Article

Tinnitus, or 'ringing in the ears' affects 10%-15% of adults ; cases can be problematic and require lifelong management. Many people who have experienced
traumatic brain injury (TBI) also experience tinnitus. We developed Progressive
Tinnitus Management (PTM), which uses education and counseling to help patients
learn how to self-manage their reactions to tinnitus. We adapted PTM by delivering the intervention via telephone and by adding cognitive-behavioral
therapy. A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility and potential
efficacy of this approach for individuals with and without TBI. Participants with
clinically significant tinnitus were recruited into three groups: probable
symptomatic mild TBI (n = 15), moderate to severe TBI (n = 9), and no symptomatic TBI (n = 12). Participants received telephone counseling (six sessions over 6 months) by an audiologist and a psychologist. Questionnaires were completed at
baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. All groups showed trends reflecting improvement
in self-perceived functional limitations due to tinnitus.
A follow-up randomized clinical study is underway.

Langue : ANGLAIS