Tinnitus Management & Treatment Flashcards

Which pharmacological agent has been most rigorously studied for tinnitus relief but has not been proven effective in randomized controlled trials?

Answer: Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba has been extensively studied for tinnitus but high-quality randomized controlled trials have not demonstrated significant benefit over placebo.

A dispenser notices that a tinnitus patient also reports sensitivity to loud sounds and sound-induced ear pain. The correct term for this condition is:

Answer: Hyperacusis

Hyperacusis is an abnormal sensitivity to ordinary environmental sounds that can cause discomfort or pain, and is distinct from recruitment which is loudness growth associated with hair cell loss.

Which hearing aid feature directly addresses tinnitus by generating programmable broadband or shaped noise signals delivered to the ear?

Answer: Tinnitus masking or sound generator program

A tinnitus masking or sound generator program in a hearing aid produces a controllable noise signal intended to provide relief from tinnitus perception.

According to the neurophysiological model of tinnitus (Jastreboff), tinnitus distress arises primarily from which system's involvement?

Answer: Limbic and autonomic nervous systems activated by auditory signal

Jastreboff's model proposes that tinnitus signal itself is neutral but becomes distressing when conditioned connections with the limbic (emotional) and autonomic systems are established.

A patient reports that their tinnitus is louder in quiet environments and less noticeable in busy, noisy places. This pattern is best explained by:

Answer: Reduced signal-to-noise ratio contrast in background noise

Background noise reduces the contrast between tinnitus and the acoustic environment, making tinnitus less perceptible—which is the rationale for sound enrichment therapy.

For a HAC candidate, which statement best reflects the scope of practice regarding tinnitus management?

Answer: A hearing aid dispenser may provide sound therapy and counseling within scope but must refer medical red flags to a physician

Hearing aid dispensers can offer sound therapy and basic education within their scope of practice but must recognize and refer red flag presentations to a licensed physician.

What is the typical loudness of tinnitus when measured using loudness matching procedures relative to the patient's hearing threshold at the tinnitus pitch?

Answer: 0–10 dB SL above threshold

Despite patients often describing tinnitus as extremely loud, loudness matching consistently shows tinnitus is only 0–10 dB SL above threshold at the tinnitus pitch frequency.