Efficacy of tailor-made notched music training for primary tinnitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: We systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed the efficacy of Tailor-Made Notched Music Training (TMNMT) for primary subjective tinnitus in adults. The main goal was to evaluate TMNMT's impact on tinnitus symptoms. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, we included randomized and non-randomized trials. Studies considered involved adults with primary subjective tinnitus treated with TMNMT alone or combined with other therapies. Bias risk was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 and ROBINS-I tools. Comprehensive database searches were conducted, and relevant data were extracted and analyzed. Results: Three studies (total: 99 TMNMT patients, 109 sound therapy) were meta-analyzed. Using THI scores, the Forest plot showed no significant difference in tinnitus distress between TMNMT and listening to music groups (p > 0.05), with low study heterogeneity (I2 = 0 %). Conclusion: While TMNMT offers a non-invasive approach with a potential to reduce tinnitus distress, it did not significantly outperform the only listening to music. More research is needed to optimize TMNMT for tinnitus management and to better document its safety profile.