A controlled trial of hypnotherapy in tinnitus

Abstract

A group of 14 patients with unilateral tinnitus were selected because of the constant nature of their tinnitus, and its resistance to all other forms of therapy. They were subjected to hypnosis in three forms in random order. The induction of a trance state alone formed the control arm of the trial. Compared to this were the effects of 'ego boosting' and active suppression of tinnitus whilst in a trance state. One of the 14 patients showed a highly significant response to the latter treatment as judged by visual analogue scales. Five of the 14 patients (36%) found the induction of a hypnotic state of value. This seemed to help them tolerate their tinnitus better, although its loudness and quality were unaltered.

A Review of Randomized Clinical Trials in Tinnitus

“…Marks et al 75 compared three forms of hypnosis: trance only, trance with “active suppression” of tinnitus, and trance with “ego boosting.” There were no differences among treatment groups in tinnitus match, subjective loudness, or annoyance.…”

Diagnosis and management of somatosensory tinnitus: review article

“…Self-hypnosis reduced tinnitus significantly, attentiveness reduced it partly, and masking did not have any significant effect. Marks et al52 tried hypnotherapy for chronic tinnitus. One out of 14 patients showed a highly significant response to the latter treatment, as judged by visual analogue scales.…”

Client centred hypnotherapy in the management of tinnitus – is it better than counselling?

“…Over 50 per cent of the subjects in this study reduced their linear analogue scales. Marks (1985) also used an analogue scale but only one out of 14 patients showed a reduction. Marks' study was using patients who had been resistant to other forms of treatment, and this difference between subject groups must be taken into account.…”

“…Hypnotherapy helps by reducing this anxiety and tension, enhancing relaxation and improving their ability to cope with tinnitus by increasing their personal control over this intrusive symptom. Four prospective studies claim varied success (Brattberg, 1983;Marks et al, 1985;Attias et al, 1990;Attias et a/., 1993). Beneficial effects have been reported in between 36 per cent and 73 per cent of the patients studied.…”