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Tinnitus E-Programme

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Places on the programme are limited - Why?
Neuroscience & CBT Protocol developed for Severe & Very Severe Tinnitus Distress
Making use of the collaborative research between neuroscience and psychotherapy, has brought about 100% potential for experiential change through putting natural brain plasticity to work FOR rather than against our patients, thereby revolutionising clinical practice in psychotherapy.

The CBT for Tinnitus E-Programme brings these cutting edge practices to anyone suffering because of tinnitus.

Debbie Featherstone MSc
Hearing Therapist, Psychotherapist & CBT Specialist in Tinnitus
CBT for Tinnitus E-Programme
Success stories, Reviews & Feedback from Users
These 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, UK
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"
Gary, UK
Completed 17 weeks after enrolment
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) 82.8% > 19.2% (category 5: 73-100% very big problem > category 2: 18-31% small problem)

Final Review:
Q: Do you recommend others to use the Tinnitus E-Programme and if so, please say why:
A: "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. The course also does a great job in explaining what tinnitus is and what your brain is doing in reaction to tinnitus. This knowledge really takes away a lot of the fear you might have around tinnitus. Debbie is really knows her stuff, and she keeps in regular contact with you. Her feedback is always really helpful, whether its by email or by the face to face appointments. I have now completed the course and it was the best decision I could have made. If your reading this and sceptical about CBT like I was, then don't be. If your willing to engage with the course and the exercises it really does make a difference. My life went from being controlled by tinnitus to it no longer having control over it."

Feedback from Gary throughout the process:
Intermediate TFI after Stage 9 (of 12) 11 weeks after enrolment: 82.8% > 52.8% > 32.0%

Review written at Stage 7 (of 12) 7 weeks after enrolment
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) 82.8% > 52.8% (category 5: very big problem > category 3: moderate problem)

Q: Do you recommend others to use the CBT for Tinnitus E-Programme?
A: "100% yes. Its a course built for people who have difficulty coping with tinnitus. It explains what is going on and provides techniques and exercises to really help you cope with what you are going through and also change your perspective over time so it no longer impacts on your life. I would be lost without it."

Q: What benefit have you experienced using the relaxation element of the course so far?
A: "I was very new to relaxation and was sceptical on the difference it could make. My day to day schedule has changed to take the relaxation elements into account. I have found the physiological and autogenic exercises along with the short breathing exercises to be the most helpful."

Q: How has the neuroscience-based learning about the amygdala, autonomic ladder and brain plasticity helped you to relate to your experience of tinnitus, anxiety and stress?
A: "This has been a big help. Until learning about these things tinnitus is a big unknown and something to worry / fear. Knowing what it is, and what's causing the noise and reactions helps you to calm down and not let it impact you as much."

Q: What have you learned from the Costs & Benefits Transaction work (used from Stage 3)? Estimate how much you have already adjusted from having a PROBLEM-ORIENTED perspective towards a RECOVERY-ORIENTED perspective (e.g. 2/10 > 7/10 indicates an improvement of 5 so far):
A: "This work is really helpful as it helps you change from problem oriented to recovery oriented. I would say I was 1/10 to start with, and am now around a 6.5/10."

Q: You are likely to have had your first 1-1 by now. Did you benefit from your 1-1 and if so, how?
A: "Yes, it was nice to be able to talk things out and get a better understanding of how things work. Not everyone understands what you are going through so its nice to be able to speak about things that someone else will "get"."

Q: What is your own impression of your progress to date?
A: "I am generally quite pleased with my progress. The last week has been difficult - It does feel like the volume has increased and the pitch has changed from an already high pitch to even more of a high pitch. I've also gradually being getting tinnitus in both ears instead of just one. If this had happened without the course, it would have been really difficult to see how I would have coped. But now it's different - I am much better prepared and informed and this means I am handling things way better than I would have."
Rose, UK
Review written at Stage 6 (of 12) 12 weeks after enrolment
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) 36.4% > 8.8% (category 3: moderate problem > category 1: not a problem)

Q: Do you recommend others to use the CBT for Tinnitus E-Programme?
A: "Yes I would recommend the course. Doing the daily logs and weekly SITREPs helps you stick to the work and get results. It would be much harder trying to manage it alone and the temptation to give up is greater if you haven’t this daily/weekly responsibility to log and check in. The breathing and relaxation exercises can be fitted into even a busy life and regular practice of them makes a huge difference. Using the meaning adjuster is really helpful in reframing negative and unhelpful thinking patterns."

Q: What benefit have you experienced using the relaxation element of the course so far?
A: "I wasn’t new to relaxation/meditation - I had done it at the end of yoga over many years, but just for very short periods of time and as a bit of an add-on. What I have learned on this course has been much more in depth and effective, particularly because of doing it daily."

Q: How has the neuroscience-based learning about the amygdala, autonomic ladder and brain plasticity helped you to relate to your experience of tinnitus, anxiety and stress?
A: "The science has been the least familiar part of the course and probably the most difficult, as I’m not used to reading lots of science but it has helped me understand more about the links between anxiety and tinnitus."

Q: What have you learned from the Costs & Benefits Transaction work (used from Stage 3)? Estimate how much you have already adjusted from having a PROBLEM-ORIENTED perspective towards a RECOVERY-ORIENTED perspective (e.g. 2/10 > 7/10 indicates an improvement of 5 so far)
A: "The costs/benefit transaction work was very helpful and has helped me adjust to using recovery orientated perspectives on a range of issues, not just tinnitus. I estimate that my improvement has been from 3/10 to 8/10."

Q: You are likely to have had your first 1-1 by now. Did you benefit from your 1-1 and if so, how?
A: "It was good to meet Debbie finally and I enjoyed talking about my progress so far and found her very encouraging and friendly. It was very relaxed and I was inspired by Debbie to believe that I can at some point stop the course and carry on what I’ve learned by myself."

Q: What is your own impression of your progress to date?
A: "I feel a lot better than when I started in November. I was moderately affected by tinnitus then but am only mildly affected by it now so I feel I’ve made a lot of progress."
Julia, UK
Review written post-Stage 12 (of 12) 17 weeks after enrolment
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) reduced from 64.4% > 5.6% (category 4: big problem > category 1: not a problem)

Q: How much difference has the overall course made for you?
A: "It's made a huge difference. I am now beginning a slow phased return to work having been off since November 2022. It's made me understand that my tinnitus isn't something I need to worry about and it's also helped me take stock of my work life balance and address some of the issues that were causing me to be off work due to stress anyway. It's taught me a lot about myself."

Final review:
"The Tinnitus E-Programme is a hugely beneficial programme that has helped and supported me through a very stressful and anxious period of my life. I've not only learnt about tinnitus and that it isn't dangerous for me, but I've also learnt much about myself that will help me both in my personal and professional life. The content will help me immensely in my own job in terms of being an even better school leader. It's helped me gain perspective in my own life and has helped me understand how and where I can make changes in my thoughts and attitudes to be more effective professionally as well as living a better quality of life. Even though this has been a really horrible few months for me, I couldn't be more grateful for this programme and for Debbie's support and guidance, which has really got me through. I couldn't be more happy that I'm now embarking on a phased return to work and I'm really hoping that it will be successful. I know where to come back to if I have any self doubt and will ensure that I build the exercises into my self care regime moving forward!"

Q: Do you recommend others to use the CBT for Tinnitus E-Programme?
A: "Absolutely - for all of the reasons explained above."

