what is tinnitus
abnormal perception of sound reported by a patient that is unrelated to an external source of stimulation.
how many people experience tinnitus from time to time. is this normal
90%, yes
tinnitus can be associated with which parts of the ear
middle, inner, or central auditory apparatus
what are some common tinnitus descriptors
ringing, buzzing, pulsing, rushing, clicking, pounding, roaring, whistling, hissing, steam whistle
what can make the tinnitus sound more intense
acoustic trauma, hearing loss, PTSD, medical conditions, use of certain medications
what can cause the tinnitus to become a vicious cycle
focusing on and monitoring the tinnitus,
attributing a negative emotion to the tinnitus
explain the tinnitus cycle
- you notice it
- negative emotional response
- brain thinks its a threat
- brain continues to look for threat
does the loudness/frequency correlate with the perceived disability
no
what can tinnitus affect
concentration, sleep patterns, employment, personal relationships, social functioning
when doing comprehensive audiometry during a tinnitus assessment, when could a medical referral be made
single sided tinnitus, conductive or mixed HL, if tinnitus varies with body position, accompanied by other symptoms like vertigo, pulsatile tinnitus
what are some possible contributors to perception of tinnitus
external ear, middle ear, inner ear, and central nervous system diseases
what are the three different ways to assess tinnitus
comprehensive audiometry, subjective pitch and loudness matching, questionnaires
what is hyperacusis
physical condition of discomfort or pain caused by sound
is subjective pitch and loudness matching used a lot
no
what types of sound therapy would be used for tinnitus management
- hearing aids
- ear level tinnitus maskers
- sound machines
- apps
- interesting sounds (music, TV)
- environmental noise
what is the most frequently used assessment for tinnitus
Questionnaires
Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI)
Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS)
what were different counseling techniques used for tinnitus management
(informational and personal adjustment therapy)
- informational counseling designed to demystify the tinnitus
- equip patients with tops to avoid aggravating the tinnitus, as well as relaxation techniques
- patients begin to alter the emotional response to the tinnitus which helps them live with their tinnitus (pay less attention to it)
- refer to mental health professional if needed
can tinnitus be managed medically/surgically
no, unless there is an underlying medical condition
what is misophonia
dislike of sound marked aversion to certain sounds
how to treat hyperacusis or misophonia?
similar counseling techniques that are used for tinnitus
desensitization exercises, reduced use of ear plugs
proper documentation of patients history helps with that
helps guide testing and assists with determining diagnosis
during case history, what should the questions be like
broad topics, specific questions, follow up questions
where does questionnaires serve their benefit
as a case history tool and outcome measurement tools
explain informational (diagnostic) counseling
- include important info about hearing loss and hearing disability and recommended steps for management.
2.discuss type degree and configuration, which frequencies are most affected, expected functional outcomes - explain audiogram
- maintain sensitivity to patient, were they expecting these results.
- discuss recommendations, but DO NOT make the decisions for the client
