Exploring App-Based Physiotherapy for Somatic Tinnitus: Results from a Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Somatic tinnitus (ST) is a type of tinnitus that is influenced by changes in somatosensory input from the cervical spine or temporomandibular area. Although traditional physiotherapy has been shown to reduce ST symptoms, in-clinic treatment is not always available, and adherence to home exercise programs is often low. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of an app-based physiotherapy program to enhance the compliance and availability of treatment for ST patients. Methods: This pilot randomised controlled trial included 38 adult patients with chronic somatic tinnitus. Participants were randomly assigned to a treatment group receiving a 9-week app-based cervical spine exercise program or a control group. The primary outcome was tinnitus distress measured using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI). As a secondary outcome we used the Mini-Tinnitus Questionnaire (Mini-TQ). Results: Participants in the treatment group showed significant reductions in tinnitus distress, with a large effect size for both the THI and Mini-TQ groups (Cohen's d = 1.71 and 1.02, respectively). The control group showed no significant changes. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that an app-based physiotherapy intervention is a feasible and effective treatment for ST. Further research with larger sample sizes and comparisons to traditional in-clinic treatments is needed to confirm these findings. Additional studies on personalised treatment might further improve the treatment.