An increase in the auditory steady-state response amplitudes after a period of listening to binaural beat stimuli in tinnitus patients: a pilot study

Abstract Background Tinnitus impact on persons’ lifestyle, function, and emotion is of significant importance that has been the leader for conducting an increasing amount research in field tinnitus pathophysiology, assessment, management. Binaural beats (BB) are one acoustic neuromodulation approaches used psychological disorders, such as distress anxiety. Thus, we hypothesized binaural beat could be helpful relief annoyance. Methods Seventeen chronic subjects participated this quasi-experimental (quantitative research) study. In study, effect stimuli was evaluated subjectively using handicap inventory (THI) scores, visual analog scale loudness annoyance (VAS_L, VAS_A), objectively by 40-Hz ASSR after 1 month listening to beats, correlation between these two assessments evaluated. Results After listening, all subjective findings were significantly improved, amplitude increased right auditory anterior frontal regions at 2000-Hz carrier frequency. Besides, there a high decreasing scores with rising ASSR. Conclusion The use method management may recommended according current study findings. However, more investigations effectiveness supported data from controlled clinical trials correlations alteration highly suggested.