Problems Associated with Tinnitus

Some of the common problems associated with tinnitus which may suggest you would benefit from talking with a counsellor or a psychologist. Such problems might include:

The tinnitus is worse when you are stressed, worried, anxious
It can make you feel tense, depressed, irritable and/or angry
It can make it hard to fall, or stay, asleep
It can affect your relationship with your spouse, partner, family members or friends
It may lead you to withdraw from activities, or get less pleasure from them
It can lead to the excessive use of medical services or to rely on medications

Some of the emotional problems, such as depression and anxiety, can be a result of your reaction to the tinnitus. A cognitive-behavioural understanding of tinnitus views tinnitus as a stimulus to which a person responds with a number of thoughts, some of which are conscious but others are automatic. The source of distress is therefore not the tinnitus itself, but rather the way in which you view and think about the tinnitus. The aim of cognitive-behaviour therapy is to teach a range of self-control techniques so that you can change the way you view and react to the tinnitus. The aim is not to ‘cure’ the tinnitus but to help you to find effective ways to manage the problem and your reaction to it, thereby reducing its annoyance.

What is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy?

Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) can help to relieve your distress and annoyance and reduce your attention to the tinnitus sounds. A CBT Program can help to do the following:

Learn about the processes of thinking and behaviour and about the effects of tinnitus.
Change the way you think about your tinnitus by helping you to identify negative automatic thoughts and to substitute neutral or more positive thoughts.
Learn ways to divert your attention from the tinnitus, including using imagery.
Learn progressive muscle relaxation.

Free group CBT Programs for tinnitus are available for Tinnitus SA clients who fit the following criteria:
1          are on a pension or benefit, or hold a Health Care Card (priority is given to these people)
2          have attended a community information session (small or large group)
3          rate their tinnitus severity as ‘high’

The groups have no more than eight members and the sessions are held in the meeting room at Tinnitus SA , c/o Adelaide Hearing Consultants, 51 Angas Street, Adelaide. The group CBT Program runs over seven sessions (on Friday afternoons), with home practice associated with each session, and with three follow-up sessions. The group will be facilitated by Anthony Bevan, a qualified and experienced psychologist. Call Tinnitus SA or look on the website for the date and venue of the next course.

Individual CBT for tinnitus management is also available from some psychologists. Consult the Tinnitus SA service provider guide or the Yellow Pages for a psychologist near you.

Self-Help Options

If you are unable to attend a group CBT Program, you may find that you can change your thoughts about the tinnitus and learn the control and relaxation techniques with the aid of a book such as “Tinnitus. A Self-Management Guide for the Ringing in Your Ears” by Jane Henry and Peter Wilson, Psychologists. This book is available on loan from Tinnitus SA or it can be purchased from Pearson Education Australia, ph 02 9454 2302, fax 02 9453 0117 (cost: approx. $50 + freight).

RELAXATION AND SLEEP MANAGEMENT

Relaxation training is available from some community centres (check at your local Council office or local library), the WEA, the Royal Adelaide Hospital, or you can teach yourself with the help of a tape or CD.

Tinnitus SA has relaxation CDs for loan or purchase, including “Managing Tinnitus With Trance and Relaxation” by Paul Walsh, Audiologist and Psychologist.

SHORT COURSES IN TINNITUS MANAGEMENT

These are offered regularly through the WEA in Adelaide (www.wea-sa.com.au) and occasionally through Adelaide Hearing Consultants (www.adelaidehearingconsultants.com.au)