An 8-Week Online Body Scan Meditation Intervention for Tinnitus: Accessibility, Adherence, and Rates of Clinically Meaningful Success

ObjectivesTinnitus is the perception of sound in the absence of an external source and is experienced by up to 15% of the general population. There are many causes of tinnitus, but no cure is currently available. It has significant comorbidities with clinical anxiety, depression, and insomnia, and degrades quality of life in 1-2% of society at large. Currently, psychological interventions are the best way forward in assisting tinnitus habituation, but treatment availability and suitable experience to deliver such interventions are limited.MethodsOne hundred five individuals with chronic tinnitus took part in this study. An 8-week programme of guided online meditations focused on mindfulness was compared with a waiting list control group. Intervention outcomes were assessed by changes to tinnitus distress (Tinnitus Functional Index), tinnitus cognitions (Tinnitus Cognitions Questionnaire), and mindful awareness (Mindful Attention Awareness Scale).ResultsAs hypothesised, the online intervention saw clinically meaningful reductions in tinnitus distress for 30% of our sample (16 participants). Furthermore, the intervention saw significant increases in mindful awareness and significant reductions in negative thoughts about tinnitus, when compared with waiting list controls. There were no significant changes in positive thoughts about tinnitus. Twenty-one participants failed to complete the study and were considered "no change" as per intention-to-treat (ITT) paradigms.ConclusionsIn the absence of accessible psychological interventions, online mindfulness programmes including body scans are recommended for individuals with tinnitus as an effective and low-cost self-help tool. Reductions in negative thoughts around tinnitus are considered key to living alongside the condition (i.e. tinnitus habituation). Suggestions are made for improving future adherence rates, including recommendations for investigation in conjunction with other interventions.