Special Groups for Hearing Aid Fittings Flashcards
How do people with both tinnitus and hearing loss typically perceive their condition?
People with both tinnitus and hearing loss often perceive tinnitus as the more overwhelming problem.
Is there a specific cure for tinnitus?
There is usually no specific “cure” for tinnitus, but various approaches can help manage it.
What do physiological models of tinnitus focus on?
Physiological models relate the physiological changes in the auditory system to the perception of tinnitus.
- Examples include the Neurophysiological Model by Jastreboff et al. (1988) and Turner et al. (2006).
When should someone with tinnitus be referred to a specialist clinic?
If tinnitus significantly affects a person’s life, it is worth referring them to a specialist tinnitus clinic.
What other condition might people with tinnitus experience, and what might it require?
People with tinnitus may also experience hyperacusis, which may need additional treatment.
What do psychological models of tinnitus explain?
Psychological models explain the psychological processes that cause some people to find their tinnitus troubling.
- An example is the Cognitive Model by McKenna et al. (2014).
Is there a single model that fully explains the variation in the experience of tinnitus in the general population?
No, there is no single model that fully explains the variation in the experience of tinnitus in the general population.
What do social models of tinnitus address?
Social models explain the impact of cultural and healthcare attitudes on people’s experience of tinnitus.
- An example is the study by Li et al. (2015).
How are troublesome tinnitus experiences thought to arise?
Troublesome tinnitus experiences are thought to arise from the interaction of physiological, psychological, and social processes.
On what basis are most tinnitus treatment approaches developed?
Most tinnitus treatment approaches are based on a combination of models and possible causes.
What is the purpose of sound enrichment in managing tinnitus?
Sound enrichment uses sound to distract the brain from the tinnitus.
What are some common background sound techniques used for tinnitus relief?
*Common background sound techniques include:
- White Noise: Continuous sound covering all frequencies.
- Nature Sounds: Sounds like rain, ocean waves, or forest ambiance.
- Music: Soft instrumental or classical music.
How do hearing aids help with tinnitus?
Hearing aids amplify external sounds, reducing the prominence of tinnitus. Some advanced models include built-in sound generators for added masking.
What are noise generators and how do they work?
Noise generators produce sounds designed to cover up tinnitus. They can be standalone devices or integrated into hearing aids, offering various sounds to mask the tinnitus noise.
What are combination devices in tinnitus management?
Combination devices integrate hearing aids with noise generators, providing both sound amplification and masking in one unit, which is particularly useful for those with both hearing loss and tinnitus.
What do patients who do Tinnitus Retraining Therapy report a reduction in?
- awareness of the tinnitus
- tinnitus annoyance
- negative impact on life
- Evidence that people show benefit within 3 months and continue to improve after this time.
- However, the treatment doesn’t work for everyone.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in the context of tinnitus management?
CBT for tinnitus is based on the cognitive model of tinnitus and aims to change a person’s negative thoughts about tinnitus to more realistic, positive ones.
How does mindfulness help patients with tinnitus?
Patients learn to observe the tinnitus experience without trying to control or react to it. This is done by focusing on the present moment and calmly acknowledging their feelings and body sensations.
Is CBT used only for tinnitus?
No, CBT is used for a variety of conditions, including anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues, not just tinnitus.
What is the goal of CBT for tinnitus sufferers?
The goal is to change the person’s negative thoughts about tinnitus into more realistic and positive ones, thereby reducing the distress associated with tinnitus.
How effective is CBT in treating tinnitus?
CBT has been shown to be an effective treatment for tinnitus. It improves emotional distress, reduces tinnitus annoyance, and enhances quality of life and reduces depression.
What are some specific benefits of CBT for individuals with tinnitus?
CBT can improve emotional distress, reduce the handicap and annoyance caused by tinnitus, and enhance overall quality of life and alleviate depression.
What is mindfulness in the context of tinnitus management?
Mindfulness is based on the cognitive model of tinnitus and is used to help individuals observe their experiences without reacting to them. It is also applied to various conditions and general mental well-being.
What does early research indicate about the effectiveness of mindfulness for tinnitus?
Early research indicates that mindfulness can improve tinnitus symptoms, reduce the perception and annoyance of tinnitus, and alleviate depression.
What is the core practice involved in mindfulness for tinnitus?
The core practice involves focusing awareness on the present moment and acknowledging thoughts and sensations without judgment, which helps reduce the distress caused by tinnitus.
Who should patients with distressing tinnitus see for appropriate management?
Patients with distressing tinnitus should ideally be seen by a Specialist Audiologist or Hearing Therapist for appropriate management.
What are some common issues when seeing adults with learning difficulties in an audiology clinic?
- Inability to complete audiometry.
- Difficulty understanding instructions or maintaining concentration during testing.
- Reluctance to undergo otoscopy or impression taking.
- Wariness of strangers.
- Inability to report difficulties with hearing or with hearing aids.
What is the first step in managing mild tinnitus in an audiology clinic?
Explaining the likely cause of tinnitus, identifying situations that may worsen it, and discussing management options may be sufficient for individuals with mild tinnitus.
What role does sound enrichment play in managing tinnitus?
Sound enrichment, such as using environmental noise, noise generators, or fitting hearing aids, can help manage tinnitus symptoms.
Why might tinnitus require referral to experienced professionals?
Tinnitus can be associated with significant psychological overlays such as depression and anxiety, necessitating referral to experienced professionals for comprehensive care.
What is the typical NHS referral pathway for tinnitus management?
The typical NHS referral pathway usually starts with a GP, who then refers the patient to an ENT specialist, followed by referral to Audiology. In some cases, the GP may refer the patient directly to Audiology.
When should a person with tinnitus be referred to a specialist clinic?
If someone reports that their tinnitus is distressing or interrupts their sleep, it is advisable to refer them to a specialist clinic.
How can audiologists better support adults with learning difficulties during appointments?
By using clear, simple instructions, creating a calm and reassuring environment, being patient, and possibly involving caregivers or familiar persons to facilitate communication and comfort.
Why might an adult with learning difficulties be unable to complete audiometry?
They might not understand the instructions or may not be able to concentrate long enough to complete the testing.
What types of services are available for adults with learning difficulties in NHS-based audiology clinics?
- Consistent use of the same staff and clinic environment for each visit.
- Assessments carried out in day care centers or the patient’s home.
- Use of additional forms of testing tailored to the individual’s needs.
- Extra time allocated for appointments.
- Strong collaboration with the client’s carers and social services.
How can reluctance to undergo otoscopy or impression taking be addressed?
It might help to explain the procedures in simple terms, use a gentle approach, and ensure a comfortable and familiar environment to reduce anxiety.
What challenges arise from a client being wary of strangers?
The client may feel uncomfortable or anxious, making it difficult to perform necessary tests or procedures.
What is a significant communication barrier when working with adults with learning difficulties in audiology?
The client may not be able to effectively report difficulties with hearing or with their hearing aids, complicating accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Why is it important to use the same staff and clinic environment for each visit for patients with learning difficulties?
Consistency with staff and the clinic environment helps build trust and familiarity, reducing anxiety and improving the client’s comfort during visits.
Where else can assessments be carried out apart from the clinic?
Assessments can also be conducted in day care centers or in the home where the patient lives.
