Behavioural therapy in the clinical management of tinnitus

Behavioural therapy was given to reduce discomfort and annoyance associated with severe tinnitus in 75 consecutive patients. Treatment was conducted within the routine clinical management. It included information and discussion about tinnitus, behavioural analysis and relaxation training combined with various cognitive strategies. The method of treatment was thus a form of coping technique. Self-recordings showed significant reductions of 'discomfort from tinnitus' as well as significant elevations in 'general mood' over a 3-month follow-up period. Interview findings indicated strong overall positive effects of treatment, as well as other positive side-effects on complaints such as tension headaches, dizziness, muscle tension and sleep disturbances. Implications for the clinical management of tinnitus sufferers are discussed.