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Meaning In Tinnitus

The psychological approach to tinnitus proposes that it is the meaning attached to perceptions which gives rise to distress - this is similar to the approach psychologists take to intrusions in OCD. This worksheet encourages individuals with tinnitus to reflect upon their thoughts / interpretations when they become aware of their tinnitus.

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Languages this resource is available in

  • Chinese (Simplified)
  • Czech
  • English (GB)
  • English (US)
  • French (Canadian)
  • Greek
  • Spanish (International)

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Introduction & Theoretical Background

Many people hear sounds that others cannot, or are capable of attending to self-generated (or physiological) noise. However, only a minority of the population experience disturbing tinnitus. One reason for this is thought to be the threat-based cognitions that tinnitus sufferers have around their experiences. Meaning in tinnitus is a worksheet for examining the effect of cognition upon affect, specifically looking at cognitions which make tinnitus so distressing.

References And Further Reading

  • McKenna, L., Baguley, D., & McFerran, D. (2011). Living with tinnitus and hyperacusis. SPCK