Internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Spanish Tinnitus Sufferers

Objective: The purpose of the current study is to determine the feasibility of guided Spanish version of the Internet-based CBT (ICBT) using audiological support on tinnitus distress and tinnitus-related comorbidities. Hypothesis: It is hypothesized that Spanish version of the ICBT will reduce the tinnitus-related distress, decrease sleep disturbance, decrease anxiety and depression, and improve health-related quality of life in Spanish speaking tinnitus suffers. The investigators also hypothesize that these results will be stable in both short- and long-term post-intervention. Design: A single group assignment, with a one-year follow-up design will be used to evaluate the feasibility of Spanish version of the ICBT on tinnitus distress. Setting: This will be an Internet-based study for Spanish speaking tinnitus suffers living across the globe. Participants: Eligible participants will include adults with tinnitus for a minimum period of 3 months with internet access and no major medical or psychiatric conditions. 50 Spanish speaking participants will be recruited. Intervention: The intervention offered is a guided CTB-based internet intervention (ICBT), providing an opportunity to learn about new ways of coping with tinnitus during everyday life. It is 8-week long e-learning intervention, with new modules introduced weekly and assignments are given to practice techniques learned. Outcome measures: The main outcome measure is the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI). Secondary outcome measures are the Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS), Tinnitus Cognition Questionnaire (TCQ), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and EuroQol EQ-5D-5L VAS.