Effectiveness of Audiologist-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Rehabilitation: Outcomes for Patients Treated in Routine Practice

Abstract

Objective The aim was to assess the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for tinnitus and/or hyperacusis delivered by audiologists working in the National Health Service in the United Kingdom. Design This was a retrospective study, based on questionnaires assessing tinnitus and hyperacusis and insomnia before and after CBT. Study Sample Data were gathered for 68 consecutive patients (average age = 52.5 years) who enrolled for CBT. Results All measures showed significant improvements after CBT. Effect sizes for patients who completed CBT were 1.13 for Tinnitus Handicap Inventory scores; 0.76 for Hyperacusis Questionnaire scores; 0.71, 0.95, and 0.93 for tinnitus loudness, annoyance, and effect on life, respectively, measured using the Visual Analog Scale; and 0.94 for the Insomnia Severity Index score. An analysis including those who dropped out also showed significant improvements for all measures. Conclusion Audiologist-delivered CBT led to significant improvements in self-report measures of tinnitus and hyperacusis handicap and insomnia. The methods described here may be used when designing future randomized controlled trials of efficacy.