iCBT for Tinnitus causes changes in Tinnitus perception

A study was done to examine the perceived tinnitus sound qualities following internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) for tinnitus.

Tinnitus is a symptom which has been agreed across multiple research papers to occur due to a disorder within the auditory system. 

Method: The study was embedded within several clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy of iCBT. 

142 Participants completed a number of online questionnaires including:

 Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI).

 Tinnitus Qualities and Impact Questionnaire (TQIQ).

 Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

 Depression - Patient health questionare (PHQ)

Insomnia severity index & and Health related quality of life Visual Analog Scale (VAS)

Results: showed a statistically significant reduction in tinnitus severity, anxiety, depression and insomnia after intervention with iCBT - Internet based cognitive behavioral therapy for tinnitus. There were clinically important differences in the TQIQ (38%) after iCBT compared to the no-intervention group (9%). Limitations noted : lack of audiological variables and objective measures.

Conclusion

iCBT can lead to changes in the quality of the perceived tinnitus sound in addition to reducing tinnitus severity, insomnia, depression and anxiety.

Reference:Manchaiah V., Andersson G., Beukes W.Eldre, Fagelson A. Marc, Swanepoel De Wet, Maidement D.,  Changes in Perceived Tinnitus Sound Qualities Following Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Tinnitus. Clin. Pract.2025, 15(4), 69;

At Sonant Hearing Clinic we offer iCBT along with audiology tinnitus assessments to help you manage your tinnitus.