The main measure used is the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI). Before a TEP User starts the process at Stage 1, they complete a TFI along with a THI (Tinnitus Handicap Inventory) and a GAD-7 for anxiety. These are repeated at the end of Stage 6 (of 12 stages) and again at the end of the process having completed the 12 stages.

It is the TFI subscales that offer the most insight to how much progress has been made by Stage 6 - in the main this is progress through having built in a consistent routine of using a very short but extremely effective breathing exercise throughout their day, and used additional recorded relaxation exercises if not every day, then 4-5 times each week. Building a new breath work and relaxation routine in to their day is the largest behavioural component of the process, followed by activities the TEP User begins to identify in Stage 5 in the Goal Setting section.

On average, by the end of Stage 6, the TFI has reduced by AT LEAST one category - often by two categories. By Stage 6, the main TFI subscales that reduce the most are Interference with Relaxation, Emotional Distress and Sleep Disturbance. The remaining 5 subscales are reduced, but it is the cognitive elements of "CBT" that go on to reduce elevated levels of Intrusiveness, Sense of Control, and Concentration. The main cognitive tools used are the Cognitive Distortions Practical (introduced in Stage 4) and the Meaning Adjuster - a reframing tool introduced in Stages 5 and 6 and used regularly and consistently through the remaining stages, until the tool has done its job and the User is reframing naturally without needing to use the tool.

By the time the User reaches Stage 12, they will have used the Core Belief tools in Stages 11 and 12, comprising identification of their negative core belief should there still be one that has not been uncovered and dealt with through reframing, and started work on a new core belief. It is once the User has completed Stage 12 they repeat the clinical measures. 

An audit of TFI Outcomes (Stage 12) completed in May 2022 is as follows:

*Average change by TFI value: 

  • Category 5 pre-course: 84.9% > 29.9% (Category 2 post-course)

  • Category 4 pre-course: 64.8% > 20.8% (Category 2 post-course)

  • Category 3 pre-course: 45.6% > 19.0% (Category 2 post-course)

*Figures published 22 May 2022