The Power of a Sound Mind: Exploring Meditation and Sound Therapies for Treating the Emotional Impact of Tinnitus
Year: 2021
Type: article
Abstract: Tinnitus is described as a sound perceived by an individual that has no external source. Some individuals with tinnitus can habituate to this phantom sound, while others become emotionally disturbed by it. There are several theories which attempt to rationalize the cause of tinnitus, and various treatments which aim to eliminate, mask, or facilitate habituation to one’s tinnitus. Current common treatments include sound therapies and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), either in isolation or in combination with one another. However, not all these treatments aim to address the emotional impact of tinnitus. Novel treatments are emerging, with some attempting to reduce the emotional impact tinnitus may have on the individual by utilizing sound in a therapeutic manner and incorporating CBT or other mindfulness-based treatments. More research is required to confirm the efficacy of current and novel treatments. Based on the findings of this literature review, CBT and mindfulness-based treatments are most promising in their ability to reduce the emotional distress some individuals with tinnitus are facing.
Author: Sabeena A Ramnanan
Language: English
Subfield: Sensory Systems
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3174046580