Integrating the Sensation-Emotion-Cognition (SEC) Model into Tinnitus Care: A Preliminary Exploratory Study of a Comprehensive Tinnitus Management Protocol.

BACKGROUND

Tinnitus, the perception of sound in the absence of an external source, is a prevalent condition that can substantially affect physical and mental health. Although tinnitus is not typically curable, it is often manageable with structured, multidisciplinary care. This pilot research describes the Sensation-Emotion-Cognition (SEC) model, a practical audiological framework developed by Danesh et al. that targets three core dimensions of the tinnitus experience.

METHODS

We integrate findings from an exploratory retrospective cohort and a prospective expansion study. The SEC protocol included sound therapy, counseling and relaxation training, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) delivered through either unguided, module-based internet CBT, clinician-guided module-based internet CBT, or six therapist-led CBT sessions. The objective was to evaluate whether this multifactorial approach is associated with reductions in tinnitus-related distress.

RESULTS

In this prospective study, preliminary results from 16 participants who completed the study were associated with significant pre-post changes in tinnitus-related outcomes: 4C management confidence increased from M = 30.38 to 60.19 (p < 0.001; Cohen's dz = 1.04), and SAD-T emotional distress decreased from M = 4.75 to 2.38 (p = 0.001; Cohen's dz = 0.99).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest the potential value of an integrated management strategy; however, given the single-group pre-post design and attrition, the results should be interpreted as exploratory and warrant confirmation in larger controlled trials.