As research into tinnitus management continues to grow, effective treatment strategies continue to emerge. Two treatment approaches are showing promising results:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Even though tinnitus is not a psychological disorder, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is being researched as an effective method for helping individuals cope with its perceived severity. In research conducted by the Department of Otolaryngology of the Tubingen University Medical Center, 84% of participants reported a change in the perceived level of tinnitus by up to 50% after receiving multiple sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy. This led to the conclusion that structured, tinnitus-specific CBT can be an effective individual therapy for patients suffering from tinnitus.
Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation has also garnered support as a potential method of coping with tinnitus. Dr. Jennifer Gans of the University of California, San Francisco created and implemented an 8-week program entitled "Mindfulness Based Tinnitus Stress Reduction" (MBTSR). MBTSR is comprised of group instruction on mindful meditation, a 1-day retreat, supplemental readings, and audio tracks for guided meditation practiced at the individual's residence. The results of this approach demonstrated a substantial decrease in the patient's perceived level of tinnitus handicap. It also helped reduce the depression and anxiety that often accompany life-disrupting levels of tinnitus.
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