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 5 |
| Experimental Group | Insomnia Severity Index (ISI); Measure of Insomnia | T1: Post-intervention for the experimental group | 5.98 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 4.8 |
| Experimental Group | Insomnia Severity Index (ISI); Measure of Insomnia | T0: Baseline | 10.18 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 5.99 |
| Experimental Group | Insomnia Severity Index (ISI); Measure of Insomnia | T2: Post-intervention for the control group | 4.97 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 5 |
| Weekly check-in Control Group | Insomnia Severity Index (ISI); Measure of Insomnia | T0: Baseline | 9.92 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 5.71 |
| Weekly check-in Control Group | Insomnia Severity Index (ISI); Measure of Insomnia | T3: 2-months post-intervention | 5.77 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 6.24 |
| Weekly check-in Control Group | Insomnia Severity Index (ISI); Measure of Insomnia | T2: Post-intervention for the control group | 7.70 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 5.56 |
| Weekly check-in Control Group | Insomnia Severity Index (ISI); Measure of Insomnia | T1: Post-intervention for the experimental group | 9.97 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 6.39 |
Secondary
Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9); Measure of Depression
Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) is a 9-item questionnaire that assesses depression severity. Responses are marked on a four-point Likert scale (0 to 3). The total score can range from 0 to 27 with higher scores indicating more severe depression (i.e., worse outcome).
Time frame: Baseline, Post-intervention (8-weeks from baseline), 2-months post-intervention (16 weeks from baseline)
Population: 79 participants started the trial in both the experimental group and control group 41 participants from the experimental group and 66 from the control group completed the post-intervention measure at T137 participants from the experimental group and 47 from the control group completed the post-intervention measure at T2 37 participants from the experimental group and 25 from the control group completed the 2-month post-intervention measure
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Experimental Group | Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9); Measure of Depression | T1: Post-intervention for the experimental group | 4.41 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 4.74 |
| Experimental Group | Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9); Measure of Depression | T0: Baseline | 5.54 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 4.17 |
| Experimental Group | Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9); Measure of Depression | T2: Post-intervention for the control group | 3.17 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 4.01 |
| Experimental Group | Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9); Measure of Depression | T3: 2-month post-intervention | 3.17 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 4.01 |
| Weekly check-in Control Group | Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9); Measure of Depression | T3: 2-month post-intervention | 3.70 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 4.73 |
| Weekly check-in Control Group | Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9); Measure of Depression | T1: Post-intervention for the experimental group | 5.91 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 4.35 |
| Weekly check-in Control Group | Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9); Measure of Depression | T2: Post-intervention for the control group | 4.20 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 3.8 |
| Weekly check-in Control Group | Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9); Measure of Depression | T0: Baseline | 5.42 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 4.1 |
Secondary
Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS) - Hearing Sub-scale; Measure of Hearing Problem
Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS) is a 10-item questionnaire that helps in determining how much of a patient's complaint about tinnitus is due to a hearing problem and how much is due specifically to the tinnitus. THS has three sections/subscales (A, B, and C). Section A consists of four items that address common tinnitus problems. Section B contains four items that address hearing. Section C, which includes two items, which focus on sound tolerance problems and the ability to participate in group therapy. Responses for each item can range from 0 (not a problem) to 4 (very big problem). However, the scores for this specific sub-scale can range from 0 to 16 with higher scores indicating more hearing problem (i.e., worse outcome).
