Tinnitus can be a terrible affliction, both for the individual, and also for friends and family,
and many people with tinnitus are currently left to fend for themselves.
Despite this, prospects for recovery have never been better, based on recent advances in
psychology, auditory neuroscience and medicine. Tinnitus (colloquially known as ringing in
the ears) is common, affecting some five percent of people. Hyperacusis, or
hypersensitivity of hearing, is commonly associated with troublesome tinnitus. However,
these basic definitions give no idea of the individual, even idiosyncratic nature of both
disorders, which can be profoundly affected by someone's personality and psychological
state. While this may complicate medical treatment, it does mean that self-help
techniques can often be effective in minimizing the distress caused by these disorders,
which can range from lack of sleep and irritability, to loss of concentration and confidence.
The latest edition of Living with Tinnitus and Hyperacusis looks at strategies for living with
tinnitus and hyperacusis, and includes a complete program for recovery. It features
the latest research from the fields of psychology, neuroscience and medicine to offer a full
overview of the causes, impact, and most effective treatments available. It has practical
advice on relaxation and sound therapy as well as insights into relieving the stress of
tinnitus and hyperacusis. It also contains advice on misophonia and related disorders. About the Authors Laurence McKenna has worked as a clinical psychologist at the Royal National Throat
Nose & Ear Hospital for the past 27 years. He is head of the team of psychologists working
in the Adult Audiological Medicine Department treating patients with tinnitus and other
audiovestibular disorders. David Baguley is Director of Audiology at C ambridge
University Hospitals, UK. David's clinical and research interests focus on tinnitus, with the
aim of understanding this symptom and designing novel and innovative interventions. Don McFerran is a consultant ear, nose and throat surgeon. He has worked as an ENT
surgeon since 1983 and has a specific interest in tinnitus. |
