Tinnitus

Chronic tinnitus and chronic pain share much in

common and are often common conditions

Similarities between pain and tinnitus

Unpleasant sensory and emotional experiences.
Often caused by trauma.
Invisible (can’t be seen/heard) – diagnosis primarily relies on subjective assessments and self-reports.
Considered hyperactive chronic disorders.
Difficult to diagnose often with no cause or cure.
Linked to anxiety and depression.
Affected by stress.
Known to disturb sleep.
Unique – changing in quality and/or character over time.
Difficult to treat with just biomedical therapy. Treatment is typically aimed at reducing impact and improving quality of life rather than specifically addressing the actual condition. Acceptance therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation therapy, and use of distraction/attention diversion are common and effective treatment options.

Learn more
American Tinnitus Association
Chronic Pain Won't Stop Me (my free e-book) - the same concepts are also useful for tinnitus
Current Approaches to Helping the Tinnitus Patient - Dr. Richard Tyler, UIHC (53:51)
International Conference on the Management of the Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Patient (for clinicians and patients)
The Consumer Handbook on Tinnitus - Dr. Richard Tyler
Tinnitus book for children (my free e-book)

Listen to sample tinnitus sounds
The American Tinnitus Association has compiled a playlist of the most common tinnitus sounds, to provide an example of what tinnitus patients hear on an everyday basis. If you have tinnitus, you can use this playlist to find the sound that best matches your own condition. You can also share this resource with your primary care provider, audiologist, family, and friends, so they get a sense of the noise in your head.

Get help
UCSF Tinnitus Patient Management Program (California)
University of Iowa Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Clinic (Iowa)