The Role of Psychology in Managing Tinnitus: A Cognitive Behavioral Approach

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
This article presents an overview of how cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is conducted with tinnitus patients. Assessment strategies used in CBT for tinnitus involve structured interviews, daily diary ratings, and validated self-report questionnaires. The treatment includes applied relaxation, imagery and distraction techniques, advice regarding environmental sounds, management of sleep, and cognitive restructuring of thoughts and beliefs associated with tinnitus. Occasionally, hearing tactics and advice regarding hyperacusis are included. The treatment ends with relapse prevention to prepare for fluctuations in distress caused by tinnitus. The effect of psychological treatment according to CBT principles has been investigated in several studies and shows promising results in that annoyance caused by tinnitus is reduced. Most recently, a self-help version has been developed and tested over the Internet. The article ends with a discussion of professional issues, such as who should conduct CBT, and decisions made when referring patients to a psychologist.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: