A review of psychological treatment approaches for patients suffering from tinnitus

Disabling tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ear) is a condition experienced by at least 1-2% of the population. Since medical and technical treatments are only partly successful, several psychological treatment approaches have been applied in the treatment of tinnitus. This article reviews 38 studies on hypnosis, biofeedback, and cognitive-behavioral approaches together with relaxation techniques. It is concluded that relaxation training together with cognitive-behavioral coping techniques is the method which so far has received the most empirical support. Still, more research is needed on the effects of psychological treatment. Finally, five recommendations are made regarding the treatment of tinnitus patients.