Efficacy of single-session intervention of tinnitus educational counseling : a systematic review

Abstract

PURPOSE : This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy of single-session interventions of tinnitus educational counseling (SSI-TEDs) in the management of tinnitus. METHOD : A systematic literature search was conducted and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Five studies met the inclusion criteria: three were two-arm randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and two employed a pretest–posttest design. Two studies compared SSI-TED with other interventions—neuro-music therapy (n = 1) and hypnosis (n = 1). One study included a homework component for 50% of the participants, and another combined SSI-TED with mindfulness and relaxation training. RESULTS : Across five studies, a total of 307 participants received SSI-TED, while 190 were given alternative interventions. At 1–3 months follow-up, one RCT demonstrated a small-to-medium effect of SSI-TED on reducing tinnitus severity and distress. Pretest–posttest studies reported large effects of SSI-TED on these outcomes. Improvements were also observed in negative emotions, frustration, rumination, and social life. The long-term effect of SSI-TED was noted in one study. No significant effects were found for anxiety or depression. CONCLUSIONS : SSI-TED appears to be a promising intervention for reducing tinnitus-related distress and improving emotional well-being in the short term. The evidence suggests moderate benefits in control conditions and larger effects when evaluated in uncontrolled settings. However, its impact on comorbid anxiety and depression remains unclear. Further high-quality studies with long-term follow-up are needed to establish the sustained efficacy, effectiveness, and broader psychological benefits of SSI-TED.