From my colleague and trainer, Richand Nongard, Psy.D.
An interest in complementary approaches has led to the exploration of hypnosis as a method to manage tinnitus symptoms. This review consolidates findings from several studies investigating hypnosis techniques applied in tinnitus treatment,
emphasizing their methodologies and reported outcomes.
Research into the application of hypnosis for tinnitus has shown variable outcomes based on the methodology and patient characteristics. Among the hypnosis modalities studied, self-hypnosis emerges as a notable technique, with significant evidence favoring its efficacy. Attias et al. conducted robust assessments comparing self-hypnosis with other
interventions, such as auditory stimulation and attentiveness, finding self-hypnosis notably effective in reducing tinnitus severity during and after sessions.
Client-centered and Ericksonian hypnosis approaches have also been explored. Mason and Rogerson examined client-centered hypnotherapy, identifying potential benefits for a large subset of patients, albeit noting decreased effectiveness for those with considerable hearing loss. Ericksonian hypnosis, studied by Yazıcı et al. and Maudoux et al.,shows
promise in alleviating the impact of tinnitus, incorporating elements of relaxation and mental imagery to modify patients’ auditory perceptions over several sessions.
Overall, the collected research underscores a diverse application of hypnotic methods for tinnitus, presenting hypnosis as a potentially beneficial therapeutic option that warrants further comprehensive investigation to establish its role alongside established treatment paradigms.
A bibliography of 20 articles related to hypnosis in the treatment of tinnitus
1. Attias, J., Shemesh, Z., Shoham, C., Shahar, A., & Sohmer, H. (1990). Efficacy of selfhypnosis for tinnitus relief. Scandinavian Audiology.
2. Marks, N., & Onisiphorou, C. (1985). A controlled trial of hypnotherapy in tinnitus. Clinical Otolaryngology and Allied Sciences.
3. Attias, J., Brill, S., & Faraggi, D. (1993). Comparison between self-hypnosis, masking and attentiveness for alleviation of chronic tinnitus. Audiology: Official Organ of the International Society of Audiology.
4. Mason, J., & Rogerson, D. (1995). Client-centered hypnotherapy for tinnitus: Who is likely to benefit? The American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis.
5. Yazıcı, Z., Canoz, O., Kayhan, F., & Kirazli, T. (2012). Effectiveness of Ericksonian hypnosis in tinnitus therapy: Preliminary results. B-ENT.
6. Maudoux, A., Lefebvre, T., & Lefebvre, P. (2007). Ericksonian hypnosis in tinnitus therapy. B-ENT.
7. Moghtaderi, S., & Bahrami, H. (2012). The effectiveness of hypnotherapy in the treatment of subjective tinnitus. Bimonthly Audiology – Tehran University of Medical Sciences.
8. Kaye, J., & Loscalzo, G. (1994). Hypnosis as an aid for tinnitus patients. ENT Journal.
9. Brattberg, G. (1983). An alternative method of treating tinnitus: Relaxationhypnotherapy primarily through the home use of a recorded audio cassette. The International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis.
10. Gajan, F., & Marie, J. (2011). Role of hypnotherapy in the treatment of debilitating tinnitus. Revue de Laryngologie – Otologie – Rhinologie.
11. Cope, T. E. (2008). Clinical hypnosis for the alleviation of tinnitus. The International Tinnitus Journal.
12. Marlowe, F. (1973). Effective treatment of tinnitus through hypnotherapy. The American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis.
13. Tran, N., & Spiegel, D. (2024). Hypnosis facilitates psychosomatic improvement in a patient with treatment-resistant idiopathic tinnitus. The American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis.
14. Barabasz, A., & Barabasz, M. (2008). Hypnotic Amplification–Attenuation Technique for Tinnitus Management. Journal Not Provided.
15. Gildston, P. (2007). The “noise” of tinnitus and the vagaries of perception. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America.
16. Hammond, D. (2000). Review of International Literature. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis.
17. Folmer, R., & Shi, Y. (2014). Experimental, controversial, and futuristic treatments for chronic tinnitus. Journal of the American Academy of Audiology.
18. Ross, U., & Laszig, R. (2006). Ericksonian hypnosis in tinnitus therapy: Effects of a 28-day inpatient multimodal treatment concept measured by Tinnitus Questionnaire and Health Survey SF-36. European Archives of Oto-Rhino
Laryngology.
19. White, T., & Gale, E. N. (1986). Psychophysiological therapy for tinnitus. Ear and Hearing.
20. Anderson, G., & Lyttkens, L. (1999). A meta-analytic review of psychological treatments for tinnitus. British Journal of Audiology.
These references encompass a variety of research designs and highlights different hypnosis methodologies potentially effective in tinnitus management.