Tinnitus and insomnia

[NicBTA]

Some people with tinnitus may find they have greater difficulty getting off to sleep, or going back to sleep if they wake during the night. A new research project, supported by the BTA, is currently looking for volunteers to take part. The research is looking into ways of managing tinnitus related insomnia, and will use psychological approaches to managing insomnia.

The project:

May be suitable for you if you:

Have tinnitus for more than 6 months

Have insomnia for more than 3 months

Your insomnia is a result of your tinnitus

You have already been assessed by a doctor and/or an audiologist

You are happy to try a psychological approach

Will NOT be suitable for you if you:

Are still undergoing medical investigations for your tinnitus

Have insomnia for reasons other than tinnitus

You have other types of sleep disorder eg sleep apnoea, restless legs etc

You are suffering from certain psychiatric disorders

The approach to insomnia in this study does not involve the use of medicines. If you are already taking medicine to help you sleep you might still be suitable for the study if you are able to leave your medicines unchanged for the duration of the study.

To take part in the study, you will need to attend regular appointments over a six month period at the Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital in London.

If you are interested and would like to find out more, please email the research team at [e-mail]

The research has been approved by UCL, the NHS ethics committee and the UCLH R&D department. It is sponsored by the British Tinnitus Association.