Research-based tinnitus treatment

Phantom auditory perception (1) has often featured in the research literature to describe tinnitus and the intangible, endogenous nature of this involuntary sensation. As global knowledge and awareness about tinnitus has increased, its definition has experienced a corresponding change; to also include and consider the complex, interplay between networked brain systems (2). This aligns with shifts in understanding and continuing developments in translational research-based treatment options for tinnitus management (3). Tinnitus treatment has advanced from traditional, ear or temporal lobe-centric models to multidisciplinary approaches (4) and investigation into tinnitus subgroups (5)—acknowledging potential contributions of non-auditory centres in the brain and interconnections from various systems (6) such as somatosensory. Present tinnitus management strategies are informed by previous and on-going research (3), clinical findings, aetiology and importantly, individual needs. As the causal nature of tinnitus can vary from presbycusis to head injury, and the harnessing of technology and innovation continues to introduce novel considerations focussed on improving or eradicating tinnitus, a growing number of treatment options have resulted. The aim of the presentation is to introduce a series of thematically organised, tinnitus management considerations informed by research. The expected learning outcomes involve 1) a greater knowledge of tinnitus treatment options associated with the following themes: Internet Strategies, Medical Management, Non-invasive Neurological Methods, Psychological and Counselling Therapies, Self-Help and Pervasive Healthcare Approaches, Sound Provision, and Neuroplasticity and Training Models; 2) a greater appreciation for the research informing such procedures. Please Note: The order of the presentation does not denote a hierarchy regarding clinical, research or theoretical support, nor is it meant to be exhaustive. 1. Jastreboff PJ. Phantom auditory perception (tinnitus): Mechanisms of generation and perception. Neuroscience Research. 1990;8:221-54. 2. De Ridder D, Vanneste S, Weisz N, Londero A, Schlee W, Elgoyhen AB, et al. An integrative model of auditory phantom perception: Tinnitus a s unified percept of interacting separable subnetworks. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews. 2014;44:16-32. 3. Hoare D, Kowalkowski VL, Kang S, Hall DA. Systematic review and meta-analyses or randomized controlled trials examining tinnitus management. The Laryngoscope. 2011;121(7):1555-64. 4. Baguley DM, Andersson G, McFerran D, McKenna L. Tinnitus: A Multidisciplinary Approach, Second Edition. West Sussex, UK: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.; 2013. 5. Schecklmann M, Lehner A, Poeppl TB, Kreuzer PM, Hajak G, Landgrebe M, et al. Cluster analysis for identifying sub-types of tinnitus: A positron emission tomography and voxel-based morphometry study. Brain Research. 2012;1485:3-9. 6. De Ridder D, Elgoyhen AB, Romo R, Langguth B. Phantom percepts: Tinnitus and pain as persisting aversive memory networks. Proceedings of the National Academy of Science of the United States of America. 2011;[Early Edition]:1-6