Updates on the ENT-Medical Audiology Approach to Tinnitus

Tinnitus distress affects millions of people in the US. Although tinnitus is not a curable condition, it is a very manageable ailment. There are multiple management protocols for tinnitus with a wide range of success. The current evidence-based practice supports the use of bimodal electrical stimulation, sound therapy, desensitization and habituation therapy as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as some common methods. Tinnitus in many cases can be a very disturbing condition. It may influence patients’ daily activities, relationships, sleep and well-being. This presentation will explore a variety of tinnitus management methods with an emphasis on a proposed audiological tinnitus management model. This model addresses tinnitus management at the three levels of Sensation, Emotion and Cognition. The sensation level deals with the use of sound therapy and how to help the patients to take the edge off of the piercing sound that they perceive in their ears or head. The emotion part of the management plan incorporates techniques in reducing the emotional reaction to tinnitus and control of ANS response. The third level, cognition, discusses the techniques in dealing with negative thoughts. This presentation will also include our current research and some case studies. After attending this presentation, participants will be able to… 1. explore management strategies for tinnitus 2. explain the role of sensation, emotion and cognition in tinnitus management 3. describe the audiological management of tinnitus