THE EFFECTS OF REASSURANCE, RELAXATION TRAINING AND DISTRACTION ON CHRONIC TINNITUS SUFFERERS

The effects of psychological therapy on tinnitus distress were assessed in a three-factor experiment: (1) progressive muscle relaxation therapy was compared to progressive muscle relaxation therapy combined with ''attention-switching'' training; (2) immediate therapy was compared to delayed therapy; and (3) two therapists were compared. In addition to these three between-S factors, occasions constituted a within-Ss factor. Before treatment all Ss went through an ''information/orientation'' phase. Basic information about tinnitus management (including the role of attitudes and beliefs) was provided together with orientation to coping as a goal of treatment. The annoyance caused by tinnitus and the loudness of the tinnitus were rated separately three times/day, and insomnia was recorded. Data about the ''distress'' and ''insomnia'' caused by the tinnitus, the ''intrusiveness'' of tinnitus and the number of activities affected by the tinnitus, was collected by questionnaire. The annoyance of tinnitus decreased more rapidly at the beginning of treatment than during the orientation period, and continued to decline during therapy. Neither the loudness nor the intrusiveness of the tinnitus declined during therapy. The ''distress'' arising from the tinnitus, and the ''activities affected'' by the tinnitus declined during treatment, and also during the orientation phase. The effects on insomnia were inconsistent. The results are discussed in relation to a model of tinnitus-annoyance.