Time frame: T0: Baseline, T1: Post-intervention after the experimental group completed the intervention, T2: Post-intervention after control group completed intervention; T3: 2-months post-intervention
Population: 79 participants started the trial in both the experimental group and control group 41 participants from the experimental group and 66 from the control group completed the post-intervention measure at T137 participants from the experimental group and 47 from the control group completed the post-intervention measure at T2 37 participants from the experimental group and 25 from the control group completed the 2-month post-intervention measure
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Experimental Group | Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS) - Hearing Sub-scale; Measure of Hearing Problem | T0: Baseline | 6.89 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 4.5 |
| Experimental Group | Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS) - Hearing Sub-scale; Measure of Hearing Problem | T2: Post-intervention for the control group | 3.21 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 3.2 |
| Experimental Group | Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS) - Hearing Sub-scale; Measure of Hearing Problem | T3: 2-month post-intervention | 3.21 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 3.2 |
| Experimental Group | Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS) - Hearing Sub-scale; Measure of Hearing Problem | T1: Post-intervention for the experimental group | 3.83 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 3.65 |
| Weekly check-in Control Group | Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS) - Hearing Sub-scale; Measure of Hearing Problem | T3: 2-month post-intervention | 4.14 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 3.37 |
| Weekly check-in Control Group | Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS) - Hearing Sub-scale; Measure of Hearing Problem | T0: Baseline | 7.30 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 4.79 |
| Weekly check-in Control Group | Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS) - Hearing Sub-scale; Measure of Hearing Problem | T1: Post-intervention for the experimental group | 7.29 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 4.94 |
| Weekly check-in Control Group | Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS) - Hearing Sub-scale; Measure of Hearing Problem | T2: Post-intervention for the control group | 6.46 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 4.05 |
Secondary
Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS) - Sound Tolerance Sub-scale; Measure of Sound Tolerance
Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS) is a 10-item questionnaire that helps in determining how much of a patient's complaint about tinnitus is due to a hearing problem and how much is due specifically to the tinnitus. THS has three sections/subscales (A, B, and C). Section A consists of four items that address common tinnitus problems. Section B contains four items that address hearing. Section C, which includes two items, which focus on sound tolerance problems and the ability to participate in group therapy. Responses for each item can range from 0 (not a problem) to 4 (very big problem). However, the scores for this specific sub-scale can range from 0 to 8 with higher scores indicating more sound tolerance problem (i.e., worse outcome).
Time frame: T0: Baseline, T1: Post-intervention after the experimental group completed the intervention, T2: Post-intervention after control group completed intervention; T3: 2-months post-intervention
Population: 79 participants started the trial in both the experimental group and control group 41 participants from the experimental group and 66 from the control group completed the post-intervention measure at T137 participants from the experimental group and 47 from the control group completed the post-intervention measure at T2 37 participants from the experimental group and 25 from the control group completed the 2-month post-intervention measure
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Experimental Group | Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS) - Sound Tolerance Sub-scale; Measure of Sound Tolerance | T2: Post-intervention for the control group | .47 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.79 |
| Experimental Group | Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS) - Sound Tolerance Sub-scale; Measure of Sound Tolerance | T1: Post-intervention for the experimental group | .54 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.84 |
| Experimental Group | Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS) - Sound Tolerance Sub-scale; Measure of Sound Tolerance | T3: 2-month post-intervention | .47 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.79 |
| Experimental Group | Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS) - Sound Tolerance Sub-scale; Measure of Sound Tolerance | T0: Baseline | .87 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 1.3 |
| Weekly check-in Control Group | Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS) - Sound Tolerance Sub-scale; Measure of Sound Tolerance | T3: 2-month post-intervention | .64 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.9 |
| Weekly check-in Control Group | Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS) - Sound Tolerance Sub-scale; Measure of Sound Tolerance | T1: Post-intervention for the experimental group | 1.0 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 1.3 |
| Weekly check-in Control Group | Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS) - Sound Tolerance Sub-scale; Measure of Sound Tolerance | T2: Post-intervention for the control group | .76 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 1.14 |
| Weekly check-in Control Group | Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS) - Sound Tolerance Sub-scale; Measure of Sound Tolerance | T0: Baseline | .8 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 1.1 |
Secondary
Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS) - Tinnitus Sub-scale; Measure of Tinnitus Problem
Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS) is a 10-item questionnaire that helps in determining how much of a patient's complaint about tinnitus is due to a hearing problem and how much is due specifically to the tinnitus. THS has three sections/subscales (A, B, and C). Section A consists of four items that address common tinnitus problems. Section B contains four items that address hearing. Section C, which includes two items, which focus on sound tolerance problems and the ability to participate in group therapy. Responses for each item can range from 0 (not a problem) to 4 (very big problem). The total THS score can range from 0 to 40. However, the scores for this specific sub-scale can range from 0 to 16 with higher scores indicating more tinnitus problem (i.e., worse outcome).
