Introduction: Tinnitus is defined as the perception of sound(s) in the absence of external stimulation. For a significant proportion, it is associated with psychological distress. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can effectively reduce tinnitus-related distress and improve quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) adapted to Indian English for tinnitus management in the Indian population.

Method: The study used a pre-post intervention design and included 24 adults with chronic subjective tinnitus. They completed an 8-week ICBT program adapted from Beukes et al. (2016). Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) were used to assess tinnitus severity, anxiety, and depression pre-and post-intervention.

Results: TFI scores were significantly reduced post-intervention. HAM-A and HAM-D scores were also significantly reduced. The post-intervention scores had a large overall effect on tinnitus severity as well as anxiety and depression, with 13 reporting a significant change in the tinnitus severity.

Conclusion: The ICBT Indian English adapted version effectively reduced tinnitus severity, anxiety, and depression in a sample of Indian persons with tinnitus. More studies with adequate sample size, control groups, and longer follow-ups are needed to evaluate its long-term efficacy and generalizability.