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What changes are reflected in the TFI Subscales as individuals progress through the CBT4T process?


  • The study uses 24 sets of Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) Outcomes
  • Each person joining CBT4T completes a Tinnitus Functional Index initially, repeated and compared at Stages 4, 6, 7 and/or 8
  • Data for this study is provided by individuals using the CBT4T programme during 2026 who have completed at least up to Stage 4
  • Of the 24 sets of Outcomes, 13 are current and actively participating in the CBT4T programme at the time of publication (October 2026); 11 have completed
    • 6 individuals completed a final TFI Stage 8
    • 2 completed a final TFI at Stage 7
    • 2 completed a final TFI at the end of Stage 6  
    • 1 completed no further TFI after Stage 4 - although unusual, the individual concerned had reduced her TFI from initial: 90.8% > Stage 4: 24.4%
  • Individual qualitative feedback and evaluations (and individual TFI results) can be viewed in Reviews

Note: Flexibility is built in to CBT4T so that every person uses the process at a pace that suits their own needs and responsibilities. This means that some individuals progress more quickly / more slowly through the Stages than others. View CBT4T Enrolment

Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) percentage scores and categories:
  • Category 5: 73-100% (very big problem)
  • Category 4: 54-72% (big problem)
  • Category 3: 32-53% (moderate problem)
  • Category 2: 18-31% (small problem)
  • Category 1: 0-17% (not a problem)

NOTE: CBT4T was developed specifically for those with an initial category 4 (54-72%) or 5 (73-100%) Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI). It has proven to be suitable for those with an initial category 3 (moderate problem), but those presenting with an initial category 2 (small problem) TFI are encouraged to consider the CBT4T-6 Module course rather than the main CBT4T programme.

Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) outcomes are presented below in two parts:


  1. Average Percentage Improvement (API) for Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) results at Stage 4, Stage 6 and Stage 7 or 8
  2. Average Percentage Improvement (API) for the TFI Subscales at Stage 4, Stage 6, and Stage 7 or 8


1. Average Percentage Improvement – Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI)


  • Average Percentage Improvement (API) achieved by 24 CBT4T participants at Stage 4 & subsequent Stages 6, 7 or 8
  • Average Percentage Improvement (API) is based on the initial TFI score when commencing the programme. For example, initial TFI average score 64.7% (initial scores range from 28.4% > 90.8%) is improved at Stage 4 by 38.6% (average TFI reduced to 39.7% from 64.7%), at Stage 6 by 58.0% (average TFI reduced 27.2% from 64.7%), by Stage 7 or 8 by 75.4% (average TFI reduced to 15.9% from 64.7%)
  • All CBT4T participants are encouraged to use the process up to Stage 6. Those satisfied with the difference they are experiencing by the end of Stage 6 sometimes decide not to formally continue to Stage 7 (4 modules) and the final Stage 8. Others continue to Stage 7 but not formally continue to Stage 8. The % Improvement in the Stage 7/8 column is the improvement at whichever was the final recorded TFI – either at Stage 7 or Stage 8.

Average Percentage Improvement (API) for Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) results at Stage 4, Stage 6 and Stage 7 or 8:

CBT4T Average Percentage Improvement (API) for Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) results at Stage 4, Stage 6 and Stage 7 or 8


2. Average Percentage Improvement (API) for the TFI Subscales


  • Average Percentage Improvement (API) achieved by 24 CBT4T participants at Stage 4 & subsequent Stages 6, 7 or 8
  • Average Percentage Improvement is based on the initial subscale score when commencing the programme. For example, Intrusiveness is improved at Stage 4 by 26.2% (average score reduced to 15.4 from 20.8), at Stage 6 by 38.4% (average score reduced to 12.8 from 20.8), by Stage 7 or 8 by 66.4% (average score reduced 7.3 from 20.8)
  • All CBT4T participants are encouraged to use the process up to Stage 6. Those satisfied with the difference they are experiencing by the end of Stage 6 sometimes decide not to formally continue to Stage 7 (4 modules) and the final Stage 8. Others continue to Stage 7 but not formally continue to Stage 8. The % Improvement in the Stage 7/8 column is the improvement at whichever was the final recorded Outcome – either at Stage 7 or Stage 8.

Average Percentage Improvement (API) for the TFI Subscales at Stage 4, Stage 6 and Stage 7 or 8
CBT4T Average Percentage Improvement (API) for the TFI Subscales at Stage 4, Stage 6 and Stage 7 or 8
The study explores the detail of each TFI Subscale - links below
Debbie Featherstone MSc Hearing Therapy | Psychotherapy & CBT Specialist
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