Comparison of Enriched Acoustic Environment and White Noise as Sound Stimuli for Tinnitus Treatment: A 4-Month Feasibility Study.

Background/Objectives: This study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of three sound therapies-enriched acoustic environment with random noise (EAERR), enriched acoustic environment with gamma tones (EAEGT), and white noise (WN)-in alleviating tinnitus distress and enhancing emotional well-being. Methods: A total of 125 individuals with tinnitus were recruited, with 92 completing the four-month intervention. Following counseling, participants selected a therapy and listened daily for one hour for four-months at the mixing point intensity. Tinnitus severity and emotional state were assessed at the baseline and post-treatment using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: All therapies significantly reduced tinnitus distress and improved emotional well-being, with 80.4% of participants reporting benefits. Conclusions: These findings suggest that sound therapies are effective for tinnitus management, though further research with larger and more homogeneous samples is needed to refine their application and optimize treatment for diverse tinnitus profiles.