Find Relief from Tinnitus
Are you struggling with the persistent sounds of tinnitus? Our expert team, led by Dr. Gladys Sanda, offers tailored assessments and personalised management plans to help you regain control and improve your quality of life. Discover effective solutions and take the first step towards a quieter tomorrow!
What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is defined as the perception of a sound in the ear(s) or the head, often described as ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other noises, in the absence of an external source. It is thought that 13% of the population in the UK experiences tinnitus.
Tinnitus Therapy
For some individuals, tinnitus can be persistent and intrusive, affecting their daily lives and well-being. Positively, 95% of people can successfully habituate to their tinnitus.
Habituation to tinnitus refers to the process by which an individual, over time, becomes less aware of and less bothered by the perception of tinnitus. Habituation is a natural psychological phenomenon where the brain learns to filter out or ignore repetitive stimuli. In the context of tinnitus, habituation involves the brain adapting to the constant presence of the sound, reducing the emotional and psychological response to it. As a result, individuals may become less distressed by the sound of tinnitus and more able to focus on other aspects of their lives.
Various therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) aim to facilitate habituation to tinnitus. These approaches help individuals change their emotional reactions and cognitive responses to the tinnitus sound, fostering a reduction in its perceived impact. Additionally, sound therapy, relaxation techniques, and counselling may be incorporated to support the habituation process.
It’s important to note that habituation doesn’t necessarily always mean the complete elimination of tinnitus but rather a decrease in its perceived severity and the associated distress. Individual experiences with habituation can vary, and the effectiveness of different approaches may differ from person to person.
Noticeable improvements may emerge after approximately three follow-up sessions, and the complete treatment duration might extend from 6 to 12 months.
Treatment Options
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps change negative thoughts and behaviours linked to tinnitus, enabling patients to develop coping strategies and improve emotional well-being.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT encourages patients to accept their tinnitus and commit to actions aligned with their values, fostering control and a fulfilling life despite the condition.
Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation, reduce stress and anxiety related to tinnitus, promoting calmness.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness focuses on being present and observing thoughts without judgment, helping individuals cultivate peace and lessen the emotional impact of tinnitus.
Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy gradually introduces patients to tinnitus-related sounds in a controlled setting, helping desensitise them and reduce anxiety.
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)
TRT combines sound therapy and counselling to help patients habituate to tinnitus, using low-level sound to mask symptoms while providing support.
