Strategies for Managing Patients with Tinnitus: A Clinical Pathway Model

ABSTRACT

Tinnitus is a distressing symptom affecting the health-related quality of life of many individuals. Yet most audiologists feel ill equipped in providing clinical services to these patients. This article presents an overview of a clinical pathway for patients seen in the multidisciplinary Tinnitus Management Clinic at the Cleveland Clinic. The model illustrates an efficient approach for managing patients with varying levels of perceived tinnitus severity and annoyance by sequencing patient care and intervention strategies. After providing a general overview of the clinical pathway, three unique components of the model are highlighted: (1) benefits of a Group Education Session; (2) usefulness of the Sound Therapy Option Profile, a new tool designed to guide the clinician in selecting the most appropriate sound therapy device for a given patient; and (3) participation of a psychologist and neurologist on the multidisciplinary management team.

KEYWORDS

Tinnitus assessment - tinnitus management - group treatment

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