PP1306 - How Audiologists Are Using Adaptive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Tinnitus Management

Abstract:
This study aims to analyze the frequency and confidence with which audiologists recommend or instruct patients in adaptive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques for tinnitus management, as well as to assess their perceived effectiveness. An anonymous survey consisting of 48 questions probing selected adaptive CBT techniques -- Attention Shifting, Neurophysiological Education, and Progressive Muscle Relaxations -- as well as audiological counseling. Preliminary results revealed audiological counseling remains the most widely used and valued approach. Spearman correlation and descriptive statistics will be used to further assess relationships between frequency, confidence levels, and practice duration in recommending specific CBT techniques.

Summary:
Since Audiologists regularly interact with patients reporting bothersome tinnitus it's important to understand the current audiologists practice in treating their patient's needs. Among the many treatments cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the only recommended treatment approach in the few recently published clinical practice guidelines in Europe and the United States. Although CBT traditionally falls within the scope of mental health professionals, some audiologists have adapted CBT techniques to treat tinnitus, with anecdotal evidence suggesting positive patient outcomes. However, research on the practice and efficacy of audiologist-administered CBT remains scarce.

This study aims to understand how frequently and confidently audiologists recommend or instruct patients in adaptive CBT techniques for tinnitus and to assess their perceived effectiveness. Identifying effective and commonly used adaptive CBT methods that are frequently adopted by Audiologists could provide valuable insights toward developing proper protocols for tinnitus management, and guide future research and clinical practice, as tinnitus pathology and treatment options remain complex and uncertain.

Specifically, this research project studies a) the effect of audiologists’ practice duration and clinical setting on their likelihood to recommend or instruct certain adaptive CTB techniques; b) the correlation between the frequency and confidence level of the recommending specific adaptive CBT techniques, c) the average duration audiologists spend instructing patients in various adaptive CBT techniques; d) how beneficial audiologists’ perception of benefits of these adaptive CBT techniques for their patients, d) the effect of practicing duration and current clinical setting on how likely audiologists recommend or instruct these adaptive CTB components.

An anonymous questionnaire is distributed to audiologists via email or professional social media. The survey consisted of 48 questions probing selected adaptive CBT technique –Attention Shifting, Neurophysiological Education, Audiological Counseling, and Progressive Muscle Relaxation—as well as audiological counseling. Questions inquire the frequency and confidence level in administrating these adaptive CBT techniques. They also cover demographic information of audiologists, such as years of practice in audiology, highest academic degree obtained, and type of practice facility. 

To analyze the data, Spearman correlation will be used to assess relationships between frequency, confidence levels, and practice duration in recommending specific CBT techniques. Descriptive statistics will be used to quantify time spent on various techniques, audiologists' perceived benefits, and other factors.

Additionally, the data suggest that the years of audiological experience influences the frequency and confidence with which audiologists apply adaptive CBT techniques for tinnitus. Specifically, the use of general relaxation techniques appears to increase with years of practice. Descriptive statistics will be presented on the time spent on audiological counseling and adaptive CBT.

This study reveals the diversity in audiologists’ use of adaptive CBT techniques for tinnitus management, with significant variations in preferred methods and perceived effectiveness based on practice setting and experience level. Audiological counseling remains the most widely used and valued approach across all respondents. Private practitioners show a greater tendency to integrate neurophysiological education and attention-shifting, alongside alternative relaxation techniques. Findings suggest that experience influences audiologists' confidence and frequency in applying adaptive CBT techniques.