Paul, UK
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) 53.6% moderate problem (category 3: 32-53%) > Stage 6 (of 8) 24.4% small problem (category 2: 18-31%)
Paul's review at the end of Stage 6 - 11 weeks post-CBT4T enrolment
Q: Do you recommend others to use the CBT4T programme?
A: "Yes - get on it. It’ll make for a happier out come!"
Q: What benefit have you experienced using the relaxation element of the course so far?
A: "I have used a little relaxation previously which has helped. However in the past you tend to do it when asked or occasionally. With the backing of confident encouragement and frequency it starts to become a part of you . My wife has noticed the difference. I don’t think I’ve changed but my actions are now performed with feeling!"
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: "Great! I’m a practical person and when needed I visualise what is going on in my brain."
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 do find that first thing in the morning I’m planning my progress for the day, and in the evening I’m proud of my achievements, and not too disappointed if I don’t advance. If I don’t it’s a matter of try try again with a smarter approach. I have improved by 5, I’d say."
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: "Confidence, and knowing how some of my hidden worries, are quite logical. Knowing how loud Debbie has it and not let it get her down, so I can do it as well."
[Comment from Debbie Featherstone for clarification: Although tinnitus is there all the time, I notice it perhaps 4 or 5 times a day and each time, maybe my attention has it for 10-30 seconds (probably less). Yes, when I notice my tinnitus it can be very loud indeed, in fact, if I listen for it, I can still hear my tinnitus through very loud noise, for example, the TV at a high, only just tolerable volume, or listening to music at a high volume, even when my tinnitus is what I would judge to be "quiet". My tinnitus - like most people's tinnitus, varies in loudness - sometimes it is louder than other times. Tinnitus loudness (intensity) varies throughout a day and from day to day (see Debbie's article: Listening to and monitoring tinnitus - a personal experiment") Also, what one person describes as "quiet" tinnitus, another may describe as "loud" tinnitus. Tinnitus loudness perception can only be a personal experience.]
Q: What is your own impression of your progress to date?
A: "Slow but sure."
Q: The weekly SITREP was introduced in August 2023. Have you found it useful to report in weekly and if so, why?
A: " It’s very useful, it makes write it down, so it’s remembered. And I realise each week my improvements, also it helps me to go back over things I’ve missed."
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add regarding any part of the course so far?
A: "I’ve learnt so much about myself and people, I’m not so different after all."