Reviews: Feedback from Users ofCBT for Tinnitus E-Programme (CBT4T)
Personal reviews by people using the CBT for Tinnitus E-Programme are published with permission and include the significant changes each achieved measured by their Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI)
Matt completed the course back in August 2021. Matt has been thoughtful enough to send a review of how he is TWO YEARS ON - thank you so much Matt! Read Matt's Review "Two Years On"
Final review post-completion
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) reduced from 59.6% (category 4: big problem) to 20.0% (category 2: small problem)
Do you recommend others to use the Tinnitus E-Programme and if so, please say why:
"This course treats not only tinnitus distress but also co-occurring anxiety, trauma reactions and depressive symptoms, which is a huge advantage and a unique feature of this programme. This programme is built on an exceptionally comprehensive combination of CBT, neuroscience, and trauma psychotherapy perspective, and it targets and utilizes both the bottom-up (the limbic system, especially the amygdala, and the autonomic nervous system) and the top-down (cognitive, the cerebral cortex) processes and mechanisms. I highly recommend this programme, both as a person with tinnitus and as a clinical psychologist and cognitive psychotherapist – it provides a first-class ticket to an excellent and effective tinnitus habituation journey!"
PLEASE NOTE Regarding Juha's Review: Comment from Debbie Featherstone (Hearing Therapist & Psychotherapist) who provides the CBT4T (CBT for Tinnitus E-Programme):
"All reviews are gratefully received as they help new, potential users of the CBT4T programme to benefit too. Juha's review means a great deal to me professionally, as he is a highly qualified, experienced clinical psychologist, advanced level cognitive psychotherapist, trainer and clinical supervisor. Thank you Juha!"
Review written at intermediate Stage 6
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) 97.6% > 20.8% (category 5: very big problem > category 2: small problem)
Do you recommend others to use the CBT for Tinnitus E-Programme?
"Yes absolutely, tinnitus therapy as set out in the course is the only effective treatment for tinnitus and in my case it has certainly worked. It is vital if a path to recovery is to be created that a patient is clear about the causes of tinnitus and the connection between tinnitus and tinnitus distress - having tinnitus and being distressed by tinnitus are not the same. I have used the course in the best way for me - at my own pace - which is what Debbie recommends."
Interim review written at first repeat stage (Stage 6), 21 weeks after enrolment
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) reduced from 67.6% (category 4: big problem) > 22.4% (category 2: small problem)
Do you recommend others to use the CBT for Tinnitus E-Programme?
"I would definitely recommend the course to people. I had no idea you needed to embrace relaxation techniques. I had shied away from tinnitus forums as I did not want to engage with others that had it and there was such a range of mixed messages online and with GPs, Audiology, ENT. I was so pleased to find someone who understood the issues that I and many others were having, and the course means that I am tackling tinnitus distress at my own pace."
Final results post-completion
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) reduced from 52.8% (category 3: moderate problem) to 6.4% (category 1: not a problem)
Do you recommend others to use the Tinnitus E-Programme and if so, why:
"Yes. It works!"
Review written at intermediate Stage 6, 19 weeks after enrolment
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) 80.8% > 42.4% (category 5: very big problem > category 3: moderate problem)
Q: Do you recommend others to use the CBT for Tinnitus E-Programme?
A: "Yes. Life's a journey with bumps in the road, tinnitus has felt like the biggest mountain trying to walk in high heels. The course has given me sturdy walking boots to make good progress to get to the top and over the other side."
Interim review written at first repeat stage (Stage 6), 8 weeks after enrolment
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) reduced from 69.6% (category 4: big problem) > 20.4% (category 2: small problem)
Do you recommend others to use the CBT for Tinnitus E-Programme?
"Yes, absolutely. When I heard that there is nothing that can be done to treat tinnitus, it contributed to my sense of hopelessness. As CBT is apparently the only proven way to manage the condition, there is nothing to lose and everything to gain by pursuing this path. I was convinced of the robustness of Debbie`s approach after reading through the course information, especially in comparison to various apps and am strongly convinced signing up was the best course of action I could have taken. I committed myself to the protocol, despite initial reservations about how the breathing exercises could help the sound in my head and am happy to be in a significantly better place now as a result."
Completed 17 weeks after enrolment
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) 82.8% > 52.8% > 32.0% > 19.2% (category 5: 73-100% very big problem > category 3: 32-53% moderate problem > category 2: 18-31% small problem)
Final Review:
Do you recommend others to use the Tinnitus E-Programme and if so, please say why:
"Yes 100%. It really helps you understand tinnitus, what's going on and gives you the tools to take back control over your life."
"I would recommend this course 100% to anyone who is finding it difficult to cope with tinnitus. Like many, tinnitus appeared in my life and it instantly took hold - I could not sleep, concentrating was difficult and my anxiety was through the roof. I genuinely felt like so much of my life had been ruined because of tinnitus. I did what many did at this point - went online and read. This is generally a mistake, because its very easy to feel more negative after reading stories online, but one good thing did happen is that I came across this course. I was generally sceptical of how CBT would help with that I was going through, but I had nothing to lose so I enrolled immediately. The course is structured really well, and releasing a module each week allows you to take your time going through the course. You never need to rush and going at your own pace allows you to really take on board what is being taught. The relaxation exercises in particular are really great and after a few weeks you really start to notice the difference they make....
Rose, UK
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) 36.4% > 8.8% (category 3: moderate problem > category 1: not a problem)
Completed 16 weeks after enrolment
Final review
Do you recommend others to use the Tinnitus E-Programme and if so, please say why:
"I strongly recommend the programme. The breathing and relaxing exercises made a real difference to my life and have made me calmer. The reframing exercises have been invaluable in so many life situations, not just tinnitus, and Debbie is a very encouraging and supportive guide. The Tinnitus E-Programme has been incredible for managing my tinnitus. I wasn’t sure if it would be right for me, as my tinnitus distress at the beginning was moderate, not severe. Having done the programme, I think anyone can benefit from it, however severe their distress is. I barely think about tinnitus now and when I do notice it, I have a very neutral response, no longer laden with negative emotions. I also no longer avoid situations which I think might aggravate the tinnitus as I know I can manage it."
Review written at Stage 6 (of 12) 21 weeks after enrolment
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) 56.8% > 22.4% (category 4: 54-72% big problem > category 3: 32-53% moderate problem > category 2: 22.4% small problem by Module 9)
Last review/feedback received at Stage 6
Do you recommend others to use the CBT for Tinnitus E-Programme?
"There is no cure for tinnitus, so the only option is to learn to live with it. This course teaches you the tools to be able to do that, with expert support from Debbie. You have to commit to it, using the breathing and relaxation exercises everyday as well as the cognitive work, but it's well worth the effort. I have already felt the benefit and I'm only halfway through the course."