Prof. Dr. Gerhard Goebel, Prien am Chiemsee
Video 16 
2018
“When is tinnitus a case for hearing aid acousticians? Notch therapy put to the test: Does tailor-made notched music training keep its promises?”
Tinnitus is a symptom reported by about one in ten adults. Unfortunately, there is still no effective standard treatment for tinnitus. This is because the neurophysiological mechanism has not yet been fully understood. Generally, we do not treat tinnitus, but the underlying indications (comorbidity). In line with current AWMF guidelines on chronic tinnitus, psychotherapeutic procedures are the therapy of choice, either alone or in combination with hearing therapy (hearing aid, cochlear implant, noise generator, auditory training).
Relevant groups of researchers consider the source of chronic tinnitus maintenance to be in the central nervous system. Based on this hypothesis, a research group headed by C. Pantev at the University of Münster examined the relationship between lateral inhibition and organisational changes in the auditory cortex, and developed a method called “tailor-made notched music training” (TMNMT).
In the lecture, I shall present, and critically evaluate, evidence-based therapy studies. Current studies have shown that TMNMT is as effective as placebo music. Notch therapy (NT) with hearing aids seems to be a promising alternative to TMNMT. First results from a study conducted at Saarbrücken University including 36 patients will be discussed.