Tinnitus Treatment Now and in the Future: A Multi-Faceted Discussion on What’s Next

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: We all have patients who suffer from chronic subjective tinnitus, which affects 10% of the adult population. Chronic subjective tinnitus is defined as the perception of sound without an external source lasting more than three months and can be a highly debilitating condition for some individuals. It is often linked to psychiatric comorbidities and significant healthcare expenses. There have been multiple achievements within the tinnitus treatment pathway in recent years but there are still numerous challenges facing people with tinnitus and their healthcare providers (HCPs). Chronic subjective tinnitus often lacks a clear cause and exhibits a complex and varied pathophysiology. Frustration is the most common emotion on the part of the patient and the HCP. Because of the several providers involved and their differing views of treatment, of both the symptoms and their comorbidities, the patient is often left confused, discouraged, and still experiencing disabling tinnitus. Flippant advice such as “learn to live with it” and “just use a hearing aid or masker” does not rise to meet the current level of our knowledge. As the first point of contact in specialized care, Otolaryngologists, the leaders of the Hearing Healthcare Team, can and should advance and shape the future standard of care for tinnitus patients with open and honest discussions on the effectiveness and practicality of the current state of care, what steps can be taken to improve the current care pathway, and how we will get there.
This panel will look to highlight the current gaps and latest advances, provide practical tips, and discuss the steps that could be taken to reach a utopian tinnitus care state.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Recognize the current care pathways for tinnitus patients.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Examine areas within the pathway for improvement.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Identify gaps in their current standard of care and where potential improvements could be made.

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: The AAO-HNS tinnitus guidelines were published in 2014; much has progressed since then. With new research and regulated treatments, it is more important than ever to synthesize the information to help our patients and present the information in a usable and helpful manner.

Comprehensive Otolaryngology Track Statement : Of 25 million Americans with tinnitus, 7 million suffer from burdensome or debilitating chronic tinnitus. As such, Comprehensive Otolaryngologists are central to their assessment and care. Their awareness of current and promising treatments will enable the best care for the population.