PP1408 - Got a SEC? Introducing the Sensation, Emotion and Cognition (SEC) Model for Tinnitus Management

Tinnitus Management with the use of a variety of methods is reported in the literature. These include application of techniques such as sound therapy, CBT, counseling, and electrical stimulation. A novel audiological tinnitus management at the three levels of Sensation, Emotion and Cognition (SEC) is presented here. Sensation level deals with the use of sound therapy. The emotion incorporates techniques in reducing reaction to tinnitus and control of the ANS response. The cognition, discusses techniques in dealing with negative thoughts associated with tinnitus. Our research on 90+ subjects with tinnitus has demonstrated the effectiveness of this proposed tinnitus management method.

Summary:

Rationale/

Purpose:  

            The current study aims to determine the effectiveness of a newly developed management strategy for tinnitus. The study will evaluate the efficacy of this method and changes in the participant’s Sensation, Emotion, and Cognition (SEC) in relation to their tinnitus or sound sensitivity.

 

Methods:

           This is a retrospective study of 90+ participants with tinnitus (some with hyperacusis or misophonia) and the process of their management plan. Subjects underwent audiological evaluation and tinnitus assessment. Tinnitus assessment included tinnitus frequency match (TFM), tinnitus loudness match (TLM), minimal making level (MML) and residual inhibition (RI). Participants completed tinnitus questionnaires, including the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire (TRQ). Most subjects received monaural or binaural sound generators with combined amplification when necessary (in the case of hearing loss). They received spectrally-shaped acoustic stimuli or amplification to reduce their perception and sensation of their tinnitus. In addition to sound therapy, participants received counseling sessions and were taught relaxation techniques such as deep breathing. This method included providing them with an app that is used as a tool to teach the individuals how to control the response of their autonomic nervous system to their tinnitus. The third component of the management plan included the use of unguided Internet-Based Cognitive Behavior Therapy (iCBT). Participants were provided log-in information to an iCBT environment containing seven modules of interactive iCBT to manage their tinnitus (with or without hyperacusis and misophonia). As a part of the study, participants received a phone call and an email from the researchers to answer some questions about their progress in managing of their tinnitus. The final obtained data will include responses to post-treatment questionnaires such as TRQ, THI, HQ, Misophonia questionnaire, and IH-Q, depending on their major complaint or concern.

RESULTS

The collected data will include participants’ gender, age, type and degree of hearing loss, total hours of sound therapy device usage per day, and the device brand. The collected data from the questionnaires for this study is from the period between the initial evaluation date and the completion of the tinnitus management protocols which addressed the three layers of sensation, emotion and cognition provided by this approach. The preliminary data analysis has shown the effectiveness of this proposed audiological management protocol. The data collection and analysis are in progress. As the data analysis reaches completion, the participants’ pre and post-responses to TRQ and THI will be used to identify factors that have played a higher level of improvement for them and will examine the effectiveness of sound therapy, counseling, and iCBT.

Conclusions:

This study employed individuals with tinnitus (with or without hyperacusis and/or misophonia). Data were/will be collected from individuals who participated in a treatment plan for their condition(s). It is hoped that the findings of this study explore the effectiveness of this holistic approach. The outcomes of this research can be helpful in producing a comprehensive management strategy for tinnitus that addresses the sensation (perceptual), emotional (reaction), and cognitive (negative thoughts) dimensions of tinnitus.