What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or CBT is a talking therapy which helps people to change their thinking and behaviour. It focuses on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviours to improve emotional well-being and coping skills. It is based on the idea that our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours are interconnected, and changing one aspect can have a positive impact on the others
How does CBT help?
CBT helps people learn to replace unhelpful thoughts with more realistic ones
CBT helps people recognise unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours
CBT teaches people to break down problems in a different way
CBT helps people learn to respond to challenging situations more effectively
CBT helps people recognise unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours
CBT teaches people to break down problems in a different way
CBT helps people learn to respond to challenging situations more effectively
What are the benefits of CBT?
It can help you feel better by changing the way you think and behave
It can help you develop healthier thought patterns
CBT can help you feel more in control of your life
In the context of tinnitus, CBT will help you recognise and challenge the negative thoughts and beliefs you have about your condition, ultimately leading to you not being bothered by the sound of the tinnitus any more, and in some cases stopping noticing it completely
It can help you develop healthier thought patterns
CBT can help you feel more in control of your life
In the context of tinnitus, CBT will help you recognise and challenge the negative thoughts and beliefs you have about your condition, ultimately leading to you not being bothered by the sound of the tinnitus any more, and in some cases stopping noticing it completely
Leading Health Organisations recommend CBT
Due to the effectiveness of CBT, it has been endorsed by leading health organisations across the globe:
- United States: The American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) recommends CBT as an effective treatment for tinnitus, stating that it can help individuals "manage the stress and anxiety that often accompanies tinnitus, making it easier to live with the condition."
- United Kingdom: The National Institute for Healthcare Excellence (NICE) guidelines for tinnitus management recommend offering CBT to people with tinnitus who are experiencing a significant impact on their quality of life or are distressed by their tinnitus.
- Europe: The European healthcare guidelines for tinnitus management also recommend CBT as an essential component of tinnitus treatment, emphasising its role in reducing tinnitus-related distress and improving patients' well-being.
The effectiveness of CBT to treat Tinnitus: The Research
Numerous studies have shown that CBT is an effective treatment for tinnitus. Here are some notable research papers:
- A 2010 study demonstrated that CBT led to significant improvements in tinnitus-related distress, depression, and anxiety. These improvements were maintained at a one-year follow-up [2].
- A 2020 systematic review found that CBT was more effective than usual care in reducing tinnitus-related distress and handicap, as well as improving the quality of life of individuals with tinnitus [3].
- A 2020 meta-analysis confirmed that CBT was effective in reducing tinnitus-related distress, anxiety, and depression, with the effects being maintained over the long term
Introducing
At K&M Hearing Solutions, we offer Oto, a personalised CBT tinnitus program designed to help you take control of your tinnitus in just 10 minutes a day
Using proven CBT techniques, Oto teaches you how to rewire your brain and stop hearing your tinnitus
Oto is backed by clinical research and has already helped over 100,000 people get their lives back from tinnitus
Using proven CBT techniques, Oto teaches you how to rewire your brain and stop hearing your tinnitus
Oto is backed by clinical research and has already helped over 100,000 people get their lives back from tinnitus
Oto Testimonials
Reviews
"Kara was extremely helpful and patient when I visited today. She answered my many questions about Tinnitus and Hearing problems, and clearly explained each test before carrying it out. I would recommend the business to anyone experiencing hearing issues." - Claire Thompson
★★★★★
★★★★★
How do I start the Oto programme?
In order to begin your CBT journey, you will need to book a 90 minute Tinnitus Consultation
As part of the consultation you will undergo a full hearing diagnostic, medical history and specific questions
around your tinnitus and how it is impacting you. The Tinnitus Consultation includes a personalised management plan,
which may include CBT. From there we can begin your Oto programme
As part of the consultation you will undergo a full hearing diagnostic, medical history and specific questions
around your tinnitus and how it is impacting you. The Tinnitus Consultation includes a personalised management plan,
which may include CBT. From there we can begin your Oto programme
Why Choose Us?
Choose K & M Hearing Solutions for tinnitus consultation in Cornwall with confidence. Led by Kara, a fully qualified audiologist and Hearing Therapist registered with the HCPC and a member of BSHAA, with over 20 years of experience, including 11 years within the NHS, supporting ENT clinics and specialising in working with adults with learning disabilities.
"Customer care is at the very core of everything I do. I am experienced in providing rehabilitation, counselling and effective management of hearing conditions including tinnitus. We specialise in combination hearing aids, which have dedicated tinnitus programmes designed to alleviate tinnitus. With my background in hearing rehabilitation, combined with my many years of experience as an audiologist, you can rest assured you are in the best hands." - Kara Butterworth (Lead Audiologist)
"Customer care is at the very core of everything I do. I am experienced in providing rehabilitation, counselling and effective management of hearing conditions including tinnitus. We specialise in combination hearing aids, which have dedicated tinnitus programmes designed to alleviate tinnitus. With my background in hearing rehabilitation, combined with my many years of experience as an audiologist, you can rest assured you are in the best hands." - Kara Butterworth (Lead Audiologist)
FAQ's
SHOULD I CLEAN MY EARS BEFORE A CONSULTATION?
It's important that we can examine your ears clearly; however, using cotton buds to clean ears is not recommended; find out why here. If you suspect your ears are blocked with wax, please contact us before booking a hearing test to discuss wax removal services
WILL MY TINNITUS GET WORSE?
The progression of tinnitus can vary from person to person. For some individuals, tinnitus may remain stable or even improve over time, depending on if they have any underlying conditions. We advise getting in touch with us if you are experiencing tinnitus.
WILL TINNITUS CAUSE HEARING LOSS?
Tinnitus is often associated with hearing loss, however, it does not cause hearing loss, nor does hearing loss cause tinnitus.
CAN TINNITUS BE CURED?
Tinnitus is not a disease but a symptom of an underlying condition, many of these conditions can be cured by treatment effectively curing the symptoms associated with tinnitus.
DOES TINNITUS GO AWAY BY ITSELF?
People who have temporarily been exposed to loud noises or one-off situations like music concerts the symptoms of tinnitus will eventually go away, however, if you are experiencing prolonged symptoms you should get in contact with us.
DO TINNITUS CONSULTATIONS HURT?
No, tinnitus consultations or diagnostics are not painful, we aim to provide quick and efficient tests with the least discomfort possible for our clients.