Tinnitus Recovery Effect Through Virtual Reality-Based Natural Soundscape Experience

Background and Objectives Tinnitus is a condition in which individuals perceive sounds in their ears or head without any external source. It is classified into primary and secondary tinnitus. Primary tinnitus is chronic and cognitive behavioral therapy. In contrast, secondary tinnitus arises from specific underlying conditions, for which treatments focus on primarily addressing those conditions first. If left untreated, tinnitus can negatively impact sleep, cognitive function, and emotional stability, leading to a decline in quality of life. Recently, there has been an increase in research on tinnitus treatment utilizing virtual reality (VR) technology and soundscapes. In the present study, we created 3D contents of natural soundscapes and validated their effect on tinnitus recovery through VR technology. It is expected that the research will present possibilities for non-pharmacological treatment methods and enhance interest and concentration in tinnitus therapy. Subjects and Method We recruited 34 adults, aged between 19 to 65, who experienced subjective tinnitus for over 3 months. Participants were randomly assigned an experimental group or a control group. Then the experimental group was exposed to natural soundscapes in a VR environment, whereas the control group was exposed to the same soundscapes without visual stimulation. The study consisted of eight visits, spanning over 4 weeks from March to June 2024. Evaluation metrics included pure tone audiometry, T-gram, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), tinnitus handicap questionnaire (THQ) and heart rate variability (HRV). Results The results showed significant improvement in BDI and THQ scores in the experimental group compared to the control group. Tinnitus severity decreased, while emotional stability and quality of life improved. However, no significant difference was found in HRV between the groups, indicating the need to consider additional physiological indicators. Conclusion The study limitations include a small sample size and short duration, necessitating future research with larger samples and longer observation periods to verify long-term effectiveness. Overall, this study highlights the potential of VR-based natural soundscape experiences as a promising new approach for tinnitus treatment.