Cognitive behavioural therapy for tinnitus (Cochrane Review)
Record details
- Authors: Fuller T, Cima R, Langguth B, Mazurek B, Vlaeyen JWS, Hoare DJ
- Journal / source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2020)
- Design: Systematic review of RCTs
- Sample: 2,733 (28 studies)
- Primary endpoint: Tinnitus impact on quality of life (THI/TFI/TQ)
- Randomized: Yes · Sham/placebo-controlled: Yes · Independent of the manufacturer: Yes
What this research found
CBT vs no treatment: SMD −0.56 (95% CI −0.83 to −0.30; ≈10.9 THI points lower; 10 studies, 537 participants; low certainty). CBT vs audiological care: THI −5.65 points (95% CI −9.79 to −1.50; 3 studies, 444 participants; moderate certainty). CBT vs TRT: −15.79 points (95% CI −27.91 to −3.67; ONE study of 42 participants; low certainty). Essentially no reported harms.
Also reduced depression (SMD −0.34) and anxiety (SMD −0.45, very low certainty). Only weak, if any, effects on perceived loudness.
Limitations and conflicts of interest
Mostly low-certainty evidence; almost no 6–12-month follow-up data.
Funding / conflicts: Cochrane-standard declarations; independent of any manufacturer.
Corrections to this record
- 2026-09-04: Citation-hygiene fix: authors: 'Fuller T, Cabrera A, et al.' → 'Fuller T, Cima R, Langguth B, Mazurek B, Vlaeyen JWS, Hoare DJ'
Primary sources
Used as evidence for
This is an original summary from the Tinnitus Evidence verified database, checked against the primary source — not a reproduction of the publisher's abstract.