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Tinnitus and Hyperacusis ProgramTinnitus is the perception of sound inside the head, sometimes described as high-pitched ringing, buzzing, chirping, or clicking. Hyperacusis is an abnormal intolerance to sounds. Often these conditions occur together. Both tinnitus and hyperacusis can greatly impact an individual's ability to perform daily tasks or enjoy life. The American Tinnitus Association estimates that as many as 50 million Americans experience tinnitus. Penn Medicine's Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Program is part of the Division of Audiology within the Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. Located at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, the Program focuses on state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment of these challenging problems. The Program's multidisciplinary team of expert clinicians and specialists is comprised of both audiologists certified in Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) and renowned physicians in the field of hearing disorders. Patients also have access to specialists within the Department of Penn Behavioral Health if deemed necessary. Diagnosis, Evaluation and Treatment ServicesAlthough there is no known cure for tinnitus and hyperacusis, there are various treatment options available to patients. The ultimate goal of the Program is to provide a comprehensive, individualized evaluation and treatment plan specifically tailored for each patient. A significant component of the treatment strategy focuses on decreasing the patient's awareness and perception of their tinnitus. Each individual interested in participating in the treatment program must receive medical clearance from an otorhinolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat physician) in addition to a comprehensive hearing test to assess for hearing loss. It is important to determine that an underlying medical condition causing the tinnitus has been ruled out before embarking on selected treatment recommendations.Diagnostic ServicesThe patient's first appointment consists of a comprehensive two-hour evaluation that includes detailed questionnaires, a thorough patient interview, measurement of the patient's tinnitus perception and sound tolerance levels, otoacoustic emissions, and a discussion of all test results. Additionally, time is spent on patient education, discussion of tinnitus generation theories, tinnitus interference with daily life tasks, and the options for sound therapy treatment to decrease the perception of tinnitus. Treatment OptionsIf sound therapy is determined to be appropriate for the patient following the diagnostic testing, the individual will schedule additional appointments for both the fitting of the sound device(s) used for therapy and for the monitoring of treatment progress. The options for sound therapy offered through the Program include:
The audiologist and patient work together to determine which device option is most appropriate in order to generate the best result. Patients who opt for a sound therapy device are followed closely for 12 months at pre-determined intervals, allowing for ongoing counseling and monitoring of progress. AppointmentsTo learn more about the Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Program or to schedule an appointment, please e-mail audiology@uphs.upenn.edu or call 215-662-6525. LocationsPenn Medicine Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Team Members
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