• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.45-59
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• 2023

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to analyze the various methods of sound therapy(ST) applied to tinnitus patients and their effectiveness, and to suggest an effective method that can be applied in clinical settings. Methods : Studies published from January 2018 to March 2023 were searched on 5 databases(Pubmed, RISS, OASIS, KISS, KCI). All RCTs that applied sound therapy as a main treatment method were included. Results : 14 studies were included. In 13 studies, sound therapy was statistically significant in improving tinnitus. Basic sound therapy was used in 6 studies(42%), followed by tinnitus rehabilitation therapy(TRT)(n=5, 35%). White noise(n=11, 75%) and nature sound(n=4, 28%) were the most frequently used sound sources. In the case of intensity, mixing point were the most common with 6 studies(42%). The mobile application(n=4) was the most frequently used implement. The application time of sound therapy per day was more than 3 hours(n=7), and the total treatment period was more than 3 months(n=9). Conclusions : Our findings indicate that sound therapy could be considered as an intervention for tinnitus patients. For better use, we suggest a basic type of sound therapy or TRT using white noise or nature sound at the mixing point level provided as a mobile phone application. In addition, the treatment period is recommended to be more than 3 hours/day for 3 months.