Internet-based therapy for tinnitus- Does it work?

Two of the great challenges associated with connecting tinnitus sufferers with effective, evidence-based treatment strategies are that such treatment is not readily available in many geographic areas and that these therapies can be quite expensive because they are frequently not covered by insurance in the United States.

It is becoming increasingly clear that one way to overcome these two challenges is to provide effective tinnitus treatment using internet or app-based platforms. Such therapies can generally be delivered at a lower cost than in-person treatment, are typically more convenient, are often less time-consuming, and are accessible to anyone with an internet connection. 

But many tinnitus sufferers are justifiably skeptical about whether internet or app-based therapies can actually be effective at providing tinnitus relief. Well, a research group from the University of Trieste and the University of California Irvine recently published a systematic review and meta-analysis of research that explores this very question. The researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis of 14 clinical studies (including nine randomized controlled trials), encompassing a total of 1,574 patients. These studies utilized standardized measures such as the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI), Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), and Tinnitus Reactions Questionnaire (TRQ) to assess the severity and impact of tinnitus before and after internet-based therapies (IBT) for tinnitus. Several different treatment modalities were included in the analysis, but the majority of the patients received some combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), sound therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).

So what did this analysis reveal . . .

Patients undergoing IBTs experienced notable improvements in tinnitus severity. Specifically, the THI scores decreased by an average of 17.97 points, and TFI scores decreased by 24.56 points. These reductions correspond to large effect sizes (Cohen's d: 0.85 for THI and 0.80 for TFI), indicating substantial clinical benefits.

These are impressive numbers comparable to any currently established tinnitus treatment modality being offered by specialized treatment centers around the country. In 2025, I believe such internet based tinnitus treatments are the best choice for a large percentage of people suffering with intrusive tinnitus. 

My team and I have spent almost a decade researching, developing, testing, and optimizing our internet based tinnitus treatment program called Alleviate Tinnitus Therapy. We’ve had countless patients and clients achieve life-changing improvements in their tinnitus using this convenient approach. As outlined above, the research supporting this treatment strategy is very convincing. Maybe you can be our next success story. 

www.AlleviateTinnitusTherapy.com