Hope For Tinnitus provides a variety of Tinnitus specific programs and professional services. In addition there are ongoing projects and events being offered throughout the year.
Tinnitus Programs:
In 2004, the Tinnitus Self Management Program (TSMP) an 8 week, 16 hour seminar series was created which was designed to teach teach self control techniques on how to manage the emotional impact of Tinnitus. Successful coping with Tinnitus is enhanced with the implementation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques as it relates specifically to Tinnitus. Improved mastery and a sense of control over the reactions to Tinnitus is enhanced with the implementation of the following methods:By developing skills in these areas, despair can turn into hope and anguish into acceptance.
- Cognitive Restructuring
- Attention Control
- Imagery Training
- Relaxation Training
It became clear that the program needed to reach more people in other parts of Canada and the US and also needed to be more practical than an 8 week commitment.
From this goal, the 2 day interactive Tinnitus Management Workshop (TMW) was created which includes all aspects of the original program and so much more. The program was extremely comprehensive, including the anatomy of the ear and hearing, discussions of devices and sound therapies, information about supplements and medication, and of course the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as they pertain specifically to tinnitus, hyperacusis, and other chronic symptoms. The program offered hope through education and teaching management skills that will allow those with tinnitus to transcend the sound and improve the quality of their life.
Tinnitus Management Workshop:
The 2-day interactive Tinnitus Management Workshop (TMW) was created outlining the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and its’ applications to Tinnitus management.
In the workshop, participants learned strategies and techniques to alter their response to the tinnitus and thus reduce the distress experienced.
When CBT is applied to Tinnitus, many individuals experience a significant improvement in the quality of their life, suggesting that CBT has a positive effect on the way in which people cope with Tinnitus. CBT has a positive effect on the way in which people cope with Tinnitus. There is evidence based medical research to support the benefits of CBT outlined in the articles from the Cochrane Review of Literature. It was validating to know that I was ahead of the times applying CBT to tinnitus management as it is the approach I used long before it was supported in the research as the gold standard for tinnitus management.
The TMW, which was put on in the spring and fall for 10 + years, offered those with tinnitus, feelings of hope and empowerment. People received tools that assisted them in managing the impact tinnitus is having on your life. Please read Inspiring Messages of Hope for past participants feedback.
The last TMW was offered in the fall of 2018, and as we all recall, the following two years with Covid, meant that all in-person and group meetings were not allowed. It was during this time that I thought the entire workshop could become digital so that it could be accessed online from anywhere in the world. To begin, the workshop and over 20+ years experience in tinnitus management has created the Tinnitus Management Workbook, called E.A.R.S. Excelling at Reclaiming Silence© You can find the workbook for purchase online (Amazon), printed locally and offered as an e-book. Check the e-store on this site to read more details. Additionally, there will be a companion journal for the workbook, and other program offerings as they are created.
Cochrane Database System Review of 2007 CBT for Tinnitus
Cochrane Database System Review 2010 CBT for Tinnitus
In 2014, the Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2014, Vol. 151(2S) S1–S40 © American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation did a study on the Clinical Practice Guidelines for Tinnitus. The purpose of this guideline was to provide evidence-based recommendations for clinicians and non-clinicians who are managing patients with tinnitus.
Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, 2014
Tinnitus Assessment Package: "TAP"
There are times when it is appropriate to have a comprehensive assessment prior to deciding what program or intervention is best suited for your particular needs. Your responses to a variety of questionnaires within the Tinnitus Assessment Package will assist me in recommending an individualized tinnitus management plan based on the uniqueness of how tinnitus is impacting your life. Please click on the attachments below to read more about the TAP contents, then click on the link for the Tinnitus Assessment Package. Once you have completed all the items and printed them, please request an appointment.
TAP Introduction
EARS Confidentiality & Consent Form
Tinnitus Assessment Package
For those individual’s who may live outside of my area, you may still receive the Tinnitus Assessment Package and consultation with feedback and recommendations based on your answers to the assessment documents. From there, you may decide that you wish to pursue further work on how to manage tinnitus via virtual counselling. Please write me in advance regarding the fees for these services.
