Online therapy cuts tinnitus suffering in Indian patients, opening market for digital treatment

<p>Tinnitus is defined as the perception of sound(s) without external stimulation. It causes distress and is associated with psychological conditions like anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance. It affects a significant proportion of the population in India. However, there are no standard established tinnitus treatment programs. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is proven to effectively reduce tinnitus-related distress and improve quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) adapted to Indian English for tinnitus management in the Indian population. The study used a pre-post intervention design and included 24 adults with chronic subjective tinnitus. They completed an 8-week ICBT program adapted from Beukes et al. (Internet Interv 6:6-15, 2016, Am J Audiol 29:97-109, 2020). Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) were used to assess tinnitus severity, anxiety, and depression pre- and post-intervention. TFI scores were significantly reduced post-intervention. HAM-A and HAM-D scores were also significantly reduced. The post-intervention scores had a large overall effect on tinnitus severity as well as anxiety and depression, with 62% reporting a significant change in tinnitus severity. The ICBT Indian English adapted version can effectively reduce tinnitus severity, anxiety, and depression in a sample of Indian persons with tinnitus. The study will be further scaled up with adequate sample sizes, control groups, and longer follow-ups to evaluate its long-term efficacy and generalizability.</p>