Impacts of the Heidelberg Model of Music Therapy on the treatment of Chronic Tonal Tinnitus

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35699/2317-6377.2025.59079

Keywords:

Tinnitus, Music Therapy, Hearing Loss, Assessment, Acoustic Stimulation

Abstract

This study aimed to translate and assess the preliminary efficacy of the Heidelberg Model of Music Therapy (HNMT) in the treatment of individuals with chronic tonal tinnitus in Brazil. It is a quantitative and exploratory study comprising 10 individual music therapy sessions over three months. The impact of tinnitus was measured using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Statistical analysis was conducted using the Estimation of Individual Trajectory application, employing the Harmonic Linear Model (HL) and the 4-Parameter Logistic Model (4PL). Two participants completed the protocol, showing a reduction in distress between the 3rd and 7th sessions. The HL identified cyclical patterns and a declining trend in THI scores, while the 4PL highlighted critical points of improvement. Despite no significant changes in perceived tinnitus loudness, findings suggest that HNMT fosters emotional resilience. Future studies should consider larger samples and psychotherapeutic support.

Author Biographies

  • Ana Clara Ramos Ferreira, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil

    Graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Music with a specialization in Music Therapy from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (2025), with an exchange program at the University of Augsburg (2023). Certified music technician from the Jupyra Cunha Marcondes Municipal School of Arts (2018).

  • Ronaldo Kennedy de Paula Moreira, Santa Casa of Belo Horizonte, Brazil

    Graduated in Medicine from the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (1990), with a Residency in Otolaryngology at Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte (1994). Master's degree in Medicine and Ph.D. candidate in Speech-Language Pathology at the Faculty of Medicine of UFMG. Permanent Assistant and Preceptor in the Otolaryngology service at Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte.

  • Frederico Pedrosa, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil

    Faculty member of the Undergraduate Music program with a focus on Music Therapy at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). Holds a Doctorate in Music from UFMG (2023), a Master's degree in Music from the Federal University of Paraná (2018), and a Bachelor's Music Therapy degree from the Faculty of Arts of Paraná (2010). Engages in research in the fields of music therapy, substance addiction, mental health, and Brazilian popular culture.

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Published

2025-07-22

Issue

Section

Articles in Portuguese/Spanish

How to Cite

“Impacts of the Heidelberg Model of Music Therapy on the Treatment of Chronic Tonal Tinnitus”. 2025. Per Musi 26 (July): 1-21. https://doi.org/10.35699/2317-6377.2025.59079.

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