Individual Programs & Phone Consultation & Email Consultations
Individuals can make appointments to work one on one on the specific concerns regarding their tinnitus. It is not uncommon for the individual to be experiencing other issues, co-existing factors that may impact their ability to cope and these discussions go beyond the group programs offered.
One of the goals in the development of this website was to make services for tinnitus management available to those with limited resources, work related travel, or living in a geographical area where tinnitus counselling and programs are unavailable. For these individuals, video consultations are effective. If you live outside of Alberta, Canada, you will not be entering a 'therapeutic relationship' with me as my license does not allow me to do so outside of Alberta. You can or your current provider could consult with me, and obtain education, resources and recommendations for evidence-based therapies to source out where you live.
Future Tinnitus Management Modules
The Tinnitus Management Modules are planned as an online program especially helpful for those who do not have access to other types of services. The program includes a series of Tinnitus Management Modules which are designed to provide information, concrete tools, strategies and exercises for you to practice online. The program incorporates the principles of CBT and its’ applications to tinnitus management. It can be a useful addition to do while you go through the E.A.R.S. Excelling at Reclaiming Silence© workbook.
The following material is included in the program. Should you purchase both the workbook + modules, there will be a 10% discount applied to your payment.
Please click here for when this program will be launched.
Professional Presentations and In-Service Training
Professional groups including Audiologists, Medical, Specialists, Work Safe and Workers Compensation, Airline personnel, Department of National Defense, Veterans Affairs, Assisted Living facilities, associations and any groups are invited to host a presentation or in service training on Tinnitus Management that can assist them in offering assistance to their tinnitus patients. This supports and encourages a multi-disciplinary approach to treatment, which acknowledges the role that other members providing support/care/treatment currently offer to the client.
Past Events:
November 2nd, 2010 - Deborah Lain will be speaking at a ‘Lunch and Learn’ to the Knights of the Round Table on Tinnitus and the Role of Psychologist in Tinnitus ManagementNovember 5th, 2010 - Deborah Lain will be speaking to the Alberta Association of Audiologists (AA of A) in Edmonton
Abstract: As Audiologists and hearing aid dispensers, you are exposed to the challenges that the patient with tinnitus describes. You recognize the distress and despair that many patients may feel and also acknowledge the limitations that an audiological device can offer in terms of successful coping and management of the condition. Deborah Lain is a psychologist and “Tinnitus Health Specialist” offering the missing link in a multi-disciplinary approach to patient management. Participants for this session will learn about the role a psychologist plays in treatment and how CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) can enhance quality of life for tinnitus patients. She is also knowledgeable in audiological programs, specifically LACE and the Widex Zen Mind that have significant applications to tinnitus care. She will talk about how to improve patient success through the integration of what you provide as an audiologist and dispenser and the inclusion of a specialized counselling approach that empowers patients to go beyond “living with it”.
Special Tinnitus Events
May is Hearing Awareness Month and in their support of Tinnitus awareness Deborah Lain, MSc, Registered Psychologist and Suzanne MacLaren, MA, Registered Audiologist, will post blogs and offer tinnitus Q & A on the chat forum. Send an email for further details.
Date and time to be announced
Tinnitus Support Group Guest Speaker
The American Tinnitus Association (ATA) supports talks given by professionals to the various Tinnitus Support Groups across the United States. If you would like to host a talk on CBT or the role of a psychologist in the management of tinnitus. Tinnitus Support Groups in Canada are invited to host a speaker presentation as well. To avoid the expense of travel, an adapted version could be provided online through Zoom. Please send an inquiry for further information.
Tinnitus Presentations (Past and Upcoming)
Tinnitus Management: A Multi-Disciplinary Approach
The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Society (DHHS) will be hosting a seminar on Tinnitus Management: A Multi-Disciplinary Approach. This talk will be reporting on the recent visit to the renowned Cleveland Head and Neck Institute and their Tinnitus Specialty Clinic. Facilitated by Deborah Lain, Registered Psychologist & Tinnitus Health Specialist and Suzanne MacLaren, Registered Audiologist & Tinnitus Education and Resource Specialist and Dr Justin Chau, Otologist, the team will be sharing their experience. Please join us in hearing about one of the most successful tinnitus clinics in the US and the exciting ways that we are integrating their approach here in Calgary.