PP1403 - Benefits of a Tinnitus Education Session for Participants and Future Audiologists

Abstract:
We launched a tinnitus education program, offered three times a year at a local senior center by AuD students, to educate individuals with tinnitus, providing essential information, and enhancing the counseling skills of AuD graduate clinicians. The program covered tinnitus mechanisms, causes, prevalence, impacts, treatment, coping strategies, and resources. Exit surveys showed strong participant satisfaction with the session and individual takeaways. The program also positively impacted audiology graduate students, improving their tinnitus and counseling skills. We believe that this initiative promises to improve tinnitus management in participants and enhance AuD students' development.

Summary:
Tinnitus, