Tinnitus Management & Treatment Flashcards

During a tinnitus evaluation, residual inhibition is tested by masking the tinnitus and then measuring what?

Answer: The temporary suppression of tinnitus after the masking sound is removed

Residual inhibition refers to the temporary reduction or elimination of tinnitus immediately after a masking sound is turned off.

A patient with tinnitus also presents with hyperacusis. Which sound therapy approach requires the most caution?

Answer: High-level broadband masking above the loudness discomfort level

Using high-level masking in a patient with hyperacusis can worsen sound sensitivity; instead, very low-level sound enrichment is recommended.

Pulsatile tinnitus that synchronizes with the heartbeat is most likely associated with which underlying condition?

Answer: Vascular or cardiovascular abnormalities

Pulsatile tinnitus synchronized with heartbeat is commonly caused by vascular abnormalities such as arteriovenous malformations, carotid stenosis, or benign intracranial hypertension.

In the Progressive Tinnitus Management (PTM) model developed by the VA, at what level does a hearing care provider first become directly involved?

Answer: Level 2: Audiologic evaluation

In the PTM stepped-care model, the hearing care provider (audiologist) first becomes directly involved at Level 2 for audiologic evaluation and triage.

Which neural plasticity concept underlies why tinnitus often persists even after auditory nerve severing?

Answer: Central gain increase in auditory cortex after deafferentation

After deafferentation, the central auditory system increases gain to compensate for reduced input, generating phantom sounds even without peripheral input.

Which sleep strategy is commonly recommended to tinnitus patients struggling with tinnitus awareness at night?

Answer: Low-level bedside sound enrichment (e.g., white noise or nature sounds)

Low-level bedside sound enrichment reduces the contrast between tinnitus and quiet, making tinnitus less perceptible during sleep.

A patient's tinnitus changes in intensity when they clench their jaw or move their neck. This is most consistent with which tinnitus subtype?

Answer: Somatic tinnitus

Somatic tinnitus can be modulated by somatosensory inputs such as jaw clenching or head/neck movement, suggesting musculoskeletal involvement.