How Can MindEar Help Me?

What is Tinnibot?

Tinnibot is an interactive virtual coach available in the MindEar app that helps tinnitus sufferers overcome the burden of their tinnitus by empowering them with knowledge. Tinnibot uses a chat format to address the emotional, psychological and cognitive impacts of the condition using principles of CBT, mindfulness and sound therapy. Through Tinnibot, users can develop healthy and effective coping techniques to reduce the impact of their tinnitus and regain quality of life. The Tinnibot app is accessible on a mobile device, it is available to use anytime and anywhere!

What is CBT?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a type of short-term therapy that aims to change unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviour. It is proven to be effective in the management of tinnitus distress. CBT is based on the principle that our thoughts, feelings and behaviours are deeply intertwined. CBT teaches the ability identify negative thought patterns, challenge them, and replace them with more helpful thoughts. This in turn helps us to manage our feelings and behaviours. At heart, CBT is an excellent problem-solving tool that helps improve mental wellbeing and quality of life.

How Can CBT Help Me With My Tinnitus?

There is currently no cure for tinnitus, and many tinnitus sufferers are often told they must just live with it. However, this is simply not true.  The most effective management strategies available are those that help you manage your response to tinnitus.

We know that negative and unhelpful thought patterns drive tinnitus distress. For example, thoughts like “I can’t bear my tinnitus” only drives us to feel more alert and on edge about our tinnitus. By replacing these thoughts with more helpful alternatives, we can start to feel better. In turn, our tinnitus starts to bother us less.

It is important to note that the aim of CBT is not to cure tinnitus. It is to manage our reaction to it. This means that although tinnitus may still be there in the background, we can learn to become used to the sound, and no longer react with strong negative thoughts and feelings.

Where Does Tinnibot Come In?

The research clearly shows that CBT works for managing tinnitus. However, access to psychological support through a trained counsellor or psychologist can be costly and difficult to access. Tinnibot fills this gap by providing tinnitus-specific CBT support to users anywhere, anytime, without having to be on a waitlist. Tinnibot also features some great tools and resources including education about tinnitus and sound therapy.

How Do I Use Tinnibot?

At MindEar, we know that experience of tinnitus is different for anyone.  The way that you choose to use Tinnibot is personal to you. You may find it helpful to check in with Tinnibot several times a day, or just once every day or so. The MindEar app is also capable of sending you reminders to check in. Try downloading it today.