Wellbeing for People with Tinnitus

 

Wellbeing for People with Tinnitus

 

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The Wellbeing for People with Tinnitus Program aims to provide an educational series based on cognitive behavioral therapy techniques for managing mental and emotional wellbeing of individuals who are experiencing tinnitus. The program consists of 21 modules to help clients gain skills to manage their thoughts, behaviors, and physical symptoms resulting from tinnitus-related distress, depression and anxiety. Previous research has found cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) effective in reducing tinnitus-related distress and symptoms of depression and anxiety in individuals with tinnitus (Beukes et al., 2022). Additionally, our ongoing research on internet-based CBT (ICBT) has shown the potential to improve access to mental health services, improve the rehabilitation process, and help people gain skills to control over their wellbeing symptoms (depression, anxiety) and improve their confidence, to get back to living a full, satisfying life.

 

We are currently recruiting participants to enrol into this research study. If you are interested, you must agree to the following prior to being eligible:

 

  1. At least 18 years of age

  2. Diagnosed with tinnitus or experiencing tinnitus for at least 6 months

  3. Canadian resident and intending to remain in Canada for the 8-week intervention

  4. Access to a computer and internet

  5. Comfortable using the internet and writing emails

  6. Has at least 1-hour per week of time available to work on the course material

  7. Willing to provide a medical contact

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Click here to participate in the research study

 

Commonly Asked Questions:

 

How was The Wellbeing for People with Tinnitus Program developed?

The Wellbeing for People with Tinnitus program is an internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) program developed originally by Andersson et al., in 2002, in Uppsala Sweden, for individuals with tinnitus. It was adapted at Lawson Health Research Institute by Dr. Swati Mehta and team for individuals diagnosed with tinnitus in Canada. In this research study, our team will examine the effectiveness, acceptability, and feasibility of personalized and standard Online-CBT for the treatment of tinnitus-related distress, depression and anxiety.

 

Why was it developed?

The program was designed because so many people never seek treatment, but many have access to the Internet. Because the physical and emotional demands of experiencing tinnitus are often connected with tinnitus-related distress and symptoms of depression and anxiety, it was felt to be important to provide information and resources that could be used to manage these symptoms. This research study will determine whether the program is able to improve the wellbeing of people with tinnitus.

 

What will this research study do for me?

Our ongoing research shows that ICBT helps people gain skills to control over their symptoms, improve their confidence, and get back to living a full, satisfying life. The ICBT program aims to provide good education and guidance on simple but effective techniques for managing symptoms. Very broadly, the program helps people with thoughts, feelings, and physical symptoms resulting from tinnitus-related distress, depression and anxiety. In this research study, our team will be exploring the efficacy of personalized and standard ICBT programs for the treatment of tinnitus-related distress, depression and anxiety.

 

How does the ICBT program work?

The Wellbeing for People with Tinnitus Program is an 8-week program comprised of 21 modules and weekly guide support. The program sessions take approximately 1-2 hours of a participant’s time per week. Lessons consist of educational and engaging materials that are accessed online, and “Do it Yourself” (DIY) activities and resources that are reviewed offline, as well as additional resources for common concerns.

 

What support is available from guide?

In the Wellbeing for People with Tinnitus Program, the two groups are clinician guided. This means that during the week, participants can send questions or comments to their designated Guide (registered Mental Health professional) through a secure message system. On a set day each week, the Guide checks the website, reviews participant’s progress on the program and responds to messages. Most contact with the Guide is through secure emails and Microsoft Teams, but sometimes Guide contact participants by phone.

 

How will my progress in the research study be observed?

Participants will complete questionnaires prior to the start of the program, before each lesson of the program, once they have completed the program, and 3 months after completing the program. The questionnaires will assess the impact of tinnitus as well as anxiety and depression symptoms.

 

Who can take part in this research study?

The Wellbeing for People with Tinnitus Program is open to Canadian residents and is designed for people with tinnitus who are experiencing distress and have symptoms of depression and/or anxiety, are 18 years of age or older, are comfortable using and have access to the Internet. We request but do not require a local medical contact available in case of emergencies. The course is not recommended if you have severe problems with alcohol or drugs, mania, psychosis, or strong thoughts of suicide.

 

Who can answer my questions about the ICBT program research study?

If you have any questions regarding this research study, you can contact Frank Ocran (Frank.ocran@sjhc.london.on.ca or focran@uwo.ca)

 

How do I sign up?

If you are interested in participating in The Wellbeing for People with Tinnitus Program research study, please register below and follow the instructions.

 

Click here to participate in the research study