Beukes and Manchaiah author Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Tinnitus

The Lamar University Department of Speech and Hearing is pleased to announce the publication of "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Tinnitus" written in part by Eldre Beukes, lead author and post-doctoral researcher in the department, and Vinaya Manchaiah, Jo Mayo Endowed Professor. "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Tinnitus" is the first book to provide comprehensive cognitive behavioral therapy counseling materials specifically developed for the management of tinnitus. 

Tinnitus is a perception of sound (ringing, buzzing, etc.) in the ear or head. It is estimated that 15% of the general population, 50 million American adults, experience tinnitus. While there is no known cure for tinnitus, CBT can offer an effective strategy for managing the symptoms and side effects associated with this chronic condition. 

“For some, having tinnitus can be very distressing. Not everyone is aware that evidence-based tinnitus treatments can be very helpful in the aid of better managing tinnitus and the associated problems. CBT is the intervention with the most evidence of effectiveness but is seldom accessible or available,” said Beukes. “The idea behind the book is to provide an easy to follow program for professionals to use and to provide the needed resources for those with tinnitus. It is thus a very practical and hands-on book. Our hope is that this will help both professionals and individuals with tinnitus.”

According to the American Tinnitus Association, the leading patient organization in the ongoing search for a definitive tinnitus cure, millions of Americans experience tinnitus, while some populations have a higher risk of exposure due to age, occupational hazards and/or recreational activities. While the battle for a cure continues, it is necessary for researchers and clinicians to develop evidence-based therapies that can help alleviate the consequences of tinnitus ad improve the quality of life of those affected.

“Eldre and I have been working towards accessible, affordable and evidence-based interventions,” said Manchaiah. “Specifically, we are developing and evaluating the internet-based CBT program for tinnitus. This book will provide information to help not only professionals in audiology but also provide valuable resources for patients.”

This publication was written to provide clinical guidelines for audiologists who are offering CBT-based counseling for tinnitus and to provide self-help materials for individuals with tinnitus. In addition, these materials may be of interest to researchers developing evidence-based therapies for tinnitus. 

The book is structured into three sections. Section A provides background information about the theoretical aspects of CBT and some practical tips on how to use the book. Section B provides the CBT counseling, or self-help materials, which can be used by both audiologists and those with tinnitus. Finally, Section C provides some supplementary materials for clinicians that can aid in monitoring and engaging individuals experiencing tinnitus during the course of intervention.

Key features of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Tinnitus include:

• The CBT materials contained in the book have been tested in numerous clinical trials across the globe (Australia, Germany, Sweden, United Kingdom and the U.S.) both as self-help book chapters and self-help materials delivered via the Internet. 
• The counseling materials are presented at minimum reading grade level (U.S. sixth grade level) to maximize reader engagement. 
• The authors of this book have extensive experience in the management of tinnitus, offering useful insights for clinicians and those with tinnitus.
• Access to a companion website with various ancillaries such as expert advice videos for each chapter to facilitate its adoption to clinical practice.

"Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Tinnitus" is currently available through Plural Publishing, Inc. at https://www.pluralpublishing.com/publications/cognitive-behavioral-therapy-for-tinnitus.

For more information about the authors or the Department of Speech and Hearing, please visit lamar.edu/speechandhearing.