Abstract:
Introduction: The aim of this thesis was to investigate the short-term effects of Autonomous
Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) on tinnitus. The goal was to determine if ASMR stimuli
had effects on tinnitus, and if so, what types of ASMR sounds were most effective, how long
the effects lasted, and if the response was emotional or perceptual.
Method: Eighteen adult participants with constant tinnitus were asked to listen to 9 ASMR
stimuli and rate the emotion, tingling sensation, tinnitus loudness and tinnitus annoyance.
ASMR stimuli used in this study included: crisp sounds, sticky sounds, crunchy sounds, finger
tapping, pencil on paper, page-turning, hair brushing, rain sounds, and whispered reading of a
lifestyle article. Classical music was used as an active control.
Results: Participants’ ratings were improved while listening to the ASMR stimuli. The rain
sound was reported as the most effective ASMR stimulus. The duration of effect varied, but
the effect at least presented while listening to the ASMR stimuli. Interview questions emerged
the themes such as description of ASMR, effective, ineffective, general comments, and ASMR
effects. ASMR effects were likely to be perceptual than emotional. No difference was observed
between participants who experienced ASMR and those who did not. There were no gender
effects.
Conclusion: Listening to the ASMR stimuli improved the rating scales, but there was no clear
evidence that this was due to specific ASMR related effects. More research is needed to confirm
the potential benefit of ASMR in a clinical setting, particularly with a focus on the
heterogeneity of response to different stimuli.
