Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Tinnitus: Addressing the Controversy of Its Clinical Delivery by Audiologists. Issue 2 (March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Henry, James A.; Goodworth, Marie-Christine; Lima, Elizabeth; Zaugg, Tara; Thielman, Emily J.
• Is Part Of: Ear and hearing. Volume 43:Issue 2(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-03
• Subjects: Audiologists -- Behavioral therapy -- Cognitive -- Counseling -- Psychologists -- Tinnitus; Hearing disorders -- Periodicals; Audiology -- Periodicals; 612.85
• DOI: 10.1097/AUD.0000000000001150
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0196-0202

Abstract

Abstract : Audiologists' role in providing care for tinnitus typically includes conducting an audiologic evaluation, fitting hearing aids when appropriate, assessing the impact of tinnitus, and facilitating use of sound to improve quality of life with tinnitus when appropriate. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is consistently judged by systematic reviews as having the strongest evidence relative to other therapies for improving quality of life with tinnitus. Because audiologists are already playing an active role in providing care for tinnitus, and the relative paucity of behavioral health providers who are experienced in implementing CBT for tinnitus, a logical question is whether audiologists can provide CBT and whether it is within their scope of practice. In this article, we present both sides of the argument as to whether audiologists can provide CBT and we make recommendations for appropriate administration of CBT for tinnitus management.