CBT for Tinnitus Resources

Resources From Dr. Hubbard

• Articles

• Podcasts

• Webinars

Tinnitus Support Message Board

There are many online tinnitus forums and Facebook groups. These are almost all negative and filled with misinformation that deepens fear and instills false hope. The Tinnitus Support Message Board (TSMB) stands out as a positive, pro-habituation community. If you’d like some positive support and encouragement, this is a good place to start.

Tinnitus Information and Support

• American Tinnitus Association (ATA)

• British Tinnitus Association (BTA)

Self-Help Books

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Tinnitus. Beukes, Andersson, Manchaiah & Kaldo. The best option currently available. Includes traditional cognitive restructuring, relaxation, but also some third wave CBT strategies like mindfulness and exposure to tinnitus sound. Unfortunately pricey.

• FREE How to Manage Your Tinnitus: A Step-by-Step Workbook, Third Edition - abbreviated. Henry, Zaugg, Myers & Schmidt. Simple, practical program developed for the VA. Includes sections on traditional CBT and self-guided sound enrichment.

• A Roaring Silence: How to Stop Worrying and Learn to Cope with Tinnitus. By Frode SingsHow to Manage Your Tinnitus: A Step-by-Step Workbook Third Edition - abbreviated James A. Henry, PhD Tara L. Zaugg, AuD Paula J. Myers, PhD Caroline J. Schmidt, PhDaas. An excellent personal narrative of the habituation process from co-founder of the Tinnitus Support Message Board.

Acceptance-Based CBT for Depression

• The Happiness Trap. Russ Harris

Acceptance-Based CBT for Anxiety

• DARE: The New Way to End Anxiety & Panic Attacks Fast. Barry McDonaugh

Tinnitus Professional Guidelines

These “Clinical Guidelines,” based on results of scientifically controlled research on tinnitus, are intended to help professionals provide the most sensible and sensitive assessment and treatment for tinnitus. The language is complex, as it is intended for health professionals. They are included here for both professionals and consumers:

• US Tinnitus Guidelines

• European Tinnitus Guidelines

Medication and Tinnitus

If you believe your tinnitus was caused by or made worse by a medication, or you are concerned about starting a new medication, please read this article written by otolaryngologist (ENT doctor) Don McFerran.

Drugs and Tinnitus

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is the most researched, evidence-based program for tinnitus distress. However, very few cognitive behavior therapists have ever heard of tinnitus! This makes it difficult to access the right treatment. A complete CBT program will include an emphasis on acceptance, cognitive, behavioral, and mindfulness strategies, written materials, worksheets, and weekly homework assignments. You can learn more at these resources:

1. Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT)

2. Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT (pronounced “act” as in action) is a type of CBT focused on accepting life’s inevitable hardships like tinnitus and redirecting attention to the actions needed to build a life worth living, no matter the hardship. Behavioral, motivational, acceptance and mindfulness strategies are emphasized. One study found that people who show higher tinnitus acceptance tend to have lower distress, whereas low tinnitus acceptance was associated with higher distress. Another study found Acceptance and Commitment Therapy was effective in reducing tinnitus distress. ACT founder, Steven Hayes, writes about his personal experience with tinnitus and his recovery using ACT strategies. Learn more about ACT at Association for Contextual Behavioral Science.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

Recent evidence supports Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy as an effective treatment for tinnitus distress. Originally designed for recurrent depression, MBCT is a 20 hour program to learn general mindfulness skills and apply them to reducing recurrent depression. The program has been tailored to reduce tinnitus distress. To learn more click here. Very few people are trained in MBCT for tinnitus. MBCT information and services for depression can be found at Center for Mindfulness.

Mindfulness for Tinnitus

Peter Vernezze, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and mindfulnss teacher who has tinnitus. Peter offers online mindfulness for tinnitus courses live several times a year. He also hosts a YouTube channel with lots of relevant information. Get on Peter’s mailing list to learn more. Here’s his website: https://therapistwithtinnitus.com/