Use of mindfulness in the treatment of tinnitus: consensus based on the opinion of Brazilian experts.
Mônica Claudino Medeiros Honorato, Mariana Lopes Martins, Lidiane Maria de Brito Macedo Ferreira, Erika Baroni Mantello, Marine Raquel Diniz da Rosa
CoDAS January 1, 2026 DOI: 10.1590/2317-1782/e20250182pt (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA Delphi study with specialists in otolaryngology, speech-language-hearing pathology, and physical therapy reached consensus that mindfulness is a therapeutic resource for tinnitus but should not be used as monotherapy. The panel agreed on a protocol of once-weekly sessions of at least 30 minutes for 8 weeks, plus daily home practice, with progress monitored using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and Visual Analogue Scale. Of 34 statements evaluated, 25 achieved consensus (content validity coefficient ≥ 0.70). The authors recommend these findings be tested in clinical trials to establish evidence and standardize protocols.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Delphi study Cross-sectional Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 23 |
| Population | Specialists in otolaryngology, speech-language-hearing pathology, and physical therapy |
| Intervention | Mindfulness |
| Duration | 8-week protocol |
| Key finding | Consensus was reached on 25 of 34 items, supporting mindfulness as a combined therapeutic resource for tinnitus, not as monotherapy, with a recommended protocol of weekly 30-minute sessions for 8 weeks and daily home practice. |
Abstract
To develop a consensus among otolaryngologists, speech-language-hearing pathologists, and physical therapists regarding the criteria for recommending and using mindfulness in the treatment of tinnitus. Observational, descriptive, quantitative, cross-sectional study conducted online. The convenience sample initially consisted of 23 specialists. The Delphi method was applied in two stages, providing feedback with anonymous responses. The first stage consisted of objective and subjective questions. The second stage involved 10 participants, who evaluated 34 statements derived from the initial stage. The specialists analyzed each item and demonstrated their agreement on a 5-point Likert scale. The content validity coefficient (CVC) was used to investigate the degree of interrater agreement and select the final items. There was consensus on 25 of the 34 items (CVC ≥ 0.70). The specialists consider mindfulness to be a therapeutic resource for tinnitus, but not as monotherapy. There was consensus on recommending application once a week, for at least 30 minutes, with daily home practice. Follow-up therapy after 8 weeks can be done using scales such as the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and the Visual Analogue Scale. There is consensus on the combined (not alone) use of mindfulness in the treatment of tinnitus with a weekly protocol (8 weeks), lasting 30 minutes per session, monitored using the THI and VAS. These recommendations should be explored in clinical trials, investigating the short- and long-term effects to provide scientific evidence and standardize clinical protocols.