Welcome to this iCBT for Tinnitus programme (internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy) which is designed for those who experience bothersome tinnitus and wish to learn how to manage the distress caused by their tinnitus using the techniques of CBT. The iCBT programme is available in two contract models to be incorporated in the services currently offered to patients with tinnitus by audiology clinics in the NHS or independent sector across the UK.
A meta-analysis that reviewed nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of iCBT for tinnitus reported that iCBT led to a medium overall effect size (ES) in reducing tinnitus-related distress, with Cohen’s d=0.50 (95% confidence interval, CI: 0.37–0.63) over studies using both passive and active control groups (To see the study click here).
The first contract model is psychologist-guided iCBT. Patients who use guided iCBT benefit from additional support from psychologists who can encourage them and help them to engage with the program as well as answering questions. We have a team of clinical psychologists, health psychologists, CBT therapists supported by audiologists specialised in tinnitus management and psychology clinical supervisors.
The second model is unguided iCBT that is a self-help programme and does not involve additional support from a therapist. Unguided iCBT is a more cost-effective model. To learn about the effectiveness of unguided iCBT click here to read our paper published in the Journal of the American Academy of Audiology.
Our director, Dr Hashir Aazh said:
“In 2020, digital CBT programmes for tinnitus were recommended by The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). NICE is sponsored by the UK Department of Health and Social Care and provides national guidance and advice. In a recent survey, about 90% of hearing healthcare professionals reported that it is “Extremely likely” or “Likely” to use this iCBT for Tinnitus programme as a complementary intervention to the services that they provide for their patients. To see the study click here.”
A patient with tinnitus who completed the iCBT programme said:
“At first, I was sceptical about whether internet-based CBT would actually enable me to “ignore” my tinnitus. But being confined to home during quarantine, as opposed to spending my days on campus, had made my tinnitus much more noticeable, so I decided to try the program. Learning how to apply positive psychology to my tinnitus changed how I felt when there was limited background noise for me to rely on to relieve me from the sound of my tinnitus. The program showed me that, although I am not able to stop the ringing, I can change the way I feel about it and recognize more objectively how it is affecting me, which is a stark change from the way I felt about my tinnitus between the ages of 13 and 21. The program emphasized that tinnitus cannot control my life, and the first step in diminishing its importance starts with knowing that tinnitus cannot control you. This realization enabled me to manage my tinnitus by changing my mindset. In the Behavioural Experiment module, for instance, I completed a worksheet on negative thoughts that I imagined would arise during certain activities, causing me to become annoyed, angered, or distracted. One negative thought was “I cannot enjoy reading a book in a quiet setting. To read the full story click here.”
This iCBT programme comprises 7 online modules and is aimed at improving access to this evidence-based intervention for anyone who experiences this debilitating condition.
Our psychologist, Dr Lauren Taylor adds:
“iCBT is a proven concept. In the last decade, a large number of research studies have demonstrated that iCBT combined with clinician’s support is very effective as an alternative to traditional face-to-face treatments among individuals with a wide range of chronic health conditions including tinnitus. A systematic review conducted by researchers at Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Canada gives a detailed analysis and review of the efficacy of iCBT in improving psycho-social and condition-specific physical symptoms among those with chronic health conditions.”
For further information and to sign up for iCBT for your department, please contact:
Hashir International Institute, 167-169 Great Portland Street, 5th Floor, London, W1W 5PF
Hashir International Institute, 54 Quarry Street, Guildford. GU1 3UA
admin@hashirtinnitusclinic.com
About Hashir International Institute:
Hashir International is an independent research institute and treatment centre dedicated to improving the diagnostic process and rehabilitation programs for patients experiencing misophonia, tinnitus and hyperacusis. They offer specialist training courses, ethical review of research proposals, research design, research sponsorship, and supervising MSc and PhD students.
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