CBT-based Internet Intervention for Adults With Tinnitus in the United States

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byVinaya Manchaiah, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Lamar University

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Nearly 50 million people in the U.S. experience tinnitus, of which about 20 million people have burdensome chronic tinnitus. Tinnitus can be very debilitating as many aspects of daily life can be affected, such as sleep, mood, and concentration. Currently, there is no cure for tinnitus. Pharmacological or sound-therapy based interventions are sometimes provided, but may be of limited value to certain individuals. Research suggests that Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) based approaches have the most evidence of effectiveness in the management of tinnitus. However, CBT is rarely offered in the U.S. (less than 1%), partly attributed to a lack of trained professionals who can deliver CBT. To improve access to CBT for tinnitus, and online CBT program has been developed. The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility and efficacy of a CBT Internet-based intervention for adults with tinnitus in the United States.

Research Team

Vinaya Manchaiah, PhD

Principal Investigator

Lamar University

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

aged 18 years and older living in the State of Texas, USA;

the ability to read and type in English or Spanish;

no barriers to using a computer (e.g. no significant fine motor control or visual problems);

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Treatment Details

Interventions

Internet-based Cognitive Behavior Therapy (Behavioral Intervention)

Participant Groups

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Weekly check-in control groupExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

The weekly check-in control group will be monitored weekly by means of the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory-Screening version (THI-S) and the Tinnitus Qualities Questionnaire (TQQ). Once the experimental group completes the ICBT intervention, the control group undertake the same ICBT intervention.

Group II: Experimental groupExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

The intervention offered is a guided Internet-based CBT intervention. The intervention is similar to a self-help program, providing an opportunity to learn about new ways of coping with tinnitus during everyday life. It is a 8-week long e-learning intervention, with new modules introduced weekly and assignments are given to practice the techniques learned.