Internet-based Guided Self-help for Chronic Tinnitus

Efficacy of an Internet-based Guided Self-help Training for Chronic Tinnitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of a cognitive behavioral guided self-help training provided via the internet on tinnitus distress in a German sample.

Long waiting periods and the deficiency of outpatient therapies stimulated the development of internet-based interventions for a variety of mental disorders during the last years. A Swedish research group developed an internet-based self-help training for patients with chronic tinnitus showing promising results (Andersson et al., 2002; Kaldo et al., 2007; Kaldo et al., 2008). This self-help training was now adapted for German-speaking patients. The present study evaluates the efficacy of this treatment in a randomized controlled trial conducted in Germany. Further aims are a process evaluation of the treatment and the identification of predictors of efficacy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age of at least 18 years
• Chronic tinnitus for at least 6 months
• Medical examination of tinnitus by an ear, nose and throat physician (ENT)
• Scoring 38 or above on the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) or scoring 13 or above on the Mini-Tinnitus Questionnaire (Mini-TQ)
• Not currently receiving psychological treatment for tinnitus
• Being able to access the Internet and print instructions
• Sufficient knowledge of the German language to read and follow the Internet-based self-help program

Exclusion Criteria:

• Tinnitus caused by any other general medical condition or otologic disease (e.g., active Meniere's Disease)
• Clinical diagnosis of any severe mental disorder (especially a severe depressive disorder, suicidality, acute psychosis)
• Clinical diagnosis of Dementia or another severe organic cerebral disorder
• Clinical diagnosis of substance-related addiction/abuse