Julia, UK
Review written post-Stage 12 (of 12) 17 weeks after enrolment
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) reduced from 64.4% > 9.6% > 5.6% (category 4: 54-72% 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."