Consequences of Controlling Background Sounds: The Effect of Experiential Avoidance on Tinnitus Interference

Objective: Masking by the use of sounds has been one of the most commonly applied means of coping with tinnitus. The ability to control auditory stimulation represents a potentially important process involved in tinnitus masking strategies. Little is, however, known about the consequences of control on tinnitus experience. The present study investigated the effects of control of background sounds (type and loudness) on perceived intrusiveness of tinnitus and cognitive performance. Design: Using an experimental design with a series of trials, participants with clinically significant tinnitus ( N = 35) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 experimental manipulation conditions (control of sounds vs. no control of sounds). Measures: Self-reported tinnitus interference and the Digit-Symbol subtest served as dependent measures. Results: Latent growth curve modeling showed that individuals assigned to the condition with control exhibited faster growth rates on tinnitus interference (increased interference) and demonstrated slower rates of improvement on cognitive performance measures over trials compared to individuals assigned to the condition with no control. Conclusion: These results suggest that efforts to control tinnitus through sounds can be associated with increased disability in individuals with tinnitus.