Effectiveness of Specialised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Tinnitus.

CBT for tinnitus (Step 1) comprised: individual audiometric assessment, and counselling about hearing and tinnitus (1hr) with an audiologist; a one-off educational group session (a max 10 participants and partners) (2hrs); an assessment session with a psychologists (1 hr).

Step 2 group sessions were 2 hrs long over a 12-week period. Two therapists (a psychologist and physiotherapist) were present at any one time for Step 2 sessions. Step 2 included: psycho-education; exposure therapy; mindfulness exercises; cognitive restructuring; attention redirecting techniques; stress reduction; and, relaxation techniques. Evening sessions were also provided for participants to attend with family or partners.