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Semin Hear 2001; 22(1): 037-050
DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-13019
Copyright © 2001 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Audiologic Assessment and Consultation of the Tinnitus Patient

James W. Hall III1 , David S. Haynes2
  • 1Department of Communicative Disorders, University of Florida Health Science Center, Gainesville, Florida
  • 2Department of Otolaryngology, Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center for Otolaryngology and Communicative Sciences, Nashville, Tennessee
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Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2001 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The dictionary definition of consult is ``to give expert advice as a professional.'' Patients seeking professional care for tinnitus naturally expect the initial consultation to be the first step toward successful management of their health problem. Herein we describe a systematic approach to the assessment and initial management of patients presenting with the chief complaint of tinnitus. Auditory status is thoroughly assessed with a diagnostic audiologic test battery using techniques specifically selected to provide accurate information on cochlear function. The diagnostic process includes an evaluation of selected features of tinnitus. This clinical assessment of auditory function and tinnitus is preceded, and usually followed, by a personalized counseling session of approximately one hour duration during which the patient is empowered with accurate information on tinnitus in general, and their audiologic and tinnitus status in particular. We then summarize outcome statistics for an unselected series of over 200 tinnitus patients. Typically, outcome was improved significantly by the formal tinnitus consultation.

KEYWORD

Tinnitus - hypercusis - ringing - hearing loss - audiologist - otoacoustic emissions

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