Time frame: T0: Baseline, T1: Post-intervention after the experimental group completed the intervention, T2: Post-intervention after control group completed intervention; T3: 2-months post-intervention
Population: 79 participants started the trial in both the experimental group and control group 41 participants from the experimental group and 66 from the control group completed the post-intervention measure at T137 participants from the experimental group and 47 from the control group completed the post-intervention measure at T2 37 participants from the experimental group and 25 from the control group completed the 2-month post-intervention measure
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Experimental Group | Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS) - Tinnitus Sub-scale; Measure of Tinnitus Problem | T0: Baseline | 5.80 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 3.9 |
| Experimental Group | Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS) - Tinnitus Sub-scale; Measure of Tinnitus Problem | T1: Post-intervention for the experimental group | 2.68 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 2.47 |
| Experimental Group | Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS) - Tinnitus Sub-scale; Measure of Tinnitus Problem | T2: Post-intervention for the control group | 2.35 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 3.4 |
| Experimental Group | Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS) - Tinnitus Sub-scale; Measure of Tinnitus Problem | T3: 2-month post-intervention | 2.35 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 3.4 |
| Weekly check-in Control Group | Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS) - Tinnitus Sub-scale; Measure of Tinnitus Problem | T3: 2-month post-intervention | 2.86 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 3.68 |
| Weekly check-in Control Group | Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS) - Tinnitus Sub-scale; Measure of Tinnitus Problem | T0: Baseline | 5.51 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 3.52 |
| Weekly check-in Control Group | Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS) - Tinnitus Sub-scale; Measure of Tinnitus Problem | T2: Post-intervention for the control group | 3.46 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 3.1 |
| Weekly check-in Control Group | Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS) - Tinnitus Sub-scale; Measure of Tinnitus Problem | T1: Post-intervention for the experimental group | 5.31 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 3.82 |
Secondary
Tinnitus Cognition Questionnaire (TCQ); Measure of Tinnitus Cognition
Tinnitus Cognition Questionnaire (TCQ) is a 26-item questionnaire that assesses positive and negative cognitions associated with tinnitus. The first 13 items refer to negative thoughts and the second 13 items refer to positive thoughts. Responses are marked on a five-point Likert scale (0 to 4). The negative items (1-13) are scored 0-4, whereas the positive items (14-26) are reverse-scored: 4-0. The scoring procedure involves the simple addition of the number circled by the respondent for items 1-13 and the addition of reverse-scored items 14-26. The total score of the TCQ has a potential range from 0 to 104. A high score represents a greater tendency to engage in negative cognitions (i.e., worse outcome) in response to tinnitus and low engagement in positive cognitions.
Time frame: Baseline, Post-intervention (8-weeks from baseline), 2-months post-intervention (16 weeks from baseline)
Population: 79 participants started the trial in both the experimental group and control group 41 participants from the experimental group and 66 from the control group completed the post-intervention measure at T137 participants from the experimental group and 47 from the control group completed the post-intervention measure at T2 37 participants from the experimental group and 25 from the control group completed the 2-month post-intervention measure
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Experimental Group | Tinnitus Cognition Questionnaire (TCQ); Measure of Tinnitus Cognition | T0: Baseline | 39.63 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 17.38 |
| Experimental Group | Tinnitus Cognition Questionnaire (TCQ); Measure of Tinnitus Cognition | T1: Post-intervention for the experimental group | 26.03 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 15.58 |
| Experimental Group | Tinnitus Cognition Questionnaire (TCQ); Measure of Tinnitus Cognition | T2: Post-intervention for the control group | 40.57 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 15.72 |
| Experimental Group | Tinnitus Cognition Questionnaire (TCQ); Measure of Tinnitus Cognition | T3: 2-month post-intervention | 40.57 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 15.72 |
| Weekly check-in Control Group | Tinnitus Cognition Questionnaire (TCQ); Measure of Tinnitus Cognition | T3: 2-month post-intervention | 28.55 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 17 |
| Weekly check-in Control Group | Tinnitus Cognition Questionnaire (TCQ); Measure of Tinnitus Cognition | T0: Baseline | 37.95 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 14.54 |
| Weekly check-in Control Group | Tinnitus Cognition Questionnaire (TCQ); Measure of Tinnitus Cognition | T2: Post-intervention for the control group | 32.26 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 15.54 |
| Weekly check-in Control Group | Tinnitus Cognition Questionnaire (TCQ); Measure of Tinnitus Cognition | T1: Post-intervention for the experimental group | 26.03 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 16.8 |