Julia's Review written at Stage 7 (of 12) 6 weeks after enrolment
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) reduced from 64.4% > 9.6% at Stage 6 of 12

"I was completely new to relaxation - I don't think I've ever relaxed properly! This has made the biggest difference to me. Since beginning Stage 3 relaxation exercises the pulsatile tinnitus stopped overnight and now I only seem to get it occasionally. Long may this last! I've had an array of other issues however all linked, stress and anxiety and menopause related. I've even learnt that tinnitus can be linked with the menopause too. The relaxation has significantly helped with other anxieties and pains which have not been directly related to tinnitus and for this I'm so grateful!

As a teacher I love learning, so all of it I have found fascinating and I've learnt a lot about myself which I hope will stay with me and help moving forward long term."

Q: Would you recommend others with tinnitus distress to use this course?
A: "Yes indeed. When I first started this I didn't really believe that I'd ever not have tinnitus on my mind and be stressed about it. I'm still anxious and stressed about other things and the programme will really help not only with tinnitus distress but other anxiety and stresses too."
Lisa, UK
Review written at Stage 6 (of 12) 18 weeks after enrolment
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) 86.4% > 12.8% (category 5: very big problem > category 1: not a problem)

Q: Do you recommend others to use the CBT for Tinnitus E-Programme?
A: "Yes - I understand it's about how you cope and the distress you feel towards tinnitus."

Q: What benefit have you experienced using the relaxation element of the course so far?
A: "I know about meditation and mindful practice but until starting this course, never practiced it regularly. I have found this element to be really beneficial. I feel so much calmer inside and get less anxious. I even went in a lift on holiday (something I have never done since a child as I'm severely claustrophobic). This is a major achievement in my life and I am now committed to relaxation techniques."

Q: How has the neuroscience-based learning about the amygdala, autonomic ladder and brain plasticity helped you to relate to your experience of tinnitus, anxiety and stress?
A: "Yes it has. I realise how much I was fired up through my amygdala brain and probably had been for years, which hasn't helped with the tinnitus. I take hope that my brain can learn (through plasticity) to filter out the tinnitus sounds over time and that I need to practice mindfulness and relaxation regularly."

Q: What have you learned from the Costs & Benefits Transaction work (used from Stage 3)? Estimate how much you have already adjusted from having a PROBLEM-ORIENTED perspective towards a RECOVERY-ORIENTED perspective (e.g. 2/10 > 7/10 indicates an improvement of 5 so far)
A: "I haven't completed the costs and benefits transaction work that much but have tried the meaning adjuster. I am finding that I am still conscious of the tinnitus sounds but a lot less bothered by it. Taking that into account, I must be using more of a recovery-oriented perspective that problem-oriented perspective."

Q: You are likely to have had your first 1-1 by now. Did you benefit from your 1-1 and if so, how?
A: "Yes - greatly. It was really good to talk to Debbie. She has a great deal of knowledge and expertise that I can learn from to help me. I just wish I had more F2F sessions in this course as I have come to realise that this is my preferred learning style."

Q: What is your own impression of your progress to date?
A: "I have made tremendous progress in terms of anxiety and stress reduction. My tinnitus has quietened down to more of a hissing sound now rather than tonal which seems more bearable to cope with. During the days, I am getting times when I don't notice it at all."
Simon, UK
Review written at Stage 6 (of 12) 17 weeks after enrolment
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) 70.0% > 28.8% (category 4: big problem > category 2: small problem)

Q: Do you recommend others to use the CBT for Tinnitus E-Programme?
A: "Yes. My advice would be that the understanding of the brains capacity to alter, and the advice provided on generating a positive attitude are invaluable. I would advise though that some content does seem quite technical and not always easy to absorb."

Q: What benefit have you experienced using the relaxation element of the course so far?
A: "I have never tried relaxation techniques before so all the breathing/relaxation exercises are new to me. Without exception, these have been very helpful, not only in teaching me (my brain), to have a much calmer approach to tinnitus, even if the tinnitus remains. For example, if I suddenly find myself in a ‘tinnitus storm’, a pause in whatever I am doing and a few minutes breathing exercise will lower my anxiety levels and restore equilibrium to the day, even if the tinnitus does not disappear. There is a further point to make. The relaxation exercises have improved my life overall. I have a history of being a bit wound up, or tense, over worrying about things. Whilst this has never been to such a degree of making me ill, it has made me into a bit of a worrier. The relaxation exercises have without any doubt made me calmer, able to recognise when I am being unnecessarily worried about things. My attitude to life has improved."

Q: How has the neuroscience-based learning about the amygdala, autonomic ladder and brain plasticity helped you to relate to your experience of tinnitus, anxiety and stress?
A: "I understand the theory that has been described but I still want to go back to the early stages and re-read the parts concerning the amygdala, the hippocampus etc, as I am not sure all the component parts of the process of brain function are embedded in my brain. I do recognise the ability for the brain to change and the plasticity of the neural pathways. I understand how this can affect men experience of tinnitus."

Q: What have you learned from the Costs & Benefits Transaction work (used from Stage 3)? Estimate how much you have already adjusted from having a PROBLEM-ORIENTED perspective towards a RECOVERY-ORIENTED perspective (e.g. 2/10 > 7/10 indicates an improvement of 5 so far)
A: "Everything I think about tinnitus comes from a recovery orientated position. Whilst I have not been good at sending in a Costs & Benefits Transaction as often as I should, I absolutely understand the necessity of a positive mental attitude. The reading that you have provided reinforces this at every level."

Q: You are likely to have had your first 1-1 by now. Did you benefit from your 1-1 and if so, how?
A: "I did not know how the 1-1 was going to be structured, and to some extent thought it might be more of a therapy session than general conversation about my progress. I have a second session booked and will be more prepared with specific areas I wish to discuss. We had a pleasant discussion and touched on various topics concerning my progress, I felt relaxed and comfortable after the session.”

Q: What is your own impression of your progress to date?
A: "I am calm and relaxed about my tinnitus, the course has taught me that. My tinnitus has not gone away, I do not know even if it has altered at all, but I suppose my perception has altered. I think that without the course, I would not have been able to shift my mindset in such a positive way."
Rena, UK
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) 85.6% > 56.8% > 24.4%
Category 5 (73-100%) very big problem > category 4 (54-72%) big problem > category 2 (18-31%) small problem

Review written at Stage 6 (of 12) 10 weeks after enrolment (awaiting final review)
Q: Do you recommend others to use the CBT for Tinnitus E-Programme?
A: "Yes l would definitely recommend others to use the course.l don’t know what l would have done without it, l didn’t know where to turn. Debbie calmed me down right from the start. The course is easy to follow and at your own pace."

Q: What benefit have you experienced using the relaxation element of the course so far?
A: "Having never used relaxation l was surprised to find it to be very calming and relaxing. l was in a terrible state at the beginning of the course, l was losing weight and very distressed.The relaxation calmed me down and within weeks there was a significant improvement."

Q: How has the neuroscience-based learning about the amygdala, autonomic ladder and brain plasticity helped you to relate to your experience of tinnitus, anxiety and stress?
A: "Learning about the neuroscience behind tinnitus has reduced the fear and worry. You learn that stress and anxiety actually negatively affects the brain chemistry and in turn makes tinnitus worse."

