What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to evaluate whether resting-state EEG spectral power ratios can serve as objective markers for residual inhibition induced by tailor-made notched music training.

February 14, 2026Open Access

Tailor-made notched music training–induced residual inhibition in subjective tinnitus: resting-state EEG spectral power ratio evidence

Key Points

This research aims to evaluate whether resting-state EEG spectral power ratios can serve as objective markers for residual inhibition induced by tailor-made notched music training.
Retrospective analysis of 29 adults with chronic subjective tinnitus
Single 10-minute session of tailor-made notched music training
Resting-state EEG recordings taken before, during, and after stimulation
Power estimated using Welch's method across frequency bands
Behavioral assessment via visual analogue scales for loudness and annoyance
69% of patients experienced residual inhibition following TMNMT exposure
Behavioral assessment showed decreased loudness/annoyance within the session
EEG analysis revealed increased delta and theta power ratios and decreased alpha ratios
Exploratory findings indicated a link between higher baseline tinnitus severity and better behavioral outcomes

Abstract

Objective Residual inhibition (RI) is clinically useful but lacks objective markers. Tailor-made notched music training (TMNMT) is a non-invasive paradigm that may elicit RI. We evaluated whether resting-state EEG spectral power ratios (SPR) provide a convergent electrophysiological signature of TMNMT-induced RI. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 29 adults with chronic subjective tinnitus who underwent a single 10-min TMNMT session. Resting-state EEG was recorded immediately before (pre-stim), during (during-stim), and after stimulation (post-stim). Power was estimated by Welch’s method and summarized as band-limited SPR for delta (1–4 Hz), theta (4–8 Hz), alpha (8–13 Hz), and beta (13–30 Hz) relative to broadband power (1–30 Hz). Behavioral outcomes included visual analogue scales (VAS) for loudness/annoyance and RI intensity and duration. Repeated-measures non-parametric tests with false-discovery-rate (FDR) correction were the primary analyses; effect sizes were reported where applicable. Results RI was observed in 20 of 29 patients (69%) following the routine TMNMT exposure. Across the cohort, VAS loudness/annoyance decreased within-session. SPR showed a frequency-specific shift characterized by increases in delta and theta power ratios and a reduction in alpha, with a non-significant downward trend in beta. Exploratory analyses suggested that higher baseline tinnitus severity (THI) was associated with greater VAS improvement and higher likelihood of RI positivity. Conclusion The present retrospective analysis characterized behavioral and EEG spectral patterns observed during routine TMNMT exposure. We observed that TMNMT produced measurable tinnitus relief accompanied by frequency-specific SPR shifts. These findings collectively offer preliminary observational evidence and practical rationale for the potential clinical utility of TMNMT.

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