Interprofessional Practice and Education Supports Tinnitus Management

Abstract

Tinnitus has the potential to influence a wide range of routine and important activities in a person's life. It can impair sleep, communication, concentration, and in severe cases can be affected by depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Perhaps more important, tinnitus may influence the patient's psychological state; its bidirectional effects, although well established, often challenge patients and providers across a variety of clinical settings. Management of tinnitus requires audiologists to be adept at communicating and supporting coping strategies that may include, but should not be limited to, patient-centered counseling and delivery of sound therapy or hearing aids. In the short term, patient care may benefit from interprofessional collaborations and effective referral networks. In the long term, the inclusion of tinnitus clinic rotations, classes, and interprofessional opportunities for students in Audiology programs should provide AuD students the experiences and competencies to provide for patients with tinnitus.