Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the absence of external sound energy. It is one of the most common somatic symptoms to affect humanity. The point prevalence of tinnitus is at least 10% of the population; this appears consistent across cultures. One of its strongest correlations is with age and an aging population is likely to see tinnitus as a growing concern. The number of people who are distressed by tinnitus is, however, smaller. Just under half of the people with tinnitus report that it has at least some effect on their lives and one-tenth describe tinnitus as having a major negative effect on their lives. Those who do suffer from tinnitus complain of anxiety, depression, insomnia, auditory perceptual dysfunction, and concentration problems. For many, the experience is life-altering, and thoughts of suicide are common. Understanding why some people suffer and others do not is one of the major challenges in tinnitus research and clinical practice. The relationship between distress and the psychophysical characteristics of tinnitus is weak.

The role of psychological factors in determining distress in tinnitus patients has long been recognized although the mechanisms by which these factors operate to produce or alleviate tinnitus distress remains a matter of debate. While a range of therapeutic possibilities is available, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and acceptance-based therapy are the main approaches for which there is the strongest empirical evidence. The benefits of psychological therapy, however, have been realized in advance of careful psychological models. Despite the benefits of psychological therapies, these are difficult to access for most people with distressing tinnitus. Changes in the organization and delivery of clinical services towards the greater inclusion of psychology are needed; a better understanding of psychological predictors/mechanisms (moderators/mediators) and measures is required together with a consideration of how therapy might be delivered in different ways. The study and treatment of tinnitus are approached by many disciplines, including audiology, psychiatry, ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgery, neurology, pharmacology, neuroradiology, and basic sciences. An agreement even about the definition of tinnitus among these groups is still being sought. More fundamentally perhaps a consensus about the psychological nature of tinnitus is awaited.

This Research Topic will focus on psychological research to better explain how and why tinnitus-related distress, including crisis, occurs and what approaches and interventions relieve it. The aim is to inform the development of more effective and accessible information, advice, and services for people struggling with this phantom symptom.

Therefore, we welcome submissions that address the following fields/topics:
•          Research into the psychological processes that produce tinnitus-related distress, including research that uses single case experimental designs;
•          Research into the processes that lead individuals with tinnitus into psychological crises, including suicidal ideation and behavior;
•          Research into the mechanisms, efficacy, and effectiveness of different treatment delivery methods, like therapy via digital or video-platform (in a [post] COVID-19 world);
•          Long-term impact of psychological therapy for tinnitus distress;
•          Empirical studies of acceptance, compassion, and gratitude-based therapies as approaches to relieve tinnitus distress;
•          Investigations of psychological mechanisms and treatment of tinnitus-related insomnia.

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Frontiers in Psychology

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