What Causes Tinnitus?
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Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.
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Includes client-friendly guidance. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.
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Introduction & Theoretical Background
Tinnitus is thought to be associated with changes in the way in which the brain processes information. Normally a filter operates to 'tune out' unnecessary noises - including physiological noises - allowing for habituation to certain noises. In tinnitus this mechanism seems to fail - leading to awareness of physioloigcal noises. Awareness and particular attributions can lead to emotional reactions, which can exacerbate perception of the noise. What Causes Tinnitus? is a description of this process. This information sheet forms part of a cognitive-behavioral understanding of tinnitus.
Therapist Guidance
This is a Psychology Tools information handout. Suggested uses include:
- Client handout – use as a psychoeducation resource.
- Discussion point – use to provoke a discussion and explore client beliefs.
- Therapist learning tool – improve your familiarity with a psychological construct.
- Teaching resource – use as a learning tool during training.
References And Further Reading
- McKenna, L., Handscombe, L., Hoare, D. J., Hall, D. A. (2014). A scientific cognitive-behavioural model of tinnitus: novel conceptualizations of tinnitus distress. Frontiers in Neurology, 5, 1-15.