When the ringing in the ears gets unbearable: Illness representations, self-instructions and adjustment to tinnitus

Assessed the extent to which psychological factors are related to the degree of reported tinnitus-related complaints among chronic tinnitus sufferers. 118 adult patients with chronic tinnitus (mean age 55 years) completed questionnaires assessing their illness representations (Illness Perceptions Related Questionnaire; IPQ-R), positive and negative self-instructions (Tinnitus-Related Self-Statement; TRSS), and tinnitus-related complaints (Tinnitus Questionnaire; TQ). Results showed a significant relationship between TQ and IPQ-R especially with regard to identity, consequences, emotional representations, and coherence. Negative self-instructions were also significantly associated with TQ. In conclusion, results supported assumptions that psychological factors affect the degree of tinnitus-related complaints in patients. Catastrophizing and negative illness perceptions are areas meriting particular attention in psychological treatment for tinnitus. Additionally, the way caregivers counsel their patients about tinnitus and treatment methods may also affect patients' perceptions about their conditions and the efficacy of coping strategies used to adjust to chronic tinnitus.