An online form of therapy commonly used to treat anxiety and depression may also help people cope with tinnitus, a study suggests.
Although the condition - which has no cure - is best known for causing a constant ringing or buzzing in the ears, it can also take a serious toll on mental health.
Around 7.6 million people in Britain are thought to have tinnitus, including 1.5 million with severe symptoms.
More than half say the condition leaves them feeling anxious or overwhelmed, while 66 per cent report that it worsens their stress levels, according to a survey by the Royal National Institute for Deaf People.
Now, research published by the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy, or ICBT, could help ease some of that psychological burden.
The study, involving 49 people with an average age of 54, found the therapy had a modest but positive effect on anxiety, depression, insomnia and overall life satisfaction for up to six years after treatment.
It did not improve hearing itself, but the researchers said the findings 'indicate potential for informing health care services and reducing health care costs caused by tinnitus'.
Using an online version of the Tackling Tinnitus programme - which is usually delivered face to face - participants completed quizzes and worksheets over an eight-week period.
Participants also watched videos, studied diagrams and discussed their progress with an audiologist, who reviewed their work, provided feedback and sent weekly messages online.
After six years, 39 per cent said they felt significantly less distressed by their tinnitus as a result of the therapy.
More than half also reported improvements in their mental health, even if these were modest.
The authors said: 'When looking at post-treatment results, durability of treatment effects were present for tinnitus distress and measures of anxiety, depression, insomnia, and satisfaction with life, but not for auditory-related effects of hearing disability and hyperacusis.'
However, the researchers acknowledged limitations. While the initial study included 138 participants, 89 dropped out - raising the possibility of bias in the results.
Even so, they said the findings are encouraging and warrant further trials to assess the long-term benefits.
They also suggested the approach could offer a more convenient way to support people with distressing tinnitus.
The team added: 'In the current context of long waiting lists and economic challenges, many people with troublesome tinnitus are not offered the required support. Digital interventions can add various health care, clinical and economic benefits.
'One advantage with the digital format is that the resources are always to hand. Interventions such as this can add great value to patients, clinicians, and health care systems.
'Another benefit is that materials can be revisited at any stage when users find their symptoms are difficult to manage. This can prevent users from needing to again enter the health care system.
'Triaging patients who are able to manage digital interventions can free up spaces for patients who cannot navigate technology or need to be seen in person.
'If the distress surrounding tinnitus is lessened, this enables those with tinnitus to remain in work and be less reliant on additional support, which has significant economic benefits.'