The Comparison between Matched and Self-reported Change in Tinnitus Loudness

Abstract

Tinnitus loudness in 100 cases were measured before and after treatment and compared to self-reported changes in tinnitus loudness. Loudness matches were obtained both at the ipsilateral and contralateral ear with tinnitus. Self-reports of the change in tinnitus loudness were expressed by 10 scale method. Moderate correlations were found between self-reported change in tinnitus loudness and the loudness match values. However, when frequencies of tinnitus differed before and after treatment, these correlation were low. Therefore, attention not only to tinnitus loudness but also to changes in tinnitus pitch is necessary during treatment of tinnitus.