Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Guided ICBT for Adults With Tinnitus in Canada: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This Canadian study is looking into whether a type of online talking therapy, called Internet-delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (ICBT), can help adults with tinnitus. Tinnitus can cause ringing or buzzing sounds in the ears, which can be distressing and lead to other problems like anxiety, depression, and trouble sleeping. The researchers want to see if this online therapy can lower the distress caused by tinnitus and improve these related issues. They're comparing a personalised version of ICBT with a standard version to find out if both are effective, and if the personalised one offers any extra advantages. Participants will get support from a trained guide over eight weeks.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Western University, Canada

Enrolment target

Start

15 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

31 Aug 2026

Tinnitus

What is this study about?

Imagine hearing ringing or buzzing sounds in your ears that no one else can hear. This is called tinnitus, and it's a common problem that can be really difficult to live with. It can make you feel stressed, anxious, down, or even stop you from getting a good night's sleep. While there are some ways to help, finding effective and easy-to-access treatments can be challenging.

This study in Canada is looking at a type of therapy called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which helps people change how they think and behave to manage their symptoms. But instead of face-to-face sessions, this study uses an online version — Internet-delivered CBT, or ICBT. The researchers want to know if this online therapy can help adults with tinnitus feel less distressed and improve other problems often linked to tinnitus, like anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

The study will compare two versions of this online therapy: a standard version and a personalised version. The main goal is to see if these online programs are effective and whether the personalised approach is as good as, or even better than, the standard one. The hope is that successful online therapy could make help for tinnitus much easier to get for many more people.

Key takeaways

Focuses on online therapy (ICBT) for tinnitus.
Aims to reduce tinnitus distress, anxiety, depression, and sleep issues.
Compares personalised ICBT to a standard version over 8 weeks.
Includes weekly guided support from a trained guide.
Designed for adults with tinnitus living in Canada.
Online assessments at the start, end, and 3 months later.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult between 18 and 79 years old and live in Canada. You should have been diagnosed with tinnitus for at least six months. It's important that you can read and write in English, as the therapy is delivered that way, and you'll need to be able to use a computer, the internet, and a phone.

You also need to be experiencing enough difficulty from your tinnitus to need help, which will be checked by a special questionnaire. You can't join if you have serious memory or thinking problems that would stop you from taking part in the therapy, or if you're already having regular talking therapy for other issues.

If you have a severe mental health condition that would be better treated in person, or if your tinnitus is caused by a medical problem that hasn't been fully checked out yet, or if you hear a pulsing sound or only hear it in one ear and haven't had it medically looked at, then this study might not be right for you. You also shouldn't be receiving any other tinnitus treatment at the same time as the study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you an adult aged 18-79?
Have you been diagnosed with tinnitus for over 6 months?
Can you read and write in English?
Do you have access to a computer, internet, and phone?
Are you a resident of Canada?
Do you feel your tinnitus affects your daily life significantly?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll be placed into one of two groups by chance, like flipping a coin. Both groups will receive an online therapy program called ICBT. This program lasts for 8 weeks and includes 21 guided lessons or 'modules' that you'll work through.

Throughout these 8 weeks, you'll get support from a specially trained guide. This guide will check in with you for about 10-15 minutes each week, either by video call or phone call, to help you with the program.

You'll also be asked to complete online questionnaires at three different times: once at the very beginning (before therapy starts), again right after the 8-week therapy finishes, and then a final time three months later. You'll get email and phone reminders for these assessments.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer some benefits, such as learning new ways to manage your tinnitus and associated feelings of anxiety, low mood, or sleep problems through online therapy, with support from a guide. It's hoped that this personalised online approach could be as effective as standard options and easier to access. As with any new treatment, there's always a chance it might not be as effective for everyone. Potential risks are generally low for this type of therapy, but it's possible you might find some of the material challenging or that opening up about your feelings might be uncomfortable for a short time. You are completely free to leave the study at any point, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Western University
Verified postcode
London, Canada

Common questions

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is when you hear sounds like ringing, buzzing, or hissing in your ears that aren't actually coming from outside you.

What is ICBT?

ICBT stands for Internet-delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. It's a type of talking therapy that you do online, designed to help you change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours.

Will I have a therapist?

You'll have support from a trained guide who will check in with you weekly by video or phone, but not a full-time therapist in the usual sense.

How long does the study last?

The online therapy program itself lasts for 8 weeks, and then there's a follow-up assessment 3 months after that.

Do I have to live in Canada?

Yes, this study is specifically for adults living in Canada.

How to find out more

Swati Mehta, PhD

swati.mehta@sjhc.london.on.ca 5196858500 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.