Evaluating time-bound efficacy of binaural beats for tinnitus treatment in individuals with normal hearing: A brainwave entrainment study

Brainwave entrainment using binaural beats has shown potential in treating tinnitus, but most studies have focused on one-month treatment durations.

This study aimed to evaluate the time-bound efficacy of brainwave entrainment using binaural beats, comparing it to a standard tinnitus masker over a three-month duration.

Sixty-three individuals having tinnitus with normal hearing sensitivity were enrolled in the study. The participants were categorized into groups I, II, and III. They were provided with delta (4 Hz) and alpha (10 Hz) frequency binaural beats and standard tinnitus masker, respectively, for a duration of three months. The tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) scores, Visual analogue scale (VAS) rating for tinnitus distress, and quality of life parameters were measured. The reductions obtained for each measure during the end of the first, second and third month were measured and compared across the groups.

All three groups showed considerable reductions in THI and VAS scores and improvements in the quality of life domains, focusing on physical and psychological health. However, groups I and II, who received binaural beats stimuli, showed higher benefits than those who received standard tinnitus masker.

The results of the current study indicated that binaural beats can be an effective treatment technique for individuals with tinnitus having normal hearing sensitivity. Clinicians and otology/audiology practitioners shall adopt this innovative treatment after further validating these findings.