December 2021
Dr Hashir Aazh joined Professors James Henry and Pawel Jastreboff in the Northeast Audiology Virtual Conference to teach audiology doctorate students at University of Buffalo, State University of New York, about tinnitus and hyperacusis management strategies on 13th November 2021. Abstract of his 90 minutes keynote speech is given below:
Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Rehabilitation based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Presenter: Hashir Aazh, BSC, MSc, PhD
A recent systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) supported the efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for tinnitus and hyperacusis rehabilitation (Fuller et al., 2020). CBT for tinnitus in the UK National Health Service (NHS) is often delivered by audiologists who are specialized in tinnitus and hyperacusis management. Prior to enrol in audiologist-delivered CBT, all patients undergo medical examination by their general practitioners and by ear-nose-throat (ENT) specialists. Majority of the patients with tinnitus (about 60%) also have a comorbid hearing loss and/or symptoms of anxiety and depression. A smaller proportion of patients may have neuro-otological conditions requiring ENT treatment. Underlying medical conditions and psychological disorders need to be addressed prior to the start of audiologist-delivered CBT which is a treatment focused on teaching the patients certain CBT skills that they can use in order to minimize the distress caused by their tinnitus and/or hyperacusis.
The aims of this presentation are:
(1) To discuss the main CBT procedures used in tinnitus and hyperacusis rehabilitation and their underlying theoretical principles.
(2) To share our data of audiologist-delivered CBT in an out-patient ENT and audiology clinic. We will examine the data about treatment outcome and patient’s views about treatment effect.
