Research Article - The International Tinnitus Journal (2025) Volume 29, Issue 2

Psychological acceptance of tinnitus symptoms alleviates the associated depression and sleep impairments

Objective: Tinnitus is frequently accompanied by symptoms of depression and sleep impairments, so elucidating the direct and indirect associations among these conditions may lead to more broadly effective treatments. This study investigated the correlations, moderating effects, and mediating effects among these conditions in patients receiving Oriental medicine for tinnitus treatment. Design: Surveys on tinnitus, depression, and insomnia severity as well as psychological acceptance of tinnitus were conducted at 15. Study Sample: Oriental medicine clinics and hospitals in South Korea, and 123 complete responses were analyzed. Results: Significant correlations were detected among psychometric tinnitus disorder, depression, sleep disorder, and psychological acceptance scores. In addition, pathway analyses revealed that tinnitus independently promoted depression and sleep disorders, while depression promoted sleep dysfunction directly and partially mediated the effect of tinnitus on sleep dysfunction. Psychological acceptance weakened the impact of tinnitus on depression and the mediating effect of depression on the indirect tinnitus-sleep disorder pathway. Conclusions: Therapies designed to promote psychological acceptance of tinnitus may alleviate depressive symptoms, improve sleep, and ultimately enhance quality of life.

Author(s):

Yunhyeong Cheon, Wookyeong Lee

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