The One Percent: Working with Complex Tinnitus Patients

Presenters:

Emily McMahan, AuD
Gail Whitelaw, PhD

CEUs: 0.1 AAA / Tier 1 CEUs

Duration: 60 minutes

Instructional Level: Intermediate

Program Focus: Knowledge

Description:

Millions of Americans experience chronic tinnitus, seeking support from audiologists to assess and treat their tinnitus. Many audiologists feel confident in addressing “run of the mill” or low needs tinnitus patients; however, are uncomfortable with those patients with significant degrees of anxiety/depression/distress, what we are referring to as the one percent. This webinar will focus on higher level tinnitus treatment to those patients with the greatest difficulties with managing their tinnitus. The difference between motivation and desperation will be discussed. Tools and techniques for working, establishing critical referral partnerships, and successfully working with this population of patients will be provided.

Learning Outcomes:

1. List factors that contribute to a patient being in a category of “catastrophic” tinnitus distress.

2. Discuss addressing anxiety/depression, sleep interruption, and stress that impact the patient with tinnitus and tools for supporting these patients.

3. Describe a plan for the audiologist to address potential caregiver fatigue with this population and how to be proactive in addressing these needs.

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