SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT: Christopher Spankovich, PhD, MPH

TOPIC: Dr. Christopher Spankovich discusses how tinnitus interventions should address both the psychological and physiological impact of tinnitus on patients. He explores how nutrition, emotional health, and physical health all play a role in mitigating the negative impact of tinnitus. He also discusses the importance of helping patients understand the power of sound to elicit positive or negative emotions, aside from the tinnitus sound, in order to facilitate habituation. Noting that not all patients believe or accept the psychological component of tinnitus, Dr. Spankovich encourages providers to assess what best fits the needs of individual patients, taking into consideration their specific challenges, what the patient believes, and what he/she is likely to respond to, rather than focusing on a one-size-fits-all approach.

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SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT: Hubert Lim, PhD

TOPIC: Hubert Lim is a leading researcher in the field of bimodal stimulation for tinnitus relief. He explains the theory behind neuromodulation and research that seems to indicate that it can provide effective relief from tinnitus distress. Lim discusses recent research with more than 300 participants who used a neuromodulation device developed by Neuromod Devices, Ltd., which is based in Ireland. Lim, who is the company’s chief scientific officer, noted that research is ongoing in an effort to further define how the technology impacts the brain, tinnitus, and who is most likely to benefit from it.

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SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT: Christopher Spankovich, PhD, MPH

TOPIC: Dr. Christopher Spankovich discusses what research reveals about the role of nutrition on tinnitus and hearing health. As one of the few tinnitus researchers to investigate this critical topic, Spankovich is able to speak to the value of supplements versus certain types of diets, and what people can do today to better manage their tinnitus and overall hearing health. As a researcher and clinician, he also shares what he advises his patients when discussing diet and other lifestyle factors that can influence tinnitus.  

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SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT: Elizabeth Beach, PhD

TOPIC: Dr. Elizabeth Beach discusses large-scale research that reveals why clubs, bar, and music venues are playing music at higher volumes than what most people prefer. And while it might seem easy to raise awareness that results in quieter recreational music venues, Beach says it’s complicated, so safe listening initiatives require support at various levels to achieve change. As head of the Behavioral Sciences Department at the National Acoustics Laboratory in Australia, she studies recreational noise in the music and entertainment industry, strategies for encouraging safe listening for staff and patrons, and how to motivate young adults to protect their hearing.

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SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT: Jennifer Gans, PhD

TOPIC: Jennifer Gans, PhD and licensed psychologist, launched the Mindfulness-Based Tinnitus Stress Reduction (MBTSR) program to teach mindfulness meditation skills to people bothered by chronic tinnitus. With practice, Gans contends that bothersome tinnitus can be addressed effectively, opening the door to a renewed sense of hope and empowerment. She also discusses research that explains how mindfulness meditation strengthens the brain’s ability to respond more neutrally to negative stimuli, such as tinnitus, anxiety and fear.

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SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT: Bruce Hubbard, PhD

TOPIC: For more than 20 years, Dr. Bruce Hubbard has helped people improve their lives using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and relational therapy strategies. He explains how CBT, acceptance commitment therapy (ACT), and mindfulness are applied to treatment of tinnitus and what patients should expect. As someone with tinnitus, Dr. Hubbard offers a unique perspective on the challenges and process of habituation, as well as the importance of early intervention. He also discusses the audiologist’s role and assessing when to refer a tinnitus patient to a mental-health provider.

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SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS: Markku Vesala and Hazel Goedhart of TinnitusTalk

TOPIC: Markku Vesala, founder of Tinnitus Talk, and Hazel Goedhart, content strategist, discuss how the online support forum began in 2011, its mission and goals, as well as their own journeys with tinnitus. Both note that internet forums pose a unique challenge in terms of questionable advice as well as causing some members to fixate on their tinnitus. Nonetheless, the online community can provide a sense of connection and meaning for people with tinnitus. 

*Online tinnitus support forums can encourage important communication about the condition, thereby providing a sense of community and empowerment. However, with no gate-keeping mechanism to manage misinformation, it's critical that forum visitors crosscheck information with credible tinnitus websites that vet content, particularly for individuals who recently developed tinnitus or are suffering from depression. False information can contribute to increased tinnitus distress, anxiety, purchases of useless products, and delay in seeking appropriate research-based treatment for its management.

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SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT: Helen Pryce, MSc, PD (Health)

In this podcast, Dr. Helen Pryce explains how healthcare providers can successfully implement shared decision-making with tinnitus patients through use of the Tinnitus Decision Aid, which was developed in the United Kingdom and presents evidence-based treatment choices. By empowering patients in conversations that weigh the pros and cons of each care option based on what’s most practical for the patient, Pryce believes patients are more likely to commit to a treatment plan that works.

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 Dr. DiSogra continues his conversation on the topic of ototoxicity and tinnitus, helping the listener to anticipate potential problems related to certain drugs and what should be done if a medication seems to have triggered or aggravated tinnitus. He highlights resources and steps people should know to better manage tinnitus and other health issues that require medication. For practitioners, he discusses what should be considered when evaluating a patient whose tinnitus might be the result of ototoxicity, as well as ways to support patients so they have positive interactions and outcomes as they navigate the healthcare system. 

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SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT: Robert M. DiSogra, AuD

In this podcast, Dr. DiSogra, an audiologist for 39 years and frequent lecturer on the topic of tinnitus and ototoxicity, reveals what every person with tinnitus and every hearing healthcare professional should know about this largely unregulated industry, issues with ingredients, and the efficacy of the products. Promises of relief and the desire to try anything to quiet the sound of tinnitus have fueled a lucrative market for over-the-counter dietary supplements, or nutraceuticals, aimed at the millions of Americans bothered by tinnitus.

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