Cognitive behavioural therapy for tinnitus improves quality of life
Blood and immune system
Resource Type: Question and Answer
Author: NZ Doctor
Published: July 2007
Question
Should I consider cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) as a treatment for individuals with tinnitus?
Bottom Line
CBT produces a significant improvement in the quality of life (decrease of global tinnitus severity) of participants compared with waiting list controls and an educational intervention, and is not associated with any adverse effects.
Caveat
CBT does not improve the subjective loudness of tinnitus or the symptoms of clinical depression, if present.
Context
Tinnitus affects 6-17 per cent of the population, with 0.5-2 per cent having tinnitus that produces sufficient annoyance to interfere with normal daily life.1 At present there is no specific therapy for tinnitus which benefits all individuals.