Tinnitus
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
Acceptance and commitment therapy
Relaxation techniques
Mindfulness
Exposure therapy
Tinnitus retraining therapy
Tinnitus retraining therapy
Tinnitus retraining therapy involve the use of wearable sound devices which omit sounds that reduce the sensitivity in the auditory system. These devices start at £1950 inclusive of future appointments. A fully refundable trial is offered, but please note that it will take at least 6 weeks before knowing whether this will be beneficial.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) stands out as the most successful management option for tinnitus, recognised for its efficacy in addressing the psychological and emotional challenges associated with this condition. By combining education on tinnitus with cognitive restructuring, CBT empowers individuals to reframe negative thought patterns, fostering a healthier mindset towards the persistent sound perception. Incorporating relaxation techniques aids in reducing anxiety and stress contributing to an overall improvement in the perceived intensity of tinnitus. This holistic approach, encompassing both cognitive and behavioural aspects, distinguishes CBT as a highly effective therapeutic option for individuals grappling with the challenges of tinnitus.