TINNITUS-FORUM CONTRIBUTIONS SWITZERLAND
Art – the best medicine for tinnitus
by Rolf Stirnemann, Rüti ZH (Canton of Zurich), Switzerland
Rolf Stirnemann from Rüti ZH has been suffering from tinnitus for 23 years. Suffering? Thanks to experimental art, the 74-year-old has made peace with the annoying ringing in his ears.
Just a few years ago, I couldn’t have imagined that I would forget space and time here in our house on the top floor thanks to art – and at the same time forget this annoying noise in my ears. Tinnitus is described as ringing in the ears, but all sufferers experience it differently. My tinnitus sounds like a summer night in Greece: the cicadas chirp incessantly.
Tinnitus and hyperacusis – a case study
by Dr. phil. Katharina Ledermann, Senior Assistant and Lecturer, Chair of Clinical and Health Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
Tinnitus affects around 15 percent of the population and is defined as the perception of noises such as hissing, whistling, buzzing or other sounds in the ear or head without the presence of an external noise source. Hyperacusis is a hypersensitive reaction to environmental noises that can be perceived as unpleasantly loud or even painful. At first glance, these two phenomena appear to be opposites, but they often occur together.
Why self-help groups – an analysis of experience
by Rainer H. Porschien, President of the Swiss Tinnitus League (STL)
Let’s start with a short quote from Wikipedia:
“Self-help groups are self-organized associations of people who have the same problem or concern and want to do something about it together. Typical problems include dealing with chronic or rare illnesses, life crises or stressful social situations.
The main purpose of self-help groups is the exchange of information and experience between those affected and their relatives, practical life support and mutual emotional support and motivation.”
No suicide due to tinnitus
An article about tinnitus with severe depression and suicidal tendencies appeared in the Tinnitus Forum 2-2023. The correct and successful therapy is illustrated in a case report.
Mentalization-based psychotherapy
An article on mentalization-based psychotherapy for tinnitus and hyperacusis appeared in the Tinnitus Forum 1-2023.
Report from the Zurich self-help group
In the Tinnitus Forum 4-2022, our board member Helmut Wülker introduces the Zurich Tinnitus Self-Help Group. There is also a report on the new medical director of the Grisons Psychiatric Services.
Inpatient therapy for tinnitus and hyperacusis in Graubünden
In the Tinnitus Forum 3-2022, Dr. phil. Franco Arnold, specialist psychologist for psychotherapy, on the inpatient therapy for tinnitus and hyperacusis offered by the Grisons Psychiatric Services since 2006 for people with general insurance at the Salvorta ward of the Beverin Clinic in Cazis GR and for people with private insurance at the Mentalva Clinic in Cazis GR.
Report from the Basel self-help group
In the Tinnitus Forum 2-2022, Mr. Rainer H. Porschien introduces the Tinnitus Self-Help Group Basel.
