Situationally influenced tinnitus coping strategies: a mixed methods approach

Abstract

tinnitus coping strategies: A mixed methods approach AbstractPurpose The primary aim of this study was to identify coping strategies used to manage problematic tinnitus situations. A secondary aim was to determine whether different approaches were related to the level of tinnitus distress, anxiety, depression and insomnia experienced. Results There were 240 participants (137 males, 103 females), with an average age of 48.16 years (SD: 22.70). Qualitative content analysis identified eight problematic tinnitus situations. Participants had either habituated to their tinnitus (7.9%), used active (63.3%) or passive (28.8%) coping styles to manage these situations. Those who had habituated to tinnitus or used active coping strategies had lower levels of tinnitus distress, anxiety, and depression. Materials and Methods ConclusionsThe main problematic tinnitus situations for this cohort were identified. Both active and passive coping styles were applied to approach these situations. The coping strategies used most frequently and utilised in the widest range of problematic situations were using sound enrichment and diverting attention..

Positive experiences related to living with tinnitus: A cross‐sectional survey

“…From a rehabilitation perspective, understanding how tinnitus is experienced and dealt with is important. Avoidance behaviours and catastrophic thinking about tinnitus have, for instance, been associated with greater tinnitus severity and emotional distress . If negative and catastrophic thinking results in greater emotional distress, positive thoughts may be one way of breaking this cycle.…”

“…Avoidance behaviours and catastrophic thinking about tinnitus have, for instance, been associated with greater tinnitus severity and emotional distress. 17,18 If negative and catastrophic thinking results in greater emotional distress, positive thoughts may be one way of breaking this cycle. Thought and behaviour modification are important components of tinnitus management, and identifying how to promote these modifications is of value.…”

Participants’ experiences of an Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy intervention for tinnitus

“…This has also been reported by Thorén et al (2014) for participants undertaking an online rehabilitative intervention for hearing aid users. In the context of a tinnitus intervention, this is an important outcome as avoidance behaviours are often associated with increased tinnitus distress (Beukes et al 2017a;Hesser and Andersson 2009;Kleinstäuber et al 2013). The strategies provided helped participants with general problem solving and the management of stress and anxiety.…”

“…To meet the demand for tinnitus services, a deeper understanding of the difficulties those with tinnitus are facing is required (Hall et al 2018). Beukes et al (2017a) identified the main difficulties those with tinnitus face e.g. difficulty sleeping, listening and concentrating.…”

A Framework for Designing and Evaluating Internet Interventions to Improve Tinnitus Care

“…Some withdraw and limit going to places they believe will worsen their tinnitus. This approach is often associated with greater distress and poorer long-term outcomes (Beukes et al, 2017a;Hayes, Wilson, Gifford, Follette, and Strosahl, 1996). Those with tinnitus often do not realise that there are ways to cope, despite having tinnitus.…”