Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy as a Treatment for Chronic Tinnitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Laurence McKenna, Elizabeth M. Marks, Christopher A Hallsworth, Roland Schaette
Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics 2017 DOI: 10.1159/000478267 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 75 |
| Population | Adults with chronic, distressing tinnitus |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) Relaxation training (RT) |
| Duration | 8 weekly 120-minute sessions; assessments at baseline, 16 weeks, and 6-month follow-up |
| Measures | Tinnitus Questionnaire, Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation - Non-Risk (CORE-NR) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy Relaxation Tinnitus |
| Key findings | Both MBCT and intensive relaxation training reduced tinnitus severity, loudness, psychological distress, anxiety, depression, and disability. MBCT produced a significantly greater reduction in tinnitus severity than relaxation training, with a mean difference of 6.3 points at 16 weeks and 7.2 points at 6 months, and was effective regardless of initial tinnitus severity, duration, or hearing loss. |
Abstract
Tinnitus is experienced by up to 15% of the population and can lead to significant disability and distress. There is rarely a medical or surgical target and psychological therapies are recommended. We investigated whether mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) could offer an effective new therapy for tinnitus. This single-site randomized controlled trial compared MBCT to intensive relaxation training (RT) for chronic, distressing tinnitus in adults. Both treatments involved 8 weekly, 120-min sessions focused on either relaxation (RT) or mindfulness meditation (MBCT). Assessments were completed at baseline and at treatment commencement 8 weeks later. The primary outcomes were tinnitus severity (Tinnitus Questionnaire) and psychological distress (Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation - Non-Risk, CORE-NR), 16 weeks after baseline. The analysis utilized a modified intention-to-treat approach. A total of 75 patients were randomly allocated to MBCT (n = 39) or RT (n = 36). Both groups showed significant reductions in tinnitus severity and loudness, psychological distress, anxiety, depression, and disability. MBCT led to a significantly greater reduction in tinnitus severity than RT, with a mean difference of 6.3 (95% CI 1.3-11.4, p = 0.016). Effects persisted 6 months later, with a mean difference of 7.2 (95% CI 2.1-2.3, p = 0.006) and a standardized effect size of 0.56 (95% CI 0.16-0.96). Treatment was effective regardless of initial tinnitus severity, duration, or hearing loss. MBCT is effective in reducing tinnitus severity in chronic tinnitus patients compared to intensive RT. It also reduces psychological distress and disability. Future studies should explore the generalizability of this approach and how outcome relates to different aspects of the intervention.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 13
- Current Tensions and Challenges in Mindfulness Research and Practice Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy May 20, 2023
- Online mindfulness-based cognitive therapy as an adjuvant-treatment for Chinese patients with psoriasis: A randomized controlled trial JAAD International February 20, 2026
- Primjena mindfulnessa u području edukacijske rehabilitacije Hrvatska revija za rehabilitacijska istraživanja December 19, 2024
- The Mediating Role of Mindfulness and Self-Compassion in the Link between Tinnitus Distress and Anxiety. Audiology & neuro-otology March 12, 2026
- Use of mindfulness in the treatment of tinnitus: consensus based on the opinion of Brazilian experts. CoDAS 2026
and 8 more in the library
Cites 6
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- Competence in Teaching Mindfulness-Based Courses: Concepts, Development and Assessment Mindfulness September 21, 2011
- A randomized controlled trial of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for treating tinnitus. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy May 12, 2011
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to prevent relapse in recurrent depression. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology December 1, 2008
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