Behavioral Treatment of Tinnitus

For those with tinnitus, Lifespan offers behavioral strategies that help manage the condition and the experience of psychological distress that often accompanies it. Our psychologists treat patients by using cognitive-behavioral therapy, a recognized method for effectively reducing tinnitus severity and impairment and improving the quality of one’s life.

Lifespan’s psychologists understand that tinnitus causes stress, tension, anxiety, and even depression, which can exacerbate side effects. For sufferers of tinnitus, it can be helpful to discuss this with a professional who is familiar with the disorder and its complications.

Who might benefit from behavioral treatment?

• Tinnitus sufferers who experience stress
• Those with tinnitus who feel their medical condition has stopped them from leading a satisfying life

What should I expect from my first visit with a psychologist?

• Questions about your lifestyle, history with tinnitus, and previous treatment attempts
• Treatment that will empower your to act in your own best interests
• Effective treatments that may focus on the following:
  • Relaxation and stress management techniques
  • Modifying thoughts to make them more adaptive and beneficial
  • Attention control to divert attention from a sensation or object by self-control
  • Sound substitution matching to relate the sound of tinnitus to a natural, preferably pleasant sound
  • Self-instructional statements to deal with awareness of tinnitus as a challenge that can be managed and applying an adaptive coping behavior
  • Communicating with health care providers