Q: What have you learned from the Costs & Benefits Transaction work (used from Stage 3)? Estimate how much you have already adjusted from having a PROBLEM-ORIENTED perspective towards a RECOVERY-ORIENTED perspective (e.g. 2/10 > 7/10 indicates an improvement of 5 so far)
A: "The costs and Benefits Transaction work has helped me to think in a recovery oriented rather than a problem oriented perspective. l was possibly 1/10 to start with now l would say 5/10."

Q: You are likely to have had your first 1-1 by now. Did you benefit from your 1-1 and if so, how?
A: "It was so good to talk to Debbie she was so reassuring and understood how l felt."

Q: What is your own impression of your progress to date?
A: "I am pleased with my progress so far. My anxiety level is so much better and l feel much calmer. I still have good days and bad days so have work to do. I now know how important it is not to panic but to use the relaxation and reframing techniques to help calm tinnitus."
Nigel, UK
Review written at Stage 7 (of 12) 12 weeks after enrolment
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) 34.8% > 16.8% (category 3: moderate problem > category 1: not a problem)

Q: Do you recommend others to use the CBT for Tinnitus E-Programme?
A: "Yes, definitely. I have already recommended to a couple of others."

Q: What benefit have you experienced using the relaxation element of the course so far?
A: "I was a lapsed yogi, and this course has brought me back to it, especially meditation/nidra. I’m quite attentive to my smart watch, so have observed the objective reduction in stress (heart rate and heart rate variability), when I do the right things (and the opposite when I don’t)."

Q: How has the neuroscience-based learning about the amygdala, autonomic ladder and brain plasticity helped you to relate to your experience of tinnitus, anxiety and stress?
A: "I always find that understanding how things work, makes more likely to ‘believe in it’ - I’m not one for blind faith. Given that one thing invariably leads to another, I’ve bought a book about yoga anatomy and am currently reading a chapter on the anatomy (and neurology) of breath."

Q: What have you learned from the Costs & Benefits Transaction work (used from Stage 3)? Estimate how much you have already adjusted from having a PROBLEM-ORIENTED perspective towards a RECOVERY-ORIENTED perspective (e.g. 2/10 > 7/10 indicates an improvement of 5 so far)
A: "5/10 > 8/10. Whenever I ‘note’ a thought, I try to ask myself: “what do I get from this?”. It’s becoming a broader habit, beyond tinnitus i.e. avoiding the recent news on Israel-Palestine, and any political debates thereon."

Q: What is your own impression of your progress to date?
A: "I’ve learnt some new things, been reminded of others, but most importantly learnt how to apply relaxation and reframing techniques to tinnitus."
Juha, Finland
Review written at stage 6 (of 12) 12 weeks after enrolment
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) 59.6% > 36.4% (category 4: big problem > category 3: moderate problem)

Q: Do you recommend others to use the CBT for Tinnitus E-Programme?
A: "Yes, I would highly recommend this course. If you have tried (or read about) cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for tinnitus distress before and it didn’t help, don’t be discouraged. This course is exceptionally well planned and organized, and the process is long enough (12 stages, at least 12 weeks, usually more) to make the change possible. The course aims to help not only with tinnitus distress but also with the anxiety, the trauma reactions and the depressive symptoms, which are often part and parcel of the situation. That and the combination of neuroscience, trauma psychotherapy perspective and CBT makes this course unique."

Q: What benefit have you experienced using the relaxation element of the course so far?
A: "Before I started this course, I was worried that relaxation might be difficult for me. Trying deliberately to relax has previously often had an opposite effect: I became more tense. I was quite experienced in the meditation practice, where the intention is not to relax but to notice what is happening and just be with it, but after the tinnitus onset even the meditation was challenging – now there was too much to notice. The relaxation exercises used in this course have been different and more helpful than I expected. Especially I’ve liked the physiological relaxation exercises and the short breathing exercises, but all the exercises have been useful. The relaxation exercises have helped my mind and body to calm down and to restore better balance of the nervous system. The brief relaxation exercises are done several times each day, which helps physiological and psychological effects to cumulate, and it also keeps the change process and recovery perspective actively in your mind."

Q: How has the neuroscience-based learning about the amygdala, autonomic ladder and brain plasticity helped you to relate to your experience of tinnitus, anxiety and stress?
A: "The neuroscience-based learning has been immensely helpful. It has helped me to understand the mechanisms of tinnitus distress and the ways to promote change at deeper, neurophysiological and neuropsychological, levels. Debbie has chosen valuable information and explained well how it relates to the tinnitus distress. By doing the exercises and the practices, you are forming and strengthening new neural connections and pathways that help you to habituate to tinnitus. Keeping that in mind gives a lot of hope and motivation during the difficult times which are an inevitable part of the change process."

Q: What have you learned from the Costs & Benefits Transaction work (used from Stage 3)? Estimate how much you have already adjusted from having a PROBLEM-ORIENTED perspective towards a RECOVERY-ORIENTED perspective (e.g. 2/10 > 7/10 indicates an improvement of 5 so far):
A: "The Costs & Benefits Transaction perspective has been elucidating. You end up choosing and getting stuck in the problem-oriented perspective so easily, as if that perspective itself, not you, is making the choice. Fortunately, it’s possible to strengthen the recovery-oriented perspective and by doing that to activate the underlying neural circuitry, which brings change (different “firing and wiring”) also in the brain. At the beginning of the course, I was recovery-oriented maybe at the level of 4/10, now I’m maybe at the level of 7/10, so there is still work to be done. At the conscious level the change in the perspective comes faster than at the automatic/implicit (unconscious) level."

Q: You are likely to have had your first 1-1 by now. Did you benefit from your 1-1 and if so, how?
A: "Yes I did. It was important to discuss with Debbie and get support and guidance from her. The email support has also been a valuable part of the course. Debbie has always answered quickly to my questions when I’ve been uncertain or worried about how to proceed in the course. It’s reassuring to know that Debbie is there, willing and capable of providing help when needed. Debbie’s expertise in the neuroscience-based CBT approach to tinnitus distress is exceptionally comprehensive."

Q: What is your own impression of your progress to date?
A: "I’ve made progress since starting this course in April 2023. There have been ups and downs, the progress is not linear, as Debbie reminds, but I’m feeling and functioning much better than I did before the course. I’ve had some physical health problems which have had a negative effect, but this course has also helped coping with them."
Tom, Finland
Review written at Stage 6 (of 12) 17 weeks after enrolment
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) reduced from 76.8% > 4.4% (category 5: very big problem > category 1 not a problem)

Q: Do you recommend others to use the CBT for Tinnitus E-Programme?
A: "If one truly wants to be helped, and one is committed to take the time and effort, this program can be really helpful. I highly recommend it! :)"

Q: What benefit have you experienced using the relaxation element of the course so far?
A: "I guess I have always wanted to make meditation/relaxation exercises part of my daily schedule. However, I just kept postponing it. When my tinnitus started, I was a bit reluctant to start these relaxation exercises because I really didn't see the point at first. Now that I have been doing them for a while, I have noticed the positive effect not just on my tinnitus, but also my over all wellbeing."

Q: How has the neuroscience-based learning about the amygdala, autonomic ladder and brain plasticity helped you to relate to your experience of tinnitus, anxiety and stress?
A: "I guess they have made me realize that I am not just a victim, that I can actually affect how I feel, what I can do to change my mental and physical state. In this respect, I am just my journey."

