Sound therapy (amplification devices and sound generators) for tinnitus (Cochrane Review)
Record details
- Authors: Sereda M, et al.
- Journal / source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2018)
- Design: Systematic review of RCTs
- Sample: 590 (8 trials)
- Primary endpoint: Tinnitus symptom severity
- Randomized: Yes · Sham/placebo-controlled: No · Independent of the manufacturer: Yes
What this research found
Crucially: NO usable data existed for any of the three main comparisons (sound therapy vs waitlist, vs placebo, or vs education alone). The 8 trials only compared device types — hearing aids vs sound generators vs combination devices — with insufficient evidence of any difference (low/very-low certainty).
This is absence of evidence, not 'tested and found no better': trials answering the sound-therapy-vs-placebo question simply have not produced usable data. Sound remains widely used, low-risk, and valued by many patients.
Limitations and conflicts of interest
The central question (vs placebo/no treatment) has never been answered with usable trial data.
Funding / conflicts: Independent.
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.