4) Tinnitus Management Flashcards
What are 3 components of optimizing HA fittings for tinnitus management?
1) Hearing Aid Suggestion
2) Recommended Hearing Aid Features and Settings
3) Recommendations for Hearing Aid Fitting and Follow-ups
____ is the key to tinnitus management.
Directed instruction
What is directed instruction?
- Often understanding what tinnitus is, is all needed to reassure clients of its usually benign nature.
- If you can provide good information for bothersome tinnitus at the beginning, it is going to help a lot
- Provides some relief
Regarding the source of tinnitus, clients could be told what 2 things?
1) Tinnitus often results from altered neural activity in auditory pathways.
̶2) Tinnitus is the sound that is magnified/over-represented/amplified by the auditory cortex.
Tinnitus distress is NOT associated with (3):
̶- The extent of ear damage
̶- The results of auditory tests
- Tinnitus loudness.
Tinnitus distress IS associated with (2):
̶- Maladaptive brain plasticity
̶- Individual differences in reacting to tinnitus
What 2 things can HAs do for tinnitus?
1) Improve communication
2) Amplify background sound (external low-level sounds) and divert attention away from tinnitus.
̶- Therefore, reduce stress
In addition to HAs, we advise individuals:
To enrich the listening environment with music or other sounds
Overall, suggested approach to adapt to tinnitus:
Sound therapy (ST) using HAs + enriching listening environment + counseling
In contrast to hearing loss without tinnitus, ____ is desirable and recommended
low-level noise
What 2 reasons are HAs Recommended?
1) Reduce hearing handicap/enhance speech audibility
2) Amplify ambient sounds to mask tinnitus
What are the 2 preferred HA options?
HAs offering:
̶- Programming flexibility
̶- Sound streaming options to access ST apps
A Rough Guide for HA Suggestion for Tinnitus (picture)
̶The area in which the audiogram falls suggests the device type:
- Blue: ST
̶- White: HAs
̶- Red: HAs and assistive devices
̶- Grey: Cochlear implants (CIs)
What are the 10 recommendations for HA features and settings for tinnitus?
1) Open Fitting Is preferred When Possible
2) Omnidirectional Microphone Setting in Quiet Environments
3) HAs with Flexible Compression Settings to Amplify Quiet Background Noise
4) Not Activating Noise Reduction Algorithms
5) Frequency Lowering
6) Manual Volume Controls
7) Multiple Programs
8) Sound Streaming
9) Datalogging
10) Remote HA Programming, could be useful
What is an open fitting?
With thin tube receivers or receiver in-the-ear HAs
Why omnidirectional mics?
We want sound from everywhere to mask the tinnitus
Why do individuals with tinnitus need an open fitting?
̶- To avoid occlusion effect
̶- For targeted high-frequency amplification
What 2 things are recommneded regarding compression?
Low compression knee points + wide dynamic range compression (WDRC)
hat do we offer if circuit noise or amplified environmental noise is insufficient or bothersome?
ST
Why do those with tinnitus not have activating NR algorithms?
Noise is needed for tinnitus masking.
Why do those with tinnitus need FL?
Evidence supports the effectiveness of frequency lowering for tinnitus.
Why do those with tinnitus need to manage VC?
To manage ST and adjust amplification in different environments.
Why do those with tinnitus need multiple programs?
For gradual adjustments over time as the user becomes more accustomed to amplification.
Why do those with tinnitus need sound streaming?
To access wireless devices like smartphones and use a variety of ST apps.
Why do those with tinnitus need data logging?
- It provides information on compliance, program usage, volume settings, and environments.
̶- Helpful during follow-up appointments to evaluate the impact and negotiate the outcomes.
Remote HA Programming, could be useful:
̶- For clients who prefer fewer face-to-face consultations.
̶- OR reversely, for anxious clients requesting frequent consultations.
What are the 5 recommendations for HA fittings and follow-ups?
1) Start with directed instructions and need assessment.
2) Offer a HA trial 2 weeks after the need assessment.
3) Use real-ear measures (RAMs) for HA fitting and follow-ups.
4) Set regular follow-ups using outcome measures, for 6 and 12 months
5) Develop online resources
What outcome should be done at follow-up appointments (3)?
̶- Tinnitus-related questionnaires
̶- Hyperacusis questionnaires
̶- Psychiatric symptoms assessments
HAs usually show maximum benefit by ____ weeks.
9 to 12
Why do we need to develop online resources?
It can reduce frequent inquiries and provide ongoing support outside clinic hours
In follow-up sessions we do what 3 things?
1) Gradually increase amplification, by taking into account potential loudness recruitment.
̶2) Fine-tune self-reported difficulties.