Q: Estimate how much you have already adjusted from having a PROBLEM-ORIENTED perspective towards a RECOVERY-ORIENTED perspective (e.g. 2/10 > 7/10 indicates an improvement of 5 so far):
A: "In the beginning I was constantly visiting different sites and discussion forums related to tinnitus, trying to find a "cure" for the problem. When I started this programme, the visits were becoming less and less until I completely cut them off from my life. I also read a lot of books related to tinnitus. I don't do that anymore. Yes, I still read books but they are more related to the total wellbeing of myself. If I think about grading myself, I would probably say something like starting from 2, and now being somewhere around 9."

Q: You are likely to have had your first 1-1 by now. Did you benefit from your 1-1 and if so, how?
A: "It was finally great to have a conversation with somebody who actually knew a lot of the tinnitus, and who actually cared about how I felt, and who had some valid information and advice how to continue my life. And as I had read the book "living well with tinnitus", to have somebody give her honest opinion about the book."

Q: What is your own impression of your progress to date?
A: "I am happy about my situation right now. I wish I had had more time and self-discipline to have progressed in a more timely fashion, but like Debbie said, everyone has their own pace, and there is no rush."
Steve, UK
Review written at Stage 7 (of 12) 7 weeks after enrolment
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) reduced from 80.4% > 24.0% (category 5: very big problem > category 2: small problem)

Q: Do you recommend others to use the CBT for Tinnitus E-Programme?
A: "Yes I would highly recommend this course. We're told to ignore the problem but for some people that isn't always possible. The CBT course has allowed me to take control, and subsequently of my future. It's given me tools and an understanding of what tinnitus is and how it can be overcome. I am only half way through and I feel a lot better than I did before I started the course."

"I am new to relaxation exercises and find using them daily helps me control my anxiety levels. I have also found the reading helpful and now understand more about tinnitus and why I feel the way I do. It's about mindset and by changing the way I see my tinnitus, being less subjective and more objective, questioning the meaning behind my thoughts and making adjustments, is helping my recovery."
Geoff, UK
Review written at Stage 9 (of 12) 14 weeks after enrolment
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) reduced from 86.4% > 20.2% (category 5: very big problem > category 2: small problem)

Q: Do you recommend others to use the CBT for Tinnitus E-Programme?
A: "Yes I do. I wish I had known about it earlier. The reason I am writing this review is because it was the reviews on Debbie’s website that I read that helped me decide to enroll. I hope my review helps someone else."

"I am so grateful for this course and to Debbie for producing it. Although I’ve had tinnitus for around 10 years, I found myself starting to notice it more and more. I am certain it was much louder than it ever was. I wasn’t sleeping, didn’t feel like eating, felt I was letting my family down at a time when they needed me. I was dreading Christmas but did keep hoping it was just a spike. I’ve had spikes before, but never a spike that lasted more than a couple of days. This was about 2 months! We have had a lot going on in the family, and I kind of knew that stress might be part of the reason tinnitus was giving me more problems than it had for a long time (years!). I was exhausted and I did have a terrible Christmas, so it was after that when I contacted Debbie. I found the program online and just so grateful I did, because it has been amazing! I had tried CBT and tried using apps. None of it helped and I wasn’t keen on CBT after already trying it. But I read the reviews on the website, and now I am writing one too in case it helps somebody else! The e-program wasn’t anything like the CBT I had tried (a book about living with tinnitus and boxing).

I felt so understood when I started the e-program, and it was easy to follow. I soon realised that everything I’d read and thought I had been doing to help myself hadn’t been helping at all, but this course was completely different. Debbie seems to make it all so much easier, and meeting her for zoom appointments helped even more. I can hardly believe we are now in May, and I am back to being me. Thank you Debbie!!!"
Ellen, UK
Review written post-Stage 12
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) reduced from 62.4% > 28.0% (category 4: big problem > category 2: small problem)

Q: How much difference has the overall course made for you?
A: "When I look back at my first outcome measures, and then at my first thought records and meaning adjusters, I can see a big difference. Also when I think back to how I felt, thought, acted at the beginning around the tinnitus (and at times during the course too). I can manage and enjoy life better now. I am more hopeful and more positive about the future. I has also shown me what I can do (in terms of making brain changes, dealing with a very distressing thing etc). Also, what I have been provided/offered through the NHS in my area is very minimal compared and I’m very grateful this course was here."

Final Review
"I’m very grateful for Debbie to have set up this course for those with tinnitus distress. I have been doing the 12 module course as my tinnitus distress was pretty high at the start. I was finding my tinnitus very difficult to manage, and also the experience quite unsettling and confusing as I didn’t really know what was going on. Now, I am better at living with my tinnitus rather than it running my life, and I am enjoying life more again and feeling better in myself and about the future. I found the combination of things on the course really helpful - that each stage developed my knowledge and understanding, and also had practical things to be doing, and also how the course focuses on calming fight/flight states first and moves on to more cognitive work later - and that the process is explained and the course is well structured and thought through. I found it helpful to be able to do most of the course self-directed around my life, but was also able to discuss with Debbie at times."

Q: Do you recommend others to use the CBT for Tinnitus E-Programme?
A: "Yes. The programme takes commitment but the way it is designed means real and lasting positive change can take place."
Paula, UK
Review written at Stage 7 (of 12) 9 weeks after enrolment
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) reduced from 78.8% > 29.8% at Stage 6 of 12

"Before I found this course, I had tried using various apps for tinnitus for about 6 months. Sometimes I thought I was feeling better but it didn't last. Then I came across Debbie and her CBT course while searching online. I was feeling desperate so I decided to try it. Before I started the course, Debbie emailed me with the results of my TFI which was really high. I knew I was struggling, but also felt I should have been better than this after using the apps. Anyway, I enrolled with two appointments as Debbie had recommended in her email. Straightaway I felt someone was helping ME. This CBT course is structured and seemed to fit exactly what I needed. By the time I met with Debbie for my one on one, I was alsready feeling so much better but she gave me such a lot of confidence as well as being so knowledgeable and understanding. I sent in my second TFI when I reached stage 6 and couldn't believe the difference after only 7 weeks! I'm so grateful Debbie sent me my results and suggested I slow down my pace, because it has made me go back through some of the earlier parts of the course which I realise now I hadn't fully digested. I'm now on stage 7 and intend to continue. Tinnitus isn't much an issue now but the course is helping me in other areas of life too. I particularly look forward to doing the core belief work as I think its this that has caused me problems all my life, including why I reacted as I did to tinnitus. By the way, my hyperacusis has gone now too. I've been to restaurants and played with my grandchildren which I just couldn't do before starting this course. It's been a real life-saver!"

Q: Would you recommend others with tinnitus distress to use this course?
A: "Absolutely I would! All I did was follow everything in the modules. It's given me a new structure and routine that helps so much, and I have already met two of my goals I set in stage 5. I would recommend you don't race through the course week by week though as I did. I'm taking a couple of weeks at each stage from now on."     
Callum, Australia
Review written at Stage 7 (of 12) 10 weeks after enrolment
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) reduced from 68.0% > 29.6% at Stage 6 of 12

“I am amazed at how much my life has changed since I started this programme. Tinnitus had become central and all consuming, and I felt a failure to my wife and kids. I’d even had to take time away from work because of it. Now, I’m not only back at work, but back to the bike rides, and days out enjoying life with my family again. I’ve taken my time through the modules as the course recommends, and now just 10 weeks later I’ve reached stage 7. What helped so much especially in the first few weeks was learning how much difference such a basic thing as breathing made for me. I really needed the physiological relaxation too as I was so stressed and tense, although I didn’t need it anymore after about 4 weeks - exactly as Debbie said at the beginning. I use the Autogenics now and I’m hooked! As far as tinnitus is concerned, I hardly notice it now and when I do, it doesn’t bother me. I just wish I’d found this program earlier. Thank you Debbie.”

