Do you experience ringing, buzzing or other types of sounds?You may be eligible to participate in online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, focusing on tinnitus management. The Tackling Tinnitus study is the second phase of an ongoing study, looking at the combined effects of brain stimulation and therapy on improving tinnitus perception. |
Tackling Tinnitus is a self-guided platform, using a variety of interactive modules, exercises and weekly check-ins. This therapy package was initially developed in Sweden and has since been extensively tested around the world, including the UK and US. |
About Tackling Tinnitus
What is the purpose of this study?
Tackling Tinnitus is an online platform that is designed to deliver internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for tinnitus. This phase of the study lasts 8 weeks, with face-to-face appointments required before and after the treatment.
This study forms part of a larger project, utilising brain stimulation to reduce tinnitus distress. In order to develop more effective treatments for tinnitus that can benefit a wider group, this study will be looking at the combined effects of brain stimulation and CBT.
What is involved in the treatment?
You will be asked to commit to 8 weeks of reading through weekly modules, watching videos and doing exercises, with clinical guidance. You will also receive 2 short questionnaires to fill out each week, tracking your tinnitus perception and distress levels.
What are the benefits?
CBT is the only evidence-based treatment recommended for tinnitus. It focuses on changing the emotional and behavioural response to tinnitus, and gives you the tools to change how you perceive tinnitus. Combined with brain stimulation, this will hopefully provide beneficial and long-lasting decrease in your tinnitus perception. Although there is no renumeration involved, you will be contributing to ongoing research into understanding tinnitus and treatment options.
What is the time commitment?
This phase of the study requires 8 weeks, with a further 2 month follow-up. You get as much out of the programme as you put into it! It is important that you understand that participating in a programme like this requires time and commitment.
Where can I do the treatment?
This phase of the study is online, however there are face-to-face appointments held at the University.
Want to learn more and see if you qualify?
Please contact us at any time on tinnitusus@iterapi.se if you have any questions about the study.
Who can participate in the Tackling Tinnitus study?
You may be eligible to participate if you:
- Are over the age of 18
- Have been experiencing constant tinnitus for at least 6 months
- Have access to and can use the internet and email effectively
You are not eligible to participate if you:
- Have tinnitus that varies with your pulse
- May be pregnant
- Have a history of epilepsy or seizures
- Have any implanted devices such as a hearing implant, pacemaker or defibrillator
- Have any implanted metal in your head or neck (not including dental fillings)
- Have ever had brain surgery
- Have ever had a skull fracture
- Are currently undergoing another tinnitus intervention
- Are awaiting surgical intervention for hearing/tinnitus
The project team
Vinaya Manchaiah
Professor, University of Colorado
Kayla Cormier
University of Colorado
Eldré Beukes
Research Audiologist
Anglia Ruskin University
Gerhard Andersson
Professor in psychology
Linköping University, Sweden
George Vlaescu
System developer, IT-responsible
Linköping University, Sweden
Contact the study team
Contact us with any questions about the study at: tinnitusus@iterapi.se