CBT by Condition

Guide

CBT for Tinnitus Distress

Educational content only. Coordinate with audiology/ENT to rule out contributors and discuss sound therapy. See our Medical Disclaimer.

Overview

Tinnitus distress is driven by attention capture, threat appraisals, and avoidance. CBT focuses on reducing distress and impairment.

Why CBT helps

  • Attention shift: train attention away from internal sound to external tasks.
  • Sound enrichment: use neutral sounds during quiet periods.
  • Reappraisal: balance catastrophic beliefs about tinnitus.

Journaling prompts

  1. Context → distress (0–100) → strategy used (attention/sound) → outcome.
  2. Balanced thought I practiced about tinnitus.
  3. One meaningful activity I did while sounds were present.

Use brief entries; see How to Journal.

When to seek care

New/worsening tinnitus or hearing changes require medical/audiology assessment.

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