|
Program
Essentials:
- Person who suffers from tinnitus and/or
hyperacusis
- Motivation to attend clinic appointment, follow
protocol
- Interested in decreasing perception of tinnitus
signal, frustration level
Program Eligibility:
- Able to travel to Oregon in the United States at
least once
- Able to maintain regular follow-up contact
schedule
- Interested in learning about tinnitus and
hyperacusis: self-management
- Able to communicate verbally, some degree of
hearing present in at least one ear
Evaluation Protocol:
- Requires three to four hours at the clinic
- A thorough audiologic evaluation including special
test procedures
- Careful, thorough case history, review of medical
documents
- Comprehensive case mangement, assessment,
evaluation, clinic reports
- Results of testing presented to patient including
copies for personal files
- Referrals to otologist as needed, can structure
visit to include vestibular and medical evaluations with
possible treatments from MD
Treatment Protocol:
- Evaluation as described above
- Intensive, directive counseling sessions
- Diagnosis and placement in one of five diagnostic
categories
- Treatment planning, discussion with patient and
family
- Prescription and fitting of devices, hearing aids,
as needed
- 24 month follow-up, frequent telephone contact
- 6 & 12 month re-evaluations in
the clinic if possible.
- All adjustments, plan revision, alterations, and
more as needed
- Provision of current research, helpful articles,
etc. as available
- Kindly, warm, clinical staff and caring
audiologist specialist
- Genuine concern about your difficulties and
progress.
Common Questions and Answers About Therapy
|
|
|
- What will happen if I enroll in your program?
- The treatment protocol usually consists of 2 half-day enrollment sessions. These include a thorough audiological evaluation, initial interview, intensive directive counseling, and a fitting session. Generally, the patient will spend 3-4 hours for counseling, and another 2-3 hours the next day for the fitting of treatment devices or possible hearing aids, if required. Our caring staff will provide you with a personalized treatment program, answer all your questions regarding treatment, and provide ongoing support throughout the entire duration of the program. It is strongly recommended that all patients receive medical clearance prior to admittance.
- How long will I be receiving treatment?
- To achieve the best results, a typical program will take from 18 to 24 months. Frequent follow-ups are part of the program, including telephone contacts and recommended re-evaluations at 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months. Other contacts are welcome and our audiologist guarantees to return a phone call within 24 hours upon an enrolled patient's request.
- What kind of results should I expect?
- Significant improvement in current patients has been reported in life enjoyment, as well as a decrease in overall anger and frustration levels. Patients also note an increase in the ability to concentrate on work and enjoy social activities without the dominating presence of tinnitus, while hyperacusis sufferers find they have an improved tolerance for everyday sounds. Dr. Jastreboff's in-house study of over 800 patients, who have completed the program at his clinic, showed an improvement of over 85% in distress level, loudness level, and annoyance level abatement.
|
