A Review of psychological treatment approaches for patients suffering from tinnitus

Abstract

Disabling tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ear) is a condition experienced by at least 1-2% of the population. Since medical and technical treatments are only partly successful, several psychological treatment approaches have been applied in the treatment of tinnitus. This article reviews 38 studies on hypnosis, biofeedback, and cognitive-behavioral approaches together with relaxation techniques. It is concluded that relaxation training together with cognitive-behavioral coping techniques is the method which so far has received the most empirical support. Still, more research is needed on the effects of psychological treatment. Finally, five recommendations are made regarding the treatment of tinnitus patients.

Prior Treatments in a Group of Tinnitus Sufferers Seeking Treatment

“…Scott et al [19] found control especially important for the development of tolerance to tinnitus. Relaxation skills have been found to be helpful for tinnitus only in combi nation with cognitive ingredients [14], The lack of empiri cal support for such non-specific treatments as acupunc- turc found in controlled studies was in agreement with this descriptive study in which as many as 19 had received acupuncture when seeking audiological assistance. It is questionable whether acupuncture should be recom mended for tinnitus without any other treatment [ 13].…”

A Cluster Randomised Trial of an Internet-Based Intervention Program for Tinnitus Distress in an Industrial Setting

“…Internet-based CBT intervention program for tinnitus-associated distress. An Internet-delivered intervention program for tinnitus distress was translated into English and adapted from a shortened version of the Swedish self-help program used in Kaldo et al (2008), which was mainly inspired by previous research and theories on CBT and tinnitus (Andersson, Melin, Ha¨gnebo, Scott, & Lindberg, 1995;Andersson et al, 2002;McKenna & Andersson, 1998). The Internet-based intervention consisted of 10 components, presented in six modules, and completed at the rate of one module per week.…”

Tinnitus and Translabyrinthine Acoustic Neuroma Surgery

“…It is therefore important to in form the patient in advance about the risk of developing tinnitus, or that tinnitus is likely to stay if present preoperatively. Needless to say, thorough information and good clinical management is important in all tinnitus man agement [17], In severe cases, patients should be referred to specialist treatment [ 18].…”