LM206 - Tinnitus in Review: 2022

Abstract:
The American Academy of Audiology Scope of Practice states that Audiologists are qualified to evaluate, diagnose, develop management strategies, and provide treatment and rehabilitation for patients with tinnitus. Tinnitus evaluation, treatment, and research are continually evolving both inside and outside of audiology. This presentation will provide a review of the tinnitus literature published in 2022 with a focus on both clinical and research implications. Attendees will be able to use this information in their clinical settings.

Summary:
Tinnitus in Review continues to be a well attended Learning Module offered by AAA with several hundred members attending ear year. Member surveys of Tinnitus in Review found that over 90% of attendees strongly agreed or agreed that the session was a satisfying learning experience. Our aim is to update this session annually and share relevant tinnitus research that was published in 2022. The presenters of Tinnitus in Review compile all of the tinnitus literature that was published in 2022 and select the most interesting and clinically relevant publications to share with attendees. The purpose of this presentation is to provide information that can be implemented immediately in the clinic. This presentation provides a unique opportunity for all attendees, regardless of experience with tinnitus, to enhance their knowledge in this specialty domain. The dissemination of current, clinically-relevant information will empower attendees who are new to the field of tinnitus to begin evaluating and treating tinnitus while challenging experienced tinnitus practitioners to consider incorporating new, evidence-based developments and strategies into their routine clinical practice. The session always concludes by providing a QR Code link to the attendees so that they may access the entire tinnitus research article list that was compiled by the presenters which includes the articles selected for presentation as well as those that were not included. The topic of tinnitus is relevant to audiologists because of the number of patients seeking our help when they are suffering from or debilitated by this issue. However, audiologists are not the only researchers and clinicians that complete scientific studies in the field of tinnitus. There are often many other healthcare disciplines that research and publish tinnitus based studies which may have an impact in the field of audiology (e.g. otolaryngology, neurology, behavioral health, etc.). This presentation allows for the collection of tinnitus related publications from audiology related and non-audiology related journals. The inclusion of non-audiology related publications would allow for the distribution of advancements in tinnitus research from disciplines and journals that many audiologists may not currently consider.

Ultimately this presentation will allow for all attendees to enhance their knowledge of the most recent evidence-based practice recommendations for tinnitus diagnosis and treatment. This presentation also will provide attendees with tinnitus research related to: case studies, comorbidities, epidemiology, mechanisms of tinnitus, measurement of tinnitus, pediatrics, and pharmacotherapy. The last category to be included is the wildcard category which covers some of the most unique, interesting, and non-traditional (in a good way) tinnitus research that is always of great interest to the attendees.