Tinnitus counselling

What is tinnitus counselling?

Tinnitus counselling is a type of treatment for tinnitus that uses a range of techniques and therapy treatments to help improve and manage tinnitus symptoms. Tinnitus counselling may include: 

Information and counselling

This is the first part of tinnitus counselling treatment and involves learning more about tinnitus and the way your brain responds to sound. Having a greater understanding of tinnitus can reduce anxiety about the condition and provide reassurance about what you are experiencing. It can also help greatly to speak to a health professional with expertise in tinnitus. 

Sound therapy (sound enrichment)

Sound therapy or sound enrichment is a treatment that uses sound to reduce symptoms of tinnitus. It aims to change your perception of tinnitus or alter your reaction to it using sound. Sound therapy works by distracting you from your tinnitus symptoms, or helping you become desensitised and learn to ignore them— a process known as habituation.

People with tinnitus often find their symptoms are more intrusive at night or when they are in a quiet environment. Listening to other sounds such as music, the radio, television, or a sound enrichment device can make tinnitus symptoms less noticeable and distressing.

Sleep hygiene and bedside masking devices

For many people with tinnitus, symptoms are often worse when your environment is quiet, such as at bedtime. Lack of sleep can also make your symptoms worse as well as increase stress and anxiety creating a vicious cycle of tinnitus symptoms.

If your symptoms are affecting your sleep, practising good sleep hygiene and using a tinnitus masking device can help manage your symptoms and improve your sleep.

Masking devices

Masking devices are devices that emit sound (usually white noise) that mask tinnitus symptoms. They come in various forms including bedside sound generators, devices that resemble a hearing aid, earbuds, headbands or eye masks.

Sleep hygiene

Practicing good sleep hygiene is important for everyone, particularly if you have problems sleeping, or a condition such as tinnitus.

Some things you can do to help improve your sleep include:

• Be physically active during the day, but avoid exercising close to bedtime
• Avoid alcohol or over-the-counter medications to help you sleep. Though they may help you fall asleep, they can disrupt your natural sleep patterns and reduce the quality of your sleep
• Don’t go to bed too hungry or overly full
• Limit stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine for four to six hours before you go to bed 
• Avoid screentime for at least one hour before you go to bed
• Go to bed when you feel sleepy, not just because it’s “bedtime”
• Try to unwind an hour before you go to bed by doing relaxing activities such as taking a bath, practising relaxation exercises, listening to relaxing music, or reading a book. Writing down any chores, worries or activities that you have to do the next day can help clear your mind and make it easier to fall asleep.
• Make sure your bedroom is at a comfortable temperature, the lighting low and the room free from distractions
• Make sure your mattress, pillows and bedding are comfortable
• Don’t put pressure on yourself or try too hard to go to sleep. If you haven’t fallen asleep within 30-45 minutes, get up, leave your bedroom and do something relaxing such as reading a book before trying again. Repeat this process until you have fallen asleep.
• Wake up and go to bed at the same time every day
• Avoid napping during the day

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioural therapy is a type of talking therapy that works to change your thought processes and the resulting behaviour. CBT for tinnitus doesn’t eliminate your symptoms but can help change the way you think about and respond to them.

Relaxation techniques

Tinnitus symptoms can be unpleasant and intrusive leading to stress and anxiety. Relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, meditation, yoga and tai chi can reduce anxiety and make your tinnitus symptoms less noticeable.

What are the benefits of tinnitus counselling?

Tinnitus counselling has many benefits including:

• It is non-invasive and doesn’t require a surgical procedure or medication
• It is safe and free from complications or side effects
• It allows you to understand your condition which can reduce the stress and anxiety associated with tinnitus
• It helps you “unlearn” negative thought patterns and their associated behaviours to improve tinnitus symptoms
• It improves sleep
• It reduces or eliminates anxiety and depression associated with tinnitus
• It offers advice on practical tools such as sound therapy and masking devices to improve or eliminate tinnitus symptoms
• It improves your quality of life

What to expect at your initial consultation

At your first consultation, you will be seen by a consultant ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon, a doctor specialising in conditions affecting the ears, nose or throat. 

Your consultant will ask you about your symptoms, general health, family and medical history as well as any medications you are taking. They will ask in detail how your tinnitus symptoms impact your day-to-day life including your sleep, mental health and ability to perform normal daily activities. 

Your consultant will perform a physical examination of your head and neck. They will examine your ears thoroughly using an instrument called an otoscope to check for any physical problems that could be causing your tinnitus, such as a build-up of earwax, infection or other abnormalities. 

Will I need tests or scans?

To confirm your diagnosis or check for any underlying medical conditions that could be causing your symptoms, your consultant may order tests including: 

• Hearing tests such as a pure tone audiogram to check your hearing or tympanometry to measure the pressure inside your ears
• Blood tests to check for any underlying medical conditions 
• Imaging scans such as a CT, MRI or ultrasound scan that show detailed images of the inside of your body
• A psychological assessment –tinnitus is often associated with anxiety or depression

How is a diagnosis made?

Your consultant will diagnose tinnitus based on your symptoms, physical examinations and the results of any tests or scans. 

Why is this first consultation so important?

At Circle Health Group, your first appointment is very important as it’s where you meet your consultant, the doctor responsible for your care. Your consultant will take time to get to know you, discuss your expectations for treatment and encourage you to ask any questions you may have. It is important to us that you are as well-informed and comfortable as possible during your treatment, so please discuss any questions or concerns with your consultant during your appointment. 

At the end of your appointment, your consultant will decide on a customised treatment plan for you based on your symptoms and diagnosis. 

How to prepare for tinnitus counselling

There is nothing specific that you need to do to prepare for tinnitus counselling. It may be helpful to write down a list of your symptoms, any medications you are taking and any questions you want to ask your consultant before your appointment.

Recovering from tinnitus counselling

Tinnitus counselling is a non-invasive treatment that doesn’t require any recovery time. You can continue with your normal daily activities immediately after your treatment. 

How many nights will I need to stay in hospital?

Tinnitus counselling is carried out as a day case and does not require a hospital stay. 

Will I be able to drive home?

As long as you feel safe to drive, you can drive yourself home after your tinnitus counselling. 

How soon can I go back to work?

You can go back to work as soon as you feel able after your tinnitus counselling. 

Potential risks and complications of tinnitus counselling

Tinnitus counselling is a safe, non-invasive treatment with no known risks or complications. 

Why choose Circle Health Group for tinnitus counselling?

At Circle Health Group, we have the experience and expertise to ensure the best possible care and outcome for our patients. As a patient with Circle Health Group, you can expect the highest standards of care including:

• Flexible appointment times and locations that are convenient for you
• The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant suit your needs
• Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
• Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
• Private ensuite rooms as standard
• A range of delicious healthy meals
• Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
• Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care

If you would like to see a consultant or learn more about tinnitus counselling, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly on 0808 189 5499.

Clinical review and sources

1. Tinnitus NHS
2. Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) ENTUK
3. Tinnitus treatments RNID
4. Sound therapy Tinnitus UK