ERIC Number: EJ1303398
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021-Apr
Pages: 7
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1092-4388
EISSN: N/A
Changes in Heart Rate Variability Following Acoustic Therapy in Individuals with Tinnitus
Reinhart, Paul; Griffin, Kendra; Micheyl, Christophe
Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, v64 n4 p1413-1419 Apr 2021
Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate changes in autonomic function, as measured by heart rate variability, in individuals with tinnitus following acoustic therapy implemented using tinnitus maskers presented via hearing aids. Method: Twenty-six individuals with tinnitus and hearing impairment completed an 8-week field trial wearing hearing aids providing acoustic therapy via three tinnitus masker options set just below minimum masking level. Tinnitus handicap was measured using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory at baseline (before starting acoustic therapy) and posttreatment (at end of 8-week trial). Resting heart rate and heart rate variability were measured using electrocardiography at baseline and posttreatment. Results: There was a significant decrease in tinnitus handicap posttreatment compared to baseline. There was no change in heart rate, but there was a significant increase in heart rate variability posttreatment compared to baseline. Conclusions: Acoustic therapy using tinnitus maskers delivered via hearing aids provided tinnitus relief and produced a concurrent increase in heart rate variability, suggesting a decrease in stress. Heart rate variability is a potential biomarker for tracking efficacy of acoustic therapy; however, further research is required.
Descriptors: Metabolism, Acoustics, Hearing Therapy, Hearing Impairments, Auditory Perception, Assistive Technology, Outcomes of Treatment, Program Length, Program Effectiveness, Stress Variables, Hearing (Physiology)
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. 2200 Research Blvd #250, Rockville, MD 20850. Tel: 301-296-5700; Fax: 301-296-8580; e-mail: slhr@asha.org; Web site: http://jslhr.pubs.asha.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A