Audiologic Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Tinnitus Patients
Description
The purpose of this guideline is to provide guidance for evaluating and managing tinnitus.
Key Points
Audiologists are qualified to evaluate, diagnose, develop management strategies, and provide treatment and rehabilitation for patients with tinnitus. In evaluating and managing tinnitus, it is helpful and worthwhile for audiologists to work in a multidisciplinary team approach.
It is important to consider the entire person, not merely the audiogram and/or the characteristics of tinnitus. There are many factors that can cause and affect tinnitus and its perception that will influence the management plan and outcome of any treatment.
This guideline discusses the evaluation of patients with tinnitus and management procedures including counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, habituation and tinnitus retraining therapy, hearing aids and tinnitus instruments, self-help and support/education groups, and stress management. It also discusses external referrals, outcome measures, and CPT code considerations.
Get Involved
Whether serving on a clinical document development panel or participating as peer reviewers, volunteers have regular chances to deepen their engagement with the Academy and make important contributions benefiting the field of audiology. If you are interested in clinical document development, please volunteer to express interest and submit a CV to the Academy’s guidelines staff by email.
To view the list of guidelines and strategic documents in development and to learn more about the Academy’s clinical document development process, visit the Academy’s Practice Resources website. Information from interested members is accepted on an ongoing basis, and members will be contacted as clinical document volunteer openings occur.
