Hypno-CBT for Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a very common condition affecting over 7 million adults in the UK (rnid.org.uk). It’s characterised by the perception of sound when no external sound is present, often described as ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears. The intensity and duration of tinnitus can vary, and for many, it can significantly impact their quality of life. It can lead to anxiety, stress, difficulty concentrating, disrupted sleep and challenges at work and in daily activities.

While there are some treatments available for tinnitus, including sound therapy, tinnitus retraining therapy, and medications (such as anxiolytics and antidepressants), there are currently no scientifically proven cure for the condition.

However, numerous studies (Jun HJ and Park MK, 2013) have shown that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can be an effective approach for managing tinnitus, particularly in reducing the emotional distress associated with it. Unlike treatments that focus on reducing the loudness or pitch of the sounds, CBT works to help individuals change their negative reactions to the condition.

CBT aims to address the emotional and psychological response to tinnitus, helping individuals manage the distressing thoughts and feelings associated with the condition.

One key CBT technique is cognitive restructuring, which involves:

• Identifying negative or unrealistic thoughts about the condition that may be influencing behaviour and increasing anxiety.
• Evaluating the validity of these thoughts and assessing their impact.
• Replacing negative thoughts with more realistic and positive perspectives about the situation.

Research has shown that cognitive restructuring can significantly reduce stress and anxiety, enabling individuals to face the challenges of daily life more effectively despite the presence of tinnitus.

While the physical causes of tinnitus may vary, one common factor that worsens the condition is anxiety and stress. This is where hypnotherapy can play a pivotal role in offering relief.

One of the key ways hypnotherapy helps with tinnitus is by reducing the anxiety and stress that often intensify the symptoms. The constant awareness of the ringing or buzzing sound can lead to increased feelings of frustration, irritation, and helplessness. This stress response can, in turn, amplify the perception of the tinnitus, creating a cycle that’s difficult to break.

Hypnotherapy works by guiding you into a deeply relaxed state, allowing you to access the subconscious mind where stress and anxiety are often stored. In this relaxed state, you can reframe your emotional response to tinnitus, reducing the level of anxiety associated with the condition. The result is a calmer mindset that helps you manage your reaction to the sounds more effectively, rather than allowing them to dominate your thoughts and emotions.

Guided imagery and suggestions

Hypnotherapy uses techniques like guided imagery and suggestions to further reduce the distress caused by tinnitus. Guided imagery involves leading the client through visualisations that create a sense of peace and relaxation. For example, you may be asked to imagine a serene beach with gentle waves washing over you, helping you focus on a calm environment rather than the noise in your ears.

Self-hypnosis for ongoing relief

In addition to in-session hypnotherapy, learning self-hypnosis techniques can empower you to manage your tinnitus outside of the therapy room. By practicing relaxation and mental techniques on your own, you can reduce stress in the moment and prevent the negative emotions that exacerbate tinnitus from taking over.

With practice, self-hypnosis allows you to take control of your mental and emotional response to the condition, helping you reduce the impact of tinnitus on your daily life. You can use these techniques whenever you feel stressed or anxious, helping to create long-lasting relief and peace of mind.

Stress only makes the condition worse. Alongside CBT, other techniques can further improve the quality of life for people with tinnitus, such as:

• Biofeedback: Devices like the heart rate variability (HRV) sensor can help individuals monitor and improve their stress levels. HRV measures the time intervals between heartbeats and is a strong indicator of your autonomic nervous system’s stress response. HearthMath Biofeedback training can reduce anxiety, help manage stress and promote a more balanced and positive state of well-being.
• Acceptance: Learning to accept the presence of tinnitus without trying to control it, which can lead to reduced anxiety and emotional distress.

The goal of hypnotherapy, CBT and other complementary techniques is not to eliminate tinnitus but to help you function well despite the symptoms. These non-invasive approaches can help you regain control and reduce the emotional burden of tinnitus. By letting go of the need to control the condition and learning to accept uncertainty about the future, you can achieve a better quality of life.

If you’re struggling with tinnitus and looking for a way to manage the stress that worsens your symptoms, hypno-CBT could be the solution you’ve been seeking. Take the first step toward relief and discover how this transformative therapy can make a difference in your life. Please call today, I’m here to help.

Original source: https://www.hypnotherapy-directory.org.uk/articles/hypnotherapy-and-cognitive-behavioural-therapy-cbt-for-tinnitus?utm_source=hypnotherapy-directory&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=article_approved