Tinnitus Activities Treatment

Tinnitus activities treatment (TAT) is a holistic approach to tinnitus management that includes listening to the patient, understanding the patient’s needs, and providing comprehensive counseling to address their concerns. We use three principles including picture-based counseling on tinnitus and related problems, coping strategies and homework to practice activities learned in the session, and sound therapy using partial masking. TAT was developed in the 1980s by Dr. Richard Tyler at the University of Iowa and since has been implemented worldwide by many audiologists and clinicians. The content for TAT includes four areas that are largely impacted by tinnitus: thoughts and emotions, hearing and communication, sleep, and concentration. The picture-based materials provide helpful illustrations of difficult concepts on tinnitus and the hearing mechanism, though the presentation can be modified to include relevant information for the patient. Before providing therapy using TAT, we suggest administering the Tinnitus Primary Functions Questionnaire that evaluates tinnitus in these four areas. The outcomes from the questionnaire can be used to determine the sessions that are relevant for the patient and to document treatment effectiveness as therapy progresses. TAT uses a collaborative approach that nurtures patient expectations and provides a sense of hope.