Coping with Low Frequency Noise - New Project from the UK
This new Government sponsored investigation will use a computer based system, akin to distance learning, to help sufferers learn how to cope better. This project follows on from a recent successful trial by the same team:
- Donald Robertson - Psychotherapist
- Steve Benton - Psychologist
- Geoff Leventhall - Specialist in low frequency noise- team leader
Low frequency noise problems are often difficult, indeed frequently impossible, to solve. Whilst every effort must be put towards achieving a technical solution, and this must always have top priority, there remains a core of low frequency noise sufferers, sometimes called Hum sufferers, whose noise problem cannot be solved and whose quality of life is consequently significantly reduced.
What can be done to help these sufferers? In the absence of a technical solution to reduce the noise, they can be trained in cognitive techniques that can ensure the unwanted impact from the noise is reduced.
This new project, funded by Defra (in consultation with the Department of Health), builds on an earlier project for Defra, a paper on which has been published recently. Click here for a PDF of the paper “Coping Strategies for Low Frequency Noise”. The same team which carried out the earlier project has been commissioned for this new initiative.
A report on low frequency noise, prepared for Defra in 2003, which Geoff was responsible for, can be read here.
The new project
The new project is CD or Internet based, so that it is not necessary for participants to attend face to face sessions with the psychotherapist. This is in line with current developments in the UK, where computer based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has been approved for use in the Health Service.(see NICE paper TA097 on CBT. The work will be carried out by you, in your own home, using material and step by step guidelines designed and supplied by us, specifically to support your quality of coping.
If you have a low frequency noise problem and are interested in participating as a subject in this new project sign up for more information. It is fully funded and you will not pay any fees.
Whilst the primary interest is within the UK, we are able to extend participation to a few persons who live outside the UK. The language of the work is English.
The Online Course
Every participant will receive a printed handbook and some audio CD's. In addition, a special online course is being developed for participants in this project to use.
For those not using computers
If you do not use a computer don't worry, you will be able to complete the course from the CDs and handbook, all other relevant material will be sent to you by post.For those using computers
Initially, the contents will be similar to the paper based element. But over time, the course will develop.- Each participant will be issued with a username and password so they can access this course.
- It is web based and so is an ordinary web site, the difference is that you will need to log in to access the site.
- The site is secure so that only participants can access it - this means nobody else can see the material or anything you contribue to a discussion.
- Download the course handbook and view it or print it out
- Download the audio files that you will have received in the post on CDs, you could then tranfer them to an MP3 player of listen directly on your computer.
- Access forums, also called discussion boards, where you to get support, ask questions of the tutors, exchange views with the participants.
- Download various documents that you will able to use online.
