Heidelberg Neuro-Music Therapy for chronic-tonal tinnitus - treatment outline and psychometric evaluation.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Musical training positively influences the cortical plasticity of the brain and has proven to be effective in treating chronic tinnitus.

OBJECTIVES:

A neuro-music therapy concept, the "Heidelberg Neuro-Music Therapy" treatment was developed and evaluated.

DESIGN:

A prospective, cross-sectional design was used.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

N = 135 patients (mean age 47 years) with chronic, tonal tinnitus attended a standardized protocol for Neuro-Music Therapy (either "standard therapy" ST or "compact therapy" CT). The results were compared to a cognitive behavioral placebo music therapy procedure (PT). Tinnitus distress was assessed using the German version of the Tinnitus-Questionnaire (TQ) at admission, at discharge and six months after therapy. Changes were assessed statistically and by means of clinical significance.

RESULTS:

TQ scores significantly improved - independent of group allocation. But more than 80% of the music therapy patients (both ST and CT) revealed a reliable improvement ("responder") compared to 44% in the PT group. Therapy impact seems to be lasting since TQ scores remained stable until follow-up at six months.

CONCLUSIONS:

The "Heidelberg Neuro-Music Therapy" is a method with fast onset and long lasting effect for patients with "tonal" tinnitus. A number of potential working factors accounting for the treatment success are highlighted.

• Authors: Heike Argstatter, Miriam Grapp, Peter K Plinkert, Hans Volker Bolay
• Journal: The international tinnitus journal (Int Tinnitus J) Vol. 17 Issue 1 Pg. 31-41 ( 2012) ISSN: 0946-5448 [Print] United States
• PMID: 23906825 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Humans
• Music Therapy
• Prospective Studies
• Psychometrics
• Tinnitus (therapy)
• Treatment Outcome