Background:

The objective for this scoping review was to assess the latest knowledge in the field of tinnitus management and inform the clinical fraternity with evidence-based knowledge.

Materials and Methods:

We retrieved randomized and non-randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and observational studies from 2014 to 2021(search date 1 Apr 2021) on chronic tinnitus patients within the context of evidence-based guidelines available on tinnitus therapies. We considered , full-text, English language articles from PubMed, Cochrane, and Google using an AI-powered evidence synthesis tool – MaiA. We excluded studies on epidemiology, technical objectives assessing other than efficacy/safety outcomes, . Charted data from selected sources of evidence (related to study characteristics, intervention, sample size, efficacy and safety data, and quality of life-related outcomes as applicable) are summarized.

Results:

We retrieved five evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (US, EU, and Japan regions). Of total 506 results, 205 underwent screening based on eligibility criteria and 38 were included for the final charting. Out of these 38 articles, three major treatment trends emerged: 1. Medical technology therapies; 2. Behavioural/habituation therapies; and 3. Pharmacological, herbal/complementary and alternative medicine therapies. Other therapies included , therapies, and digital interventions. However, none of these were recommended to practice as per the latest EU guideline in 2019 due to no to limited strength of evidence except for cognitive behavior therapy (CBT).

Conclusion:

Although tinnitus guidelines did not recommend stimulation therapies, tinnitus research is seen focusing on stimulation. Therefore, it is highly recommended that clinicians consider clinical practice guidelines when making treatment recommendations and make distinction between established management approaches with good evidence and emerging treatment approaches for tinnitus management.