Abstract
[Purpose] We reported about a physical acoustic tinnitus treatment using biofeedback therapy. Firstly, a phase reversal of patient's subjective sound was made. Secondly, it was loaded to the ear having tinnitus and its tinnitus reducing effect was evaluated. [Method] 1) We prepared two tinnitus mimic models for healthy volunteer: Inner ear model (Ipsi model) and brain auditory center model (Contra model). Two imaginary tinnitus sounds (500Hz and 2000Hz) were loaded to each model and Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR), delay time of V wave was recorded. 2) Two subjects without underlying disease were tested the physical acoustic tinnitus treatment using biofeedback therapy. Tinnitus was evaluated by the interview sheet, tinnitus Handicap Inventory and Visual Analog Scale. (VAS) [Results] 1) In subject case 1, the tinnitus sound reducing effects appeared at delaying time 16.0ms for phase reversal. In subject case 2, the tinnitus reducing effects appeared at delaying time 29.0ms and 18.0ms for phase reversal. It was confirmed that the tinnitus reducing effects had appeared just 10 minutes after phase reversed sound loading in both subjects (VAS evaluation). [Conclusion] These results might have a clinical potential as a new tinnitus therapy.
