Proven techniques to reduce the impact of tinnitus and improve quality of life
Tinnitus affects 1 in 7 people worldwide and can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Thankfully, techniques like ‘Tinnitus Habituation’ can dramatically reduce the impact of tinnitus and allow people to get on with their lives again. See our Tinnitus page for more information.
In this post, I would like to share news of our new partnership with the Oto Tinnitus Program. We will examine what ‘Tinnitus Habituation’ is, how the Oto Program works, and discuss why this offers real hope for anyone experiencing the negative effects of tinnitus. For background reading on tinnitus, see the previous blog post – Tinnitus – What do We Know?

Why is Tinnitus a problem?
For many people with tinnitus, there are some similar features.
1. They notice a sound in their head in the absence of any external sound
2. This triggers a variety of emotions (fear, sadness, anger) and feelings (worry, hopeless, despair, stress).
3. Their brain naturally thinks the tinnitus is a threat.
4. Their brain keeps checking for the threat

What is Tinnitus Habituation?
So, we can see that it is natural for tinnitus to become persistent and without help and support, many people struggle to break the above cycle.
Tinnitus Habituation is all about interrupting this cycle using proving techniques and allowing the brain to slowly but surely change how it responds to the tinnitus sound.
Many studies have shown the success of CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) in achieving ‘tinnitus habituation’. Until now, personalised CBT required either face-to-face sessions or online meetings. Now, using the Oto Program, which is delivered through an app, personalised support is available for everyone, with the cost much less than for conventional CBT sessions.
The Oto Program
The Oto Program is a personalised CBT Program developed in the UK by medical professionals and tinnitus experts. It is available through an app and provides personalised CBT alongside a range of resources, including sound files, sleep stories and more. For more information, see the Oto Website.
After completing a set of questions, the user is provided with a step by step program which provides education about tinnitus, alongside delivering an evidenve based program to acheive ‘Tinnitus Habituation’.
The aims of the program are to disrupt the cycle of tinnitus perception, emotion, and feeling and to gradually allow the fowlling to happen.
1. Tinnitus sounds quieter
2 Tinnitus is noticed less
3 Tinnitus is less bothersome
Requirements for success when using the Oto Program
For many people with tinnitus, the future can sometimes seem bleak. They have had their tinnitus for some time, it causes them stress and worry and affects their sleep, which has a knock on effect on their daily life.
Committing to any form of treatment may seem too much, especially if a daily commitment is required. People are busy: They work, many have families, and face all life’s challenges.
But, and this is a big but, progress will only be made if a real commitment is made to daily steps using the program. The creators of the CBT Program have carefully developed a step-by-step program, where just 10- 15 minutes a day is required to make steady progress. The CBT course is broken down into clear steps, and the app is intuitive.
Many people see significant changes within 90 days of using the program, with many reporting reduced tinnitus, reduced levels of stress, better sleep, and more enjoyment of life.
Benefits of Audiology and Oto Partnership
For anyone experiencing tinnitus, a thorough audiological assessment is recommended. Earwax may be causing tinnitus, which can often be removed to reduce or eliminate it. See our previous blog, lost on Earwax and Tinnitus.
Hearing loss and tinnitus often go hand in hand, and assessing hearing is crucial as a first step in tinnitus treatment. See the different types of hearing tests, we provide. Hearing Tests.
If hearing loss is found, fitting hearing aids will often help reduce the impact of tinnitus. This, alongside a personalised CBT program like the Oto program, will usually accelerate progress with tinnitus habituation.
In rare cases, tinnitus is linked with a more serious medical issue. We will carefully assess your hearing and refer you onwards if we feel this is necessary.
Our Clinical Director, Paul, has personal experience with tinnitus. He would describe his tinnitus as ‘habituated’, meaning he can still notice it sometimes, but it is not a problem and has much less impact than previously. Paul also has extensive experience in CBT, mindfulness, and stress-based reduction strategies and his warm, empathetic approach has proved welcome with clients.
The Hearing Space and Oto Partnership
We are happy to share the news of our partnership with Oto and the personalised CBT program it delivers.
What we are offering.
Tinnitus Habituation Program
1. Full audiological evaluation
2. 12-month subscription to the Oto Personalised CBT Program
3. Face-to-face or telephone follow-ups (2 weeks and 4 months)
If we feel hearing aids are appropriate for you, we will advise. You can choose the NHS, or we would happily provide advice and options.
The cost of this Tinnitus Habituation Program is £350, which includes the 12-month subscription to the Oto program.
(The cost for the 12-month subscription to Oto, if purchased yourself, would be £432).
In partnership with Oto, we want to make tinnitus services accessible to as many people as possible. With your commitment, we are confident we can help you to regain control over your tinnitus.
To book your initial Tinnitus Assessment (90 minutes/£160), book online.
Once we have met and assessed your needs, you can upgrade to the ‘Tinnitus Habituation Program’ (additional £190 which includes the 12-month subscription to the Oto program and two follow-up appointments).