Tinnitus is a problem that can offer
Tinnitus is a problem that can offer a significant barrier to a high quality of life, and is an even larger problem because it affects a very large portion of the population: at least 10 to 20 percent. This problem varies in severity and is a combination of hearing loss and ‘ringing’ in the ear, among other auditory hallucinations. There is no cure or even a homogenized treatment protocol, meaning that treating tinnitus can be very costly but not very effective. The latest study is as follows: 198 patients that can be assigned to either a usual care group, the control, or a specialized care group. Adult patients are eligible if they have been assigned to the audiological center, and will be followed for twelve months. The quality of treatments can be assessed based on the quality of life index, the variable severity of the disease, general distress, cognitions, fears, and the cost of the treatment. This experiment is notable as being the first randomized, controlled, and scientific study that compares the cost and effectiveness of various tinnitus treatments and that allows economic evaluation of tinnitus treatments. It is likely to be one of few studies used in the wide-ranged implementation of tinnitus treatments.