Q: Would you recommend others with tinnitus distress to use this course?
A: "Yes I would. I read these reviews before I started the course and they did, in part, help me to decide to sign up. If it helps anyone else, I was worried I wouldn't be able to keep up with it, but on the contrary, I have felt in control of how I pace it. This is something I learned early on from Debbie and it's paid off in bucket loads!"  
Markus, UK
Review written at Stage 7 (of 12) 11 weeks after enrolment
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) reduced from 52.8% > 18.4% at Stage 6 of 12

"I was new to relaxation and meditation and it's made a large and positive difference. My perception of tinnitus has changed significantly over the past few weeks, from noticing it constantly to only occasionally, and it does not impact my daily life anymore. To a large extent, this seems to be down to my daily breathing exercises (in addition to my other exercises). I started doing breathing exercises six times a day. This is now down to three times, but it's become part of my daily routine and I am likely to continue with it.

The course has been useful overall, incl. the theoretical parts and the practical exercises. In addition to the breathing exercises, I have used the Meaning Adjuster (not so much anymore because using it - together with the breathing and relaxation - has meant I don't experience particularly strong emotions related to tinnnitus anymore), the autogenic exercises and the attention-switch exercise (I like this one a lot and try to do it daily).

The pace feels right. It was helpful that you told me in our 1-1 that I might consider slowing down a bit (I progressed from module to module on a weekly basis initially). I think it was useful to spend a bit more time on each module as the course progressed."

Q: Would you recommend others with tinnitus distress to use this course?
A: "Yes I would. I would tell them about my own experience and how the course has helped me."
Declan, UK
Completed
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) reduced from 66.0% > 6.4% on completion
Note: You'll find Declan's review at Stage 7 (of 12) below

"This programme has been excellent. At the beginning of the process I was very distressed, and frankly didn't know where to turn. I am so grateful that I found the programme and for Debbie's efforts in putting it together. Provided you are prepared to engage in the process, and commit to exercises from week 1, you will see the benefits. The one-to-one appointments were invaluable and very relaxed. Debbie's experience speaks for itself, and I therefore felt I was in safe hands from day 1. I am now in a much better place, and certainly not distressed. Well worth it and highly recommended."

Q: Do you recommend others to use the CBT for Tinnitus E-Programme?
A: "I fully recommend the programme, as it really does work. Not only in reducing tinnitus distress, but in reducing general day to day stress/anxiety."
David, UK
One year after completion
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) reduced from 65.6% > 14.0% one year after completion

"For the past year I have found that my anxiety levels due to my tinnitus have reduced significantly, to the extent that for the most part I have been able to go for days or even weeks without giving my tinnitus a second thought. And even at the times when I do become aware of my tinnitus I find that I can still remain largely calm, the most important difference for me is that I now know I have the tools to control any feelings of anxiety. I actually decided not to end the course suddenly on completion of the course materials but preferred to continue, though gradually using the course materials less and less as time progressed until I stopped using them altogether, I felt that this facilitated a seemless transition from being an anxious sufferer of tinnitus to restoring a state of calmness and habituation. I do however refer to the course briefly at times when I feel it would be helpful, though this has been infrequent."
A Case Study from the 12 Module CBT for Tinnitus E-Programme
An extract from webinar on 30th March 2021: A summary case study of a CBT for Tinnitus E-Programme user

How much change can be expected?
This means how much change in your experience of having tinnitus can you expect
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) Category changes following completion of the 12 stage CBT for Tinnitus E-Programme

Average change by TFI value:
  • Cat 5 pre-course: 84.9% > 29.9% (Cat 2 post-course)
  • Cat 4 pre-course: 64.8% > 20.8% (Cat 2 post-course)
  • Cat 3 pre-course: 45.6% > 19.0% (Cat 2 post course)
Figures published 22 May 2022
Amanda, France
Completed
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) reduced from 56.0% > 2.4% on completion

"The CBT for Tinnitus E-Programme has been of great value to me. I think it was pitched just right for me. I was in an anxious, dark place in February when I discovered the course. I was not sure how I was going to live the rest of my life with tinnitus. The course has made a massive difference. I really do not know where I would have been now without it. Tinnitus has not bothered me for several months. Following long Covid which caused me to suffer with dizziness and therefore anxiety I delayed completing the final measures as Covid would have influenced my answers. France does not really acknowledge long covid and this resulted in me having a brain scan and all sorts of tests which caused me anxiety. I was able to use what I have learnt in your course to help me climb down and relax from the anxiety caused by long Covid."
Sarah, UK
Completed
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) reduced from 48.0% > 23.6% on completion
Note: You'll find Sarah's review at Stage 7 (of 12) below

"This course has turned things around for me hugely. I am still only 6 months into my tinnitus experience but through the guidance of this course and Debbie directly, have, from a comparatively early stage, been able to identify the fuel that I had been using to fire my tinnitus distress, and at times, put the fire out completely. I started the course in a physically and mentally bad place - but am far better 4 months later. Do not be fooled, this course requires your time and engagement, but if you follow the activities, reading and give yourself time, the results will be positive. I still hear my tinnitus, this course is for your distress, not your sound - BUT, by allowing my mind to give up the battle, to challenge and burst those negative thoughts, I have created the space for my brain to focus on the good stuff in life. Which means I notice my tinnitus less - or if I do notice it, I do not default into a negative space, or fairly quickly identify I've gone to the negative space and find my way out. There's so many helpful elements to the course - you will find something within it that helps I guarantee it."

Q: Do you recommend others to use the CBT for Tinnitus E-Programme?
A: "I would recommend others to use this, to put a different perspective on your tinnitus experience and open the door to a way of managing your tinnitus distress that you may not have considered, or believed is possible."
Declan, UK
Review written at Stage 7 (of 12) 9 weeks after enrolment
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) reduced from 66.0% > 9.2% at Stage 6 of 12

"The relaxation element of the course has helped me immensely with managing my ear issues. There is a mix of short exercises which you should sprinkle throughout your day, and longer exercises (guided relaxation) which can be used to properly wind-down at the end of the day, or when things are particularly challenging. I have also found that the relaxation exercises have helped me in a much broader sense, beyond just my ear issues. I have been able to deploy them in relation to work stresses and other day to day challenges. I had some limited experience of guided meditations but the new tools presented have been much more varied and effective for me.

I have become much more aware of my unhelpful/negative thought habits, and how these are more responsible for negative feelings than the physical ear issues (or anything else). By understanding these habits, I can start to challenge them - the Meaning Adjuster has been very good for this. I have a much better understanding of the ear conditions themselves, and much more confidence that they can be overcome. The content is carefully prepared and as someone who has had anxiety issues in the past, I have found it to be paced really well and not overwhelming."

