Tinnitus Treatment Program

Thank you for your interest in the Tinnitus Management Program offered by
Associated Audiologists, Inc.

We ask all patients in this program to undergo a diagnostic hearing evaluation
or to bring the results from a hearing evaluation performed within the last
six months. You will receive a tinnitus history form and questionnaire prior
to your first appointment. The following description outlines the testing and
consultations and associated costs of the program.

The primary form of tinnitus management offered by Associated
Audiologists, Inc. is through the use of sound therapy in a structured and
supervised program. Sound therapy is used to decrease the prominence of
tinnitus, as well as to decrease the awareness and disturbance to the tinnitus.
During your initial consultation, we will discuss with you the varying types
of sound therapy and give you our recommendation of the type most
appropriate for your situation.

Initial Steps for Managing Tinnitus

1. Initial Tinnitus Consultation
During the initial consultation, we will discuss the auditory system and our
current understanding of tinnitus mechanisms. We will review your completed
questionnaire and try to learn about your lifestyle and your concerns. We may
also demonstrate various sound therapy options during your consultation.

2. Tinnitus Assessment (Usually covered by insurance)
This assessment is performed during the same visit as your consultation.
We will perform tinnitus pitch and loudness matching, as well as evaluate
your minimum masking level.

Sound Therapy Options

Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment
This treatment program involves wearing the Neuromonics Oasis device
and participating in follow-up appointments over a six- to eight-month period.
The follow-up care, a critical component of success with this program, is scheduled at intervals to be determined as you progress. The initial appointment to fit the Oasis lasts approximately one hour. After follow-up appointments are completed, you and your audiologist will determine if additional appointments are needed. All patients are given the courtesy of a 30-day assessment period with the Oasis device, as well as a one-year
manufacturer’s repair warranty.

Hearing Aid/Hearing Technology
Approximately 60 percent of patients experience some relief from their
tinnitus when using hearing aids (Kochkin, et al, 2008). The relief experienced
through wearing hearing aids is due to the patients’ improved communication
ability. Once that improvement is achieved, patients are generally less
stressed and more engaged in their environments, thereby lessening the
effect of the tinnitus. Wearing hearing aids also results in an increase in the
level of neural activity which may help suppress the tinnitus.

Other Sound Therapy and Management Options:
Other sound therapies include both wearable (music players, iPods, masking
devices) and non-wearable devices (such as table-top sound machines, fans).
Lifestyle changes will also be discussed and recommended during your
initial and follow-up appointments. These may include: limiting exposure to
loud noises, use of hearing protection, stress management and relaxation
strategies, and a review of how your current diet and medications may be
affecting your tinnitus.

If you would like to schedule an initial tinnitus consultation,
please contact our Shawnee Mission office at (913) 403-0018 or
if you have specific questions, ask for Laura Flowers, Au.D., audiologist.