̶3) Onward referrals as needed.
What 4 things should you do f HAs make tinnitus worse?
̶1) Turn gain down
̶2) Reduce maximum output
̶3) Many people with tinnitus also have loudness hyperacusis. It should be measured and incorporated into the prescription formula.
̶4) Suggest other therapies for tinnitus management.
What 3 things do we need to consider when combining ST with amplification?
1) Overview of Sounds Available for ST
2) Suggested ST Approach Based on Individuals’ Goals
3) ST Protocol
Why do people need ST when they already have HAs?
HAs aren’t enough to mask the tinnitus
ST aims to ____ or ____ mask tinnitus.
- Partially, totally
- Depending on the therapy goal, you may decide on TM or PM.
Strong evidence supports the ____ for tinnitus.
use of HAs
However, additional benefits from combining ____ with ____ are not as strong
HAs, ST
Does everyone benefit from combining ST with amplification?
Some individuals benefit significantly while others do not.
What are the 8 types of sounds available for ST?
1) Onboard Sounds
2) Apps
3) Broadband Noise (BBN)
4) Threshold Adjusted Noise/Filtered BBN
5) Simulated Water Sounds
6) Recorded Nature Sounds
7) Music
8) Fractal Tones
What are onboard sounds?
Sounds streamed from a smartphone and apps, without external devices.
What sounds do apps use?
- Providing sounds and activities for relaxation and distraction.
̶- Available by HA manufacturers and third-party developers
What is BBN (3)?
̶- It may have a low acceptance rate.
̶- If tolerable, it can provide significant tinnitus improvement (partial or total masking).
̶- It holds superior effectiveness than recorded nature sounds.
What is Threshold Adjusted Noise/Filtered BBN
- It mirrors the audiogram, providing more energy in hearing loss regions.
̶- Widely adopted by hearing aid manufacturers.
What are simulated water sounds?
Random amplitude-modulated surf is more effective than constant surf in reducing tinnitus audibility
Why recorded nature sounds?
Well-tolerated, evoke positive emotional responses.
Why music?
Preferences for calming and relaxing music.
What are fractal tones?
- Fractal tones are harmonic and melodic tones that sound like “wind chimes”.
̶- Adapted by some HA manufacturers as part of their tinnitus platform.
Goal: cover tinnitus, control tinnitus, reduce tinnitus volume, make tinnitus less obvious
a) what is the theme?
b) what is the suggested ST?
a) presence of sound
b) BBN, threshold adjusted noise
Goal: improved hearing, socialize more, reduce focus on tinnitus, want to ignore tinnitus, hear speech better, better sound localization, want to hear real sounds, sleep better
a) what is the theme?
b) what is the suggested ST?
a) context of sound
b) environmental sounds, modulated noise
Goal: want to relax, sounds to be comfortable, dont want to stress, need to be calmer
a) what is the theme?
b) what is the suggested ST?
a) reaction to sound
b) nature sounds, music, fractal sounds
Goal: i dont want to hear tinnitus so oftern
a) what is the theme?
b) what is the suggested ST?
a) adaptation to sound
b) sum of all above with instruction and counselling
Therapy goal is too (3):
- To cover/control tinnitus
- To reduce distress and psychiatric symptoms
- To adapt with tinnitus
Problems caused by hearing loss and tinnitus (5):
1) Reduced communication,
2) Localization,
3) Socialization,
4) Focused attention
5) Sleep quality
4 Key principles of ST:
̶1) Most sounds are beneficial for tinnitus relief.
̶2) Silence is generally not helpful.
̶3) Amplification is often needed.
̶4) The sound alone is incomplete without instructions and counseling.
ST Protocol comprises four aspects:
1) Directed instructions (about the cause of tinnitus)
2) Counseling (for distress and comorbid symptoms)
3) Sensory management (choice of ST and amplification)
4) Perceptual training
What are the 9 components of ST protocol?
1) Tinnitus Measurements
2) Goal Setting
3) Directed Instructions & Counseling
4) Sensory Management
5) The Client-Oriented Scale of Improvement in Tinnitus (COSIT)
6) Device Selection and Fitting
7) Addressing Negative Reactions to ST
8) Perceptual Training (PT)
9) Follow-up
ST protocol - tinnitus measurements…
To determine if tinnitus is maskable and beneficial.
ST protocol - Goal Setting…
- based on Searchfield’s Approach and considering that:
̶- There is no priority for one sound type or strategy over others.
̶- Individuals’ preferences may not always meet therapy goals.
̶- A trial of various sounds is often necessary.
̶- The Client Oriented Scale of Improvement in Tinnitus (COSIT) can be used for goal setting.