Is there a role for cognitive behavioral therapy for tinnitus?

Yes, but not in the way you might think.

Cochrane Collaboration found 6 trials comprising 285 participants.

There was no significant effect in the subjective loudness of tinnitus or in the depression associated with tinnitus.

There was, however a significant improvement in the quality of life (decrease of global tinnitus severity). This suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy helps people cope with tinnitus.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is based on the idea that our thoughts cause our feelings and behaviors, not external things, like people, situations, and events. The benefit of this fact is that we can change the way we think, and in so doing feel and act better even if the situation does not change.

5/9/07 21:13 JR