Guest Lecture: Dr. Melton

Tinnitus

ringing in ear(s)

_____ kinds of different sounds can be involved with tinnitus

200

Is there a cure for tinnitus? How can it be treated

No cure; management strategies and options

Out of ____% of people who have tinnitus, only _____% are bothered enough to seek medical attention

-100%
-20%

Who is not on the tinnitus management team?

SLPs; they refer them to AuDs

Tinnitus Management Team

ENT, AuD, and Psychologist

Tinnitus is ________ by an event (stressor)

triggered

Scenarios for Tinnitus include:

-Stub toe
-chemo
-someone who really wanted T. Swift tickets and couldn't get them

Approximately ___ in ___ people experience _______; is it common or uncommon?

Approx. 1 in 7 people experience TINNITUS; common

What can worsen tinnitus?

-Significant Stress
-High Caffeine/Sodium
-Sudden Hearing Loss

What is a part of tinnitus management?

hearing aids, counseling, and lifestyle adjustment

People with tinnitus are at risk for _________ _______ and ______ _______ because...

People with tinnitus are at risk for SUICIDAL IDEATION and SUICIDAL INTENT because they want the noises to stop

Name someone who committed suicide because of tinnitus and why

CEO of Texas Roadhouse committed because of tinnitus and invalidation of the issue by AuD

What is the recommendation for someone with new complaint of tinnitus and otoscopy showing occluding cerumen?

refer cerumen removal

Cerumen

ear wax; good for ear

Should cerumen be left in ear or taken out? Why?

Cerumen is beneficial: natural moisturizer, traps foreign bodies, deters bugs from getting in your ear (certain aroma) H

How do your ears get cleaned?

Naturally comes out while sleeping (laying onside, leaning in shower, and gravity naturally; floating around)

What is a common complaint in dry states/areas?

Dry ears

When is it okay to put a q-tip in ear? Why?

NEVER; risks cotton tip in ear, puncturing ear drum

What to use instead of q-tips?

use softening agent to flush out wax or don't touch it

What are unacceptable cerumen removal methods?

house key, q-tip

What are acceptable cerumen removal methods?

suction equipment, lighted curette, and forceps

Characteristics of healthy eardrum

clear translucent drum w/ ear bones behind

Occluding Cerumen

can't see ear drum; dark; surrounds canal