Comparative Efficacy of Widex Zen Therapy versus Tinnitus Retraining Therapy on Speech-in-Noise Performance and Psychological Well-Being in Nigerian Adults with Chronic Tinnitus
Keywords:
Tinnitus, sound therapy, Widex Zen Therapy, tinnitus retraining therapy, auditory performance, psychological well‑beingAbstract
Objective: This randomised controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of Widex Zen Therapy (WZT) versus Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) in improving auditory performance and psychological well-being among adults with chronic tinnitus in Lagos State, Nigeria.
Methods: Sixty participants (aged 18–65 years) with subjective tinnitus were randomised to receive either WZT, which combines hearing-aid amplification, fractal tone sound enrichment, counselling, and relaxation exercises or standard TRT, involving directive counselling and broadband sound enrichment. Primary outcomes were changes in speech-in-noise performance (Hearing-in-Noise Test SNR threshold) and mental well-being (WHO-5 Well-Being Index), measured at baseline and six months. Baseline self-efficacy (General Self-Efficacy Scale) and age were also recorded and tested as moderators. Data were analysed using ANCOVA, controlling for baseline scores.
Results: After adjustment for baseline values, the WZT group demonstrated significantly greater improvement in speech-in-noise thresholds (adjusted means: 2.6 dB) than the TRT group (4.1 dB), F(1, 56) = 8.92, p = .004, η² = .14. Well-being gains were also larger in WZT (WHO-5 = 18.2) compared with TRT
(14.6), F(1, 56) = 12.47, p = .001, η² = .18. Significant Group × Age and Group × Self-Efficacy interactions indicated that younger participants experienced the greatest auditory benefits (F(1, 56) = 5.14, p = .027, η² = .08), and those with higher baseline self-efficacy showed the largest well-being gains (F(1, 56) =
6.53, p = .013, η² = .10).
Conclusions: Widex Zen Therapy yields superior improvements in both auditory function and psychological well-being compared with conventional TRT, particularly among younger and more self-efficacious patients. These findings support the implementation of multi-component sound therapy in
tinnitus management.
