English Abstract: A new standardized short term therapy program for sleep disorders in tinnitus patients

Abstract

Sleep disorders are a frequent complaint among patients with tinnitus and can severely affect quality of life. Despite the high prevalence, there are no specific evidence-based therapy programs for this combination of disorders. In a collaborative project of the Tinnitus and Sleep Disorders Centers at the University of Regensburg involving psychiatrists, psychotherapists, audiologists and otolaryngologists, a specific short-term treatment program (14 days) has been developed, which uses mainly elements of cognitive behaviour therapy. First clinical data are promising suggesting beneficial effects both on tinnitus and on insomnia. Further controlled studies with larger sample sizes are needed for evaluating efficacy of this treatment.