Consensus Statements on Tinnitus Treatment: A Delphi Study by the Korean Tinnitus Study Group
- Author:
Junhui JEONG
1
;
Ho Yun LEE
;
Oak-Sung CHOO
;
Hantai KIM
;
Kyu-Yup LEE
;
Jae-Jin SONG
;
Jae-Hyun SEO
;
Yoon Chan RAH
;
Jae-Jun SONG
;
Eui-Cheol NAM
;
Shi Nae PARK
;
In Seok MOON
;
Hyun Joon SHIM
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(18):e75-
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:Tinnitus is a bothersome condition associated with various mechanisms of action. Although treatment methods vary according to these mechanisms, standardized guidelines would benefit both patients and clinicians. We conducted a Delphi study, a method that collects expert opinions through multiple rounds of questionnaires, to reach a consensus on tinnitus treatment with professional experts.
Methods:A two-round modified Delphi survey was conducted to develop a clinical consensus on tinnitus treatment. The experts scored each statement on a scale of 1 (highest disagreement) to 9 (highest agreement) for their level of agreement on tinnitus treatment.Consensus was defined when 75% or more of the participants scored 7–9, and 15% or less scored 1–3. To ensure reliability of the responses, the content validity ratio and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance were evaluated.
Results:Approximately 19 of 31 statements reached a consensus. All 3 statements reached a consensus regarding the candidates for treatment. Regarding treatment, 3 of 8 statements on medication, 2 of 2 statements on tinnitus retraining therapy/cognitive behavioral therapy, and 5 of 7 statements on auditory rehabilitation reached a positive consensus. Although all 6 statements regarding miscellaneous treatment reached a consensus, most were negatively agreed. For treatment with neuromodulation, none of the 5 statements reached a consensus.
Conclusion:The experts reached a high level of consensus on treatment candidates, tinnitus retraining therapy/cognitive behavioral therapy, and auditory rehabilitation in this modified Delphi study. The results of this study can provide beneficial and practical information for clinicians regarding the treatment of tinnitus.
