Overview
Tinnitus is the term used for noises heard in the ears and or head, and for many people, it can be a very distressing experience. The term "tinnitus" comes from the Latin "tinnare" meaning "to ring", however tinnitus noises can very widely, such as ringing, hissing, buzzing, crickets - examples are many. Here is a recording of some tinnitus sounds - if you have sensitive hearing, please ensure that the volume level on your computer is set at a comfortable level for you.
Listen to synthesised examples of tinnitus sounds
Some 1 in 10 people have tinnitus. The research tells us habituation (naturalising to the noise) with little if any clinical intervention happens for 85%. For around 15% of those who have tinnitus, it is distressing. Tinnitus distress is assessed through validated clinical measures - such as the THI (Tinnitus Handicap Inventory) - as being mild, moderate or severe tinnitus distress.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Tinnitus effectively reduces tinnitus distress, and is measurable through using the THI, TFI (Tinnitus Functional Index) and Anxiety measures at the outset and again at the end of a course of tinnitus management.
Listen to synthesised examples of tinnitus sounds
Some 1 in 10 people have tinnitus. The research tells us habituation (naturalising to the noise) with little if any clinical intervention happens for 85%. For around 15% of those who have tinnitus, it is distressing. Tinnitus distress is assessed through validated clinical measures - such as the THI (Tinnitus Handicap Inventory) - as being mild, moderate or severe tinnitus distress.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Tinnitus effectively reduces tinnitus distress, and is measurable through using the THI, TFI (Tinnitus Functional Index) and Anxiety measures at the outset and again at the end of a course of tinnitus management.
One to one meetings are online using Zoom on a computer, tablet or smartphone.
Finding a suitably qualified and experienced clinician to help you manage tinnitus distress effectively can be difficult
Services in the NHS are patchy where standard tinnitus treatment is carried out in Audiology Departments. It should include fitting hearing aids when there is a hearing loss and giving some helpful advice and support to patients. It is, however, less common to find structured tinnitus management available as standard
I worked as an NHS Hearing Therapist from 1993 until 2010, from 2001-2010, as the Hearing Therapy Clinical Lead for East Lancashire NHS Trust. My specialism and main interest throughout has been in tinnitus management
From 2010 to 2019 I continued to work with tinnitus patients as part of my private practice. The online Tinnitus E-Programme was launched in 2009 as a self-directed, free to access six module course of tinnitus management; it subsequently became therapist-supported in 2018 due to high attrition (drop-out) which is common for self-help interventions
I have 28 years experience working with people who have tinnitus - ranging from those who simply need some reassurance through to those who are not only severely distressed by tinnitus, but also have additional problems - some hearing related such as hyperacusis (over-sensitivity to noise), vestibular problems (dizziness) and hearing loss - but also severe anxiety and/or depression as a result of tinnitus or when anxiety and depression pre-dates tinnitus onset
I have been able to bring my knowledge, skills and experience as a Hearing Therapist together with those of also being a Psychotherapist. My extensive training in psychotherapy to Masters (MSc) level, enables me to work in great depth with people who have tinnitus distress that is being perpetuated and driven by anxiety or depression beyond that being caused by tinnitus alone
Choosing any healthcare provider is one of the most important decisions you can make. You want someone who is caring, knowledgeable, and accessible. Someone willing to take the time to go over all of your options and treat you as the unique individual that you are