Gary G, UK
Review written at Stage 6
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) 81.6% > 43.6% (category 5: very big problem > category 3: moderate problem)
Q: Would you recommend others with severe tinnitus distress to use the course, and if so, what would you say to them?
A: "Absolutely and I already have. The course is based on science, not hope. The TFI and other measures show that it works for most people if they commit to it. The first step in dealing with severe tinnitus distress is to calm down, and this course helps with that, before doing the CBT work. I think this is a really important first step."
Q: What benefit have you experienced using the relaxation element of the course so far?
A: "I've found the breathing exercises very helpful. They calm me down when I'm distressed and introduce a routine that makes me feel like I'm taking control, whereas before I felt like the tinnitus was controlling me. I've also used them if I'm stressed at work which has been helpful."
Q: How has the neuroscience-based learning about the amygdala, autonomic ladder and brain plasticity helped you to relate to your experience of tinnitus, anxiety and stress?
A: "This has been incredibly important to me. I'm a very logical, rational person, so understanding the science behind it was so important for me to believe in it. I'm sure having this knowledge kept me committed to the course and ensured I had faith in it working."
Q: What have you learned from the costs & benefits transaction work (used from stage 3)? Estimate how much you have already adjusted from having a problem-oriented perspective towards a recovery-oriented perspective (e.g. 2/10 > 7/10 indicates an improvement of 5 so far)
A: "I think I'm starting to do it naturally, without thinking about it. How much have I adjusted? 1/10 to 7/10."
Q: You are likely to have had your first 1-1 by now. Did you benefit from your 1-1 and if so, how?
A: "Yes, very beneficial, to ask questions and consolidate on my learning."
Q: What is your own impression of your progress to date?
A: "It's so easy to be negative with this condition, so even though progress is made, it's easy to think "I still have tinnitus so I haven't made any progress" which is of course is not the point of the course.
The measures taken at the beginning and subsequently really do demonstrate the progress I've made. And when I reflect on my life before the course started, its night and day.
I rarely complain about my tinnitus to my wife whereas before it was multiple times on almost every day. I'm generally happy, and able to enjoy life more. In the last few days I feel like I've made even more progress and it feels like habituation is within reach."
Q: The weekly SITREP was introduced in August 2023. Have you found it useful to report in weekly and if so, why?
A: "Absolutely. Keeps me focused on the course and keeps me accountable. Also, because I copy myself in on the emails and save them to my CBT folder I'm able to look back on them to see my progress or to give me something positive to read when I'm going through a rough patch."
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add regarding any part of the course so far?
A: "Nothing more. It's a great course and has helped me immensely, thank you! Without it I would have been lost. It's my safe place."