Q: Would you recommend others with tinnitus distress to use this course?
A: "Before starting this course, I had convinced myself that there was nothing that could improve the way I was feeling about the tinnitus. I was so wrong. In the first 8 weeks this course has made such a positive difference and continues to do so. It does require a commitment to use the exercises [they are easy to do] and spend time reflecting on the content, but it is so worth it. The one to one session with Debbie was extremely insightful and supportive. I fully recommend the course."
Sarah, UK
Review written at Stage 7 (of 12 stages) 8 weeks after enrolment
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) reduced from 48.0% > 31.6% at Stage 6 of 12 (Final TFI on completion 23.6%)

"I have gone from being barely able to sit alone with my tinnitus without panicking, to getting much much closer to acceptance and non-reactivity. The relaxation has had a profound physical effect on my body and given me more confidence to go about my daily life, making plans for the future, unperturbed by tinnitus. I had already used the calm app prior to this course for some years, but with no structure or routine - just 'as and when'. By having regular and consistent use of a range of new, tinnitus appropriate relaxation tools, I have balanced my life. I had also used the oto app, which helped introduce me at an early stage of tinnitus to CBT and ACT, but it did not go deep enough to address personal thoughts and feelings.

Many parts of the informative and engaging content have stayed with me on a daily basis - for example 'just because you have a problem does not mean you have to be unhappy'. Being able to recognise my cognitive distortions was a very big change for me, to pull them out of my mind and understand there is a reason why these thoughts go on repeat. Whilst at the start of the course I wanted to go faster, and couldn't wait for the next stage to open, I now entirely understand why it starts with the breath work and then builds into the CBT content and am consciously slowing it down to ensure I get the best out of every stage.

Having access to Debbie's advice and guidance where needed has been a central element to the course. The relaxations are different to what I expected; but in a good way - they are certainly doing what they need to do. I think having the ability to submit the work done on cognitive distortions, second arrows, meaning adjuster, weekly checks, practical elements, means that you are accountable to yourself and this was exactly what I needed to help me reduce the significance of tinnitus in my life."

Q: Would you recommend others with tinnitus distress to use this course?
A: "I would highly recommend this course to others with severe tinnitus distress. From someone who thought their life was going to be permanently disadvantaged as a result of tinnitus, in the space of 7 weeks, I have turned a huge corner and life feels almost 'normal' again. I was of course sceptical as I started - I didn't think I'd ever be one of the people writing a testimonial - but now I know that was my self-talk going round my head and I see and experience the world differently than I did in the throes of my tinnitus distress."
Laura, UK
Review written at Stage 7 of 12 stages (6 weeks after enrolment)
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) reduced from 90.8% > 59.6% at Stage 6 of 12. TFI 39.6% on completion

"The breathing exercises are very helpful, I am now incorporarting these into my daily routine. Guided meditation is also helpful when the noise gets too much. I will continue to use these techniques. It is helpful to read the theory about tinnitus too.This is an excellent course for people suffering daily with tinnitus. Thank you."

Q: Would you recommend others with tinnitus distress to use this course?
A: "Absolutely! I would encourage them to give it a try or to learn about breathing and meditation."
Paul, UK
Review written 9 weeks after completing the 12 modules, 21 weeks after enrolment
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) reduced from 49.2% > 9.2% on completion

"This course has been life transforming for me. Before I started the course, I was constantly focussed on the tinnitus (March 2021 onset) and had taken time off work for associated anxiety. Now it rarely comes to mind and when it does, it has no emotional impact on me and I fairly quickly forget about it. It is occasionally mildly annoying when I am tired or stressed, but that's about it. Sleep, concentration back to normal and no real impact anymore on quality of life. Before I started the course, I read reviews like the one I am writing and thought that these type of outcomes may be possible for others, but not for me (I thought my tinnitus was very loud and intrusive, and I have several different sounds). However, the course works if you put in the effort (for me about an hour a day for a fairly solid three month period). Tinnitus is a mechanism as Debbie says. Quite a complex one, but a mechanism nonetheless and as a matter of basic biology / physiology, it can be massively improved to the point when it is no longer bothersome. It worked for me and will work for anyone as we are all biologically and physiologically the same, with the same systems and mechanisms. The course gave me the tools to reclaim my life and put tinnitus in its place. I have re-trained my brain and created new neural pathways so that it really doesn't bother me anymore. I still wish it would go completely. However, as my brain has stopped seeing it as a threat and got bored of it, the loudness perception has gone down significantly so that I can say that it no longer affects my quality of life to any significant degree.

Q: Would you recommend others with tinnitus distress to use this course?
A: "The course is very accessible, not too much to cope with at the point of distress and structured so as to enable you to start to feel some relief and sense of control fairly quickly. It then builds and goes really quite deep. The section on core beliefs was the breakthrough for me. Debbie's support is invaluable. She is so experienced and immensely re-assuring. I cannot recommend this course highly enough to anyone who is suffering from tinnitus distress. Give it a go, you will not regret it."
Lilian, UK
Review written 18 weeks after completing the 12 modules (in 13 weeks) - 31 weeks after enrolment
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) reduced from 66.8% > 22.8% on completion

"I heard about this course via The British Tinnitus Association, at the time I was suffering greatly with anxiety and depression due to tinnitus. I must admit this course gave me that lift up that I needed to get things back under control and to feel that I could move forward again. I would certainly recommend it to anyone with distressing tinnitus."

Q: Would you recommend others with tinnitus distress to use this course?
A: "Yes I would definitely recommend this course to anyone with Tinnitus, the education and relaxation advice is brilliant."
Grainne, Eire
Review written at Module 7 stage of 12 modules (7 weeks after enrolment)
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) reduced from 78.8% > 6.8% at Stage 6 of 12

"I have found the abdominal breathing very good. When I started the course I was having many spikes and since I started the breathing, the spikes stopped. I have always meditated but the breathing and relaxation exercises really help me. I find the course very practical. It describes the nervous system and tinnitus very well. With that knowledge it helps to keep the relaxation going."

Q: Would you recommend others with tinnitus distress to use this course?
A: "Yes most definitely I would recommend this course. When it started for me it was very distressing and I went down many avenues looking for answers. I spent a lot of money trying different things but this course in my opinion was a great find for me and I would highly reccomend it to anyone suffering from tinnitus."
Hayden, UK
Review written on completion of 12 module process (16 weeks after enrolment)
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) reduced from 64.8% > 20.8% on completion

"Like many others, when I initially signed up for the course, I had spent hours and hours surfing the internet for help. Tinnitus was a relatively new experience for me (Dec 20, just before Christmas). I was in a bad place, panic, anxious, nervous and just really not in a good place. I found the first few weeks, say the first 4 weeks of the course, really calmed me down and get into a better place, once I began to understand how everything was working and I could quickly put two and two together and figure things out. Although I could still hear my tinnitus, I was in a much better place and learning how to cope with it. Debbie, obviously my first initial meeting with her, she knew I was struggling, and I had struggled with health anxiety in the past too, and she knew where my head was straight away. I have still have tinnitus, and it probably won't go away, I have good days and "loud" days, and days where certain things trigger the loudness, for me, various things like red wine / alcohol, sugary sweets and some forms of fitness can spike my loudness and symptoms i.e. running high tempo and cycling etc. But it's now about acceptance and coping, I have tools in my locker now if i am having bad days! Thanks again Debbie, wonderful person and fantastic course :)"

Q: Would you recommend others with tinnitus distress to use this course?
A: "Yes, 100%, I don't want to say why, just sign up for the course and make your own judgement! - Put the work in and you won't be disappointed."

Vina, UK
Review written at Module 7 stage of 12 modules (7 weeks after enrolment)
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) reduced from 69.6% > 38.0% at Stage 6 of 12

"I have past experience of meditation, but was struggling to get back on track since the tinnitus had taken over my life, 18 months ago. My anxiety and stress levels were off the scale. The programme is well designed and provides very good insights into tinnitus. I really like the pace of the programme, along with the practical exercises. I had completely immersed myself into the programme and the benefits I started to see were amazing. I used the exercises as a way to take a break from work and I could see my anxiety levels dropped significantly. I found that I started to enjoy other activities a lot more. Definitely a big step change towards positivity. After 7 weeks on the course my TFI Category 4>3. My THI dropped from Cat 5 > Cat 2.

Doing the daily log was very useful, it kept me on track for doing the daily exercises. I have a better understanding of tinnitus and the technical information is available which I can go back and revisit at a later date. Sometimes things make more sense when reviewed again. I could set the pace of the course, where I felt I needed extra time to grasp sometimes. I didn't feel the pressure to move on to next module until I felt comfortable and ready. At times I enjoyed some sections so much that it was harder to move to the next one, but again started to enjoy the next module exercises. I found the course content not only helps with my Tinnitus but it had a positive affect on my overall well being."

Q: Would you recommend others with tinnitus distress to use this course?
A: "Yes, I would highly recommend this course to someone with severe tinnitus distress. My tinnitus started suddenly following an accident 18 months prior to starting the programme. I suffered extreme distress with constant raging ringing in one ear. I was also under tinnitus rehab clinic and wish I had taken the steps to do the course earlier. My clinic recommended this course as they could see how much distress the tinnitus was causing me on daily basis. After 3 months of dwelling I finally took the plunge to complete the questionnaires and it was an eye opener. I am now halfway through my course and it is life changing. Tinnitus is not the end, it no longer has any significance in my life."
Georgina, UK
Review on completion of the 12 Module process (16 weeks after enrolment)
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) reduced from 70.4% > 38.8% on completion

"This is the best resource I've found for helping to manage my tinnitus. As a servere case, I made a full commitment to embracing the 12 week programme and felt the benefits early on - particularly from the breathing exercise and guided relaxation. Finding time also to study the supplied information about the neuroscience behind tinnitus also helps."

Q: Would you recommend others with tinnitus distress to use this course?
A: "I do recommend this programme. Debbie Featherstone is a commendable and empathetic specialist (she also has tinnitus so really understands) and is a huge support."

Georgina's earlier review at Module 7 stage of 12 modules (7 weeks after enrolment)
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) reduced from 70.4% > 52.4% at Stage 6 of 12

"The breathing exercises have had a very positive impact - and quickly. I would never have imagined that breathing properly could beneficially alter both mental and physical performance within just a couple of days. My shoulders and neck resumed a normal position and stopped aching. And it made me realise how much I had been holding my breath. The guided relaxation is also good in that it gives you permission to take your foot of the pedal for 30 minutes a day. Not always easy but worth it. I am not completely new to using relaxation but have never done it in a prescribed way like this.

Explanations of neurological pathways and how these can be changed to help manage tinnitus have given substance to my understanding and acceptance of the programme. Submitting daily logs and knowing Debbie Featherstone is keeping a watchful eye, is very supportive too. It feels like teamwork and in all walks of life, this is always effective for me. Most importantly, she knows what she's doing - a committed and knowledgeable specialist building confidence."

Q: Would you recommend others with tinnitus distress to use this course?
A: "Yes. I would say that we are all told there is no cure for tinnitus - so try anything and everything and see what helps you. One off massages, anti-depressants, acupuncture, background music etc, etc.... hasn't worked for me. So, if you want an intelligent and effective way to manage your tinnitus holistically, look no further. This course gives explanations to make sense of it all and that is the key."
Nathalie, UK
(7 weeks after enrolment: TFI Category 5 > 3)
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) reduced from 83.6% > 49.6% at Stage 6 of 12

The breathing exercise in particular makes my day easier. I try and do this everyday at least four times. I also see some more benefit doing the physiological breathing too. The modules are set up clearly. Also find the practical exercises along with the information is the right balance

Q: Would you recommend others with tinnitus distress to use the course?
A: Yes, that it does bring your anxiety down and makes you feel a bit more relaxed during the day and in charge of it instead of it in charge of you
Andy, UK
(7 weeks after enrolment: TFI Category 3 > 2)
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) reduced from 53.6% > 30.0% at Stage 6 of 12

I've used relaxation methods before but the ones on the course are good because varied. The course content is interesting and illuminating. I like the balance of text and videos, and the research-led aspect of it. The course content is well-paced and about right in terms of content.

Q: Would you recommend others with tinnitus distress to use the course?
A: Yes, I would recommend it. It certainly helps to understand the physical and psychological processes that are taking place, and has made me acutely aware of the way I habitually interpret situations. I would make prospective participants aware that the exercises in particular require commitment and a significant amount of time.

Course Completed
(22 weeks after enrolment)
The course was both interesting and helpful. Through the extensive research that the course draws on, I learned how powerful the mind can be in making tinnitus better or worse. The course showed how the behavioural and mental habits that produce over-anxious, stressed responses to tinnitus can be broken, and new habits of thinking formed. The practical resources were also usefully varied: there were different relaxation and breathing exercises to try and I was able to find ones that suited me. My tinnitus has not gone away, and I am sometimes still frustrated by it, but I am coping with it far better than I was.
Q: Would you recommend the course to others?
A: I would recommend this course because it is very comprehensive and offers a range of approaches and resources which have helped me considerably. The course does require commitment and discipline, to reap the full benefits, but for me this was definitely worth it.

Laina, UK
Course Completed
(Review 24 weeks after enrolment: TFI Category 4 > 1)
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) reduced from 60.8% > 9.2% on completion

Doing this course has been one of the best things I have ever done! Before starting it, I wasn’t in a good place at all. I had always been quite an anxious person with poor self esteem. I had suffered from bouts of insomnia but day to day, I just kept burying those feelings and the negative thoughts I had too.

In May 2020, in the middle of the COVID lockdown, I developed tinnitus. All my anxieties, worries and doubts spiralled out of control. I didn’t know how I was going to cope. 6 weeks of talking therapy helped but didn’t go deep enough. Then I discovered this CBT course. Right from the first email I sent, Debbie was there with understanding and expertise. The first few months of relaxation was welcome but I wasn’t able to work at that stage and the insomnia and anxiety was pretty bad.

The relaxation strategies really helped though, to help me to calm down especially during or after panic attacks. Debbie was there with support and tips and probing questions which made me start to dig a bit deeper. Being able to log each relaxation exercise, respond to material in each module and to email Debbie if you needed support was amazing. Other online courses don’t have anywhere near the impact due to the lack of individual support. Things began to improve ever so slowly. It was when we started using the cognitive elements of the course that I really begin to see that this course could make a difference though.

Each module had enough material to get you thinking and to reflect about your long held and stubborn thoughts. I realised that my feelings could be adjusted, that I didn’t have to believe them or the negative narrative that I had been telling myself for nearly all my life. I gradually learned how to recognise, explore and then adjust my feelings and thoughts. The Meaning Adjuster tool is great for that and again, Debbie was just there, reading your adjustments and offering support where you needed it.

From that point onwards, I began to have pretty major breakthroughs. It was pretty tough going at times and I would have relapses that would terrify me. Gradually though, I began to believe that this course would work for me, like it works for everyone who is willing or able to commit to it and persevere. I had great support around me at home and Debbie’s invaluable support too.

By the time I did my end of course reassessments [week 17 after enrolment], my TFI score had gone from a category 4 to a 1! The tinnitus was insignificant. My THI score plummeted from category 4 to 1 and my BAI had reduced from close to severe down to mild anxiety. I was over the moon! The course takes commitment and involves lots of reflection and perseverance. I used all of the strategies consistently. I still use them now as I am still on the journey but in an indescribably different place to 9 months ago. Debbie is incredibly dedicated and supportive. Her ethos is to assist your own journey of self discovery but with expert support when it’s needed.

I am so glad that I did this course. After trying to ignore it all for so long, I found my negative core inner belief and I have continued to adjust and challenge it daily. I make sure I take time to look after myself so much more now and I remember what Debbie said, I can manage my thoughts and feelings. Why wouldn’t I be able to? I still have wobbles and some of the really stubborn thoughts are there but they’re getting smaller. I challenge each one of them and I take time to experience and take note of the positives in my life. My belief in myself has grown so much. That is why the tinnitus is insignificant now. I know that I can manage my feelings and if I do have a relapse, I know that by doing the course and continuing to use the strategies, I can get myself back on track. I did it when I was at my lowest and I can do it again and again and again when needed. I have been back in work for two months now and I am feeling so much better. The course was really great and I would most definitely recommended it. Don’t hesitate!

Q: Would you recommend the course to others?
A: Yes. This course has been a major turning points in myself enabling me to address long standing negative thoughts and feelings. It has allowed me to discover greater belief in my ability to cope and manage with difficult situations.

Tracey, UK
(7 weeks after enrolment: TFI Category 4 > 3)
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) reduced from 64.0% > 32.4% at Stage 6 of 12

"I have tried other relaxation before but didn’t really know what I was doing, I dived in with exercises that were too demanding and ended up getting more stressed. The relaxation exercises in the course were pitched just right for me. I’ve found them of benefit in my feeling I have some control over how I might be physically feeling and feel that they have positively impacted on my sleep. The relaxation logs are quick and easy to access and complete.

The educational element and being able to understand more about the condition has been really useful and really fascinating. Having the zoom 1-1 near the beginning was very helpful in that you feel you are supported right from the start. The ability to keep in touch or ask questions through email is fantastic and has set me back on the right track when i felt I needed help.

I find the pace appropriate and the module content to be about right for me. I liked having the information about tinnitus and how our brain works at the beginning. I liked how the emphasis on calming the system paved the way for the challenging of thoughts."

Q: Would you recommend others with severe tinnitus distress to use the course?
A: "Yes I would recommend others with severe tinnitus distress to use the course. I would say that I feel very lucky to have found the course, because that in-depth level of support, knowledge and understanding of tinnitus is sometimes so hard to find and to access, but here it is."

David, UK
(7 weeks after enrolment: TFI Category 4 > 2)
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) reduced from 65.6% > 38.0% at Stage 6 of 12

"I was already a user of relaxation techniques, but I found it beneficial to have a more structured routine. I believe the relaxation has and is helping though on some days when anxiety levels are high it can be difficult to find a achieve a state of relaxation.

I found the active advice on how to avoid the second arrow to be very interesting. I watched all of the short videos in this section and thought it was very helpful, particularly when they explained how to avoid greater emotional responses by being more accepting of my tinnitus. I have for the most part worked through the course at my own pace, and have not felt either as though I am falling behind or being rushed."

Q: Would you recommend others with severe tinnitus distress to use the course?
A: Yes I would, I am currently not in the same more peaceful place that I was in a few weeks ago [tinnitus onset very recent], but I did realise at that time that my emotional responses and my tinnitus could be separated, providing a degree of relief, and that is what I would suggest to others.

Keith, UK
(7 weeks after enrolment: TFI Category 4 > 2)
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) reduced from 64.4% > 24.8% at Stage 6 of 12

"Relaxation has been very helpful in "putting aside" my tinnitus even for a relatively short time. This has been my first experience of relaxation exercise and the more you do it , the more useful it becomes. Good for self discipline. The voice on Relaxation 3 [module 6] is not as clear as on 1 and 2 [modules 2 and 4]- maybe because I wear hearing aids.

Understanding Cognitive distortions has enabled me to put things in perspective. I use the notion of STOP regularly and I am signed up to the notion of belief and LIE. The factual content of the course has given me a much clearer understanding of what is going on with my tinnitus. Its comforting to know that what I experience is far from unique! There is much food for thought in the course e.g the distinction between the mind and the brain!

Pace is fine - it is quite a commitment every day so more content would be a problem. Some modules lead to greater, quicker progress than others but this is acceptable. Where an issue arose for me over an element of one module Debbie was swift to offer advice and guidance - very helpful and reassuring. It is good to revisit parts of the course from time to time - as the course progresses so things from previous modules fall more and more into place. Occasionally the "technical" information is daunting but I do not have to remember it all!!!!"

Q: Would you recommend others with severe tinnitus distress to use the course?
A: "Yes I would recommend it - I would say that they should try it - you have nothing to lose and a lot to gain if you stick with it. I am pleased with my progress to date and am handling my tinnitus much better than before I started. Of course some days are better than others but overall I feel much better about the future!"

Samantha, Germany
(7 weeks after enrolment: TFI Category 3 > 2)
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) reduced from 45.6% > 25.2% by Stage 6 of 12

"I already had some experience with Yoga and meditation. I had no idea the impact and clarity small exercises throughout the day could bring. It helped me start functioning normally. I found it so useful understanding how tinnitus works and knowing the my brain can learn to ignore it and put it in the background."

Q: Would you recommend others with severe tinnitus distress to use the course?
A: Yes, stop waiting and do something to keep living your life.

Michael, UK
(7 weeks after enrolment: TFI Category 4 > =)
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) reduced from 66.0% > 55.6% at Stage 6 of 12

"The relaxation exercises have been massively beneficial to me, especially in the early stages when my stress levels were at boiling point. I've learnt that they need to be done routinely and even when feeling ok because its the cumulative effect of doing them that helps with any future challenges you have. It has opened my eyes to what's possible in relation to wellbeing and in particular the meditations have been massively beneficial to me.

The information about what Tinnitus is really helped to calm me in the early days of the course and I found almost instant relief when I learnt Tinnitus isn't something to fear. All of the content has been well thought through I would say and I think its massively important to truly understand the content before moving on to the next stage.

The course content is just right I think. I have felt at times the content could have come quicker but in all honesty i am not sure some of the key messages would have landed and i probably just would have raced ahead. So as it stands i would say its just right but maybe labour the point that this is deliberate and intended to let messages digest and things take thier natural course."

Q: Would you recommend others with severe tinnitus distress to use the course?
A: Yes I would and have. It offers you the best opportunity to improve your Tinnitus and rather than searching for miracle cures and trying lots of different things it gives you a strategy that in time will help you.

(16 weeks after enrolment: TFI Category 4 > 3)
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) reduced from 66.0% > 43.2% on completion

"When I started the course I was really struggling with my Tinnitus and as I started working through the course I could feel myself getting better and better. I am in a much healthier place having completed the course and continue to use the content and exercises when things get on top of me."

Q: Do you recommend others to use the CBT for Tinnitus E-Programme?
A: Yes CBT with someone who has so much experience with Tinnitus is the best way to learn to adapt to Tinnitus

CBT for Tinnitus E-Programme © 2009-2024

CBT for Tinnitus E-Programme Ltd
Company Number: 15206830
Company Director: Debbie Featherstone


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