What is Tinnitus Counseling?
Tinnitus (from the Latin tinnitus or "ringing") is a condition normally described as a ringing, buzzing, swishing, or other noise that appears to be originating in the ear(s) or head. Tinnitus may be subjective or objective. With subjective tinnitus, only the patient can hear the noise. With objective tinnitus, the physician or audiologist may hear the noise while doing an examination. Tinnitus can also be bi-lateral which means it is heard in both ears, or unilateral which means it is heard in only one ear. The noise that a tinnitus sufferer experiences may range from one that is of low intensity and hardly noticeable to one that is so excruciatingly loud as to be described as painful or unbearable.
Although tinnitus is not life-threatening in itself, it can be emotionally and psychologically devastating to the sufferer. The ability to concentrate may be adversely affected. Social withdrawal may occur and problems with family and relationships may develop. Patients with moderate to severe tinnitus may also experience depression and anxiety caused by the constant stress of living with the disorder. This stress may, in turn, exacerbate the symptoms. The cause and physiology of tinnitus are poorly understood and there is currently no cure. Various “treatment” strategies such as white noise, masking, and hearing aids are commonly used, with varying degrees of success if any at all.
While there is no cure for tinnitus at the present time, counseling based on the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) protocol that I use can often help patients accept their tinnitus and learn coping skills that allow them to deal more effectively with the disorder. CBT teaches the patient new ways to think about their tinnitus and themselves, and to develop and practice everyday living skills that minimize the debilitating symptoms of tinnitus.
As a long-time tinnitus patient myself, I understand and have personally experienced the suffering, frustration, and hopelessness that all too often accompany this disorder. With this unique perspective as a clinician, I developed a protocol for tinnitus counseling based on established CBT principles, current research, and the experience of other clinicians in the field as shared in the literature. This therapy is directive, educational, collaborative, and short-term. Typically, a counseling plan consists of four to eight 1-hour sessions, depending on the needs and progress of the patient.
CBT counseling will not cure your tinnitus. However, it may well allow you to deal with your symptoms more effectively, minimize them, and live a happier and more normal life in spite of them.
If you are interested in learning more about CBT-counseling for your tinnitus and how you may benefit from it please contact me and schedule a consultation. Collaboratively, we will decide whether CBT-counseling is a good fit for you and, if so, schedule a treatment plan that addresses your individual needs. CBT-counseling for tinnitus may be covered by your health insurance plan.
Tinnitus (from the Latin tinnitus or "ringing") is a condition normally described as a ringing, buzzing, swishing, or other noise that appears to be originating in the ear(s) or head. Tinnitus may be subjective or objective. With subjective tinnitus, only the patient can hear the noise. With objective tinnitus, the physician or audiologist may hear the noise while doing an examination. Tinnitus can also be bi-lateral which means it is heard in both ears, or unilateral which means it is heard in only one ear. The noise that a tinnitus sufferer experiences may range from one that is of low intensity and hardly noticeable to one that is so excruciatingly loud as to be described as painful or unbearable.
Although tinnitus is not life-threatening in itself, it can be emotionally and psychologically devastating to the sufferer. The ability to concentrate may be adversely affected. Social withdrawal may occur and problems with family and relationships may develop. Patients with moderate to severe tinnitus may also experience depression and anxiety caused by the constant stress of living with the disorder. This stress may, in turn, exacerbate the symptoms. The cause and physiology of tinnitus are poorly understood and there is currently no cure. Various “treatment” strategies such as white noise, masking, and hearing aids are commonly used, with varying degrees of success if any at all.
While there is no cure for tinnitus at the present time, counseling based on the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) protocol that I use can often help patients accept their tinnitus and learn coping skills that allow them to deal more effectively with the disorder. CBT teaches the patient new ways to think about their tinnitus and themselves, and to develop and practice everyday living skills that minimize the debilitating symptoms of tinnitus.
As a long-time tinnitus patient myself, I understand and have personally experienced the suffering, frustration, and hopelessness that all too often accompany this disorder. With this unique perspective as a clinician, I developed a protocol for tinnitus counseling based on established CBT principles, current research, and the experience of other clinicians in the field as shared in the literature. This therapy is directive, educational, collaborative, and short-term. Typically, a counseling plan consists of four to eight 1-hour sessions, depending on the needs and progress of the patient.
CBT counseling will not cure your tinnitus. However, it may well allow you to deal with your symptoms more effectively, minimize them, and live a happier and more normal life in spite of them.
If you are interested in learning more about CBT-counseling for your tinnitus and how you may benefit from it please contact me and schedule a consultation. Collaboratively, we will decide whether CBT-counseling is a good fit for you and, if so, schedule a treatment plan that addresses your individual needs. CBT-counseling for tinnitus may be covered by your health insurance plan.