Tinnitus research: GRACE intervention

A New 15-Day Programme Exploring Psychological Support for Tinnitus

Living with tinnitus can affect far more than hearing alone. For many people, it is the stress, attention, and emotional impact that feel hardest to manage. Researchers at University College London (UCL) are currently exploring whether a short, structured online programme could help people reduce tinnitus-related distress.

About the research

This independent research project, led by University College London (UCL), is testing a brief online intervention called GRACE. The programme has been developed and is guided by Dr Florian Vogt, a Clinical Psychologist at University College London Hospitals (UCLH) who specialises in tinnitus and sound sensitivity.

Tinnitus UK is not running this study, but we are sharing it because it explores approaches that are already used in specialist tinnitus psychology support and may be of interest to people looking for additional ways to cope.

What is the GRACE programme?

GRACE is a 15-day video-based programme, designed to be simple, practical, and easy to fit into everyday life. All content is delivered through short videos, so participants can take part from home, on a phone or laptop, at a time that suits them.

The programme does not aim to “cure” tinnitus. Instead, it focuses on helping people explore new ways of responding to tinnitus that may reduce distress and increase confidence over time.

The approach includes:

• Grounding and settling the body
  Gentle techniques to support attention and calm the nervous system.
• Recognising unhelpful patterns
  Learning to notice when tinnitus pulls attention into monitoring, worrying, or fighting the sound.
• Understanding the mind’s response
  Exploring why these reactions happen, without judgement or self-blame.
• Reflecting on what helps and what doesn’t
  Considering the impact of different coping strategies and where energy is best spent.
• Re-engaging with valued activities
  Building confidence to stay involved in everyday life alongside tinnitus.

The programme draws on evidence-informed ideas from contemporary tinnitus psychology, including mindfulness-based practices, attention training, and acceptance-based approaches.

What does taking part involve?

Participation is entirely online and includes:

• A 10–15 minute questionnaire at the start
• 15 days of short daily videos and guided exercises (around 15 minutes per day)
• A 10–15 minute questionnaire at the end of the programme

The study looks at changes in tinnitus-related distress and related experiences, such as annoyance and attitudes toward tinnitus.

This research has received ethical approval from UCL
(Project ID: 21415/001).

Who can take part?

The study is open to adults aged 18 and over who experience distress related to tinnitus.

Will participants be paid?

As a thank-you for taking part, those who complete the study will be entered into a prize draw to win one of three £100 prizes.

Questions about the study?

If you would like more information before deciding whether to take part, you can contact the research team directly:

Madilyn Zhu
[email protected]

You can find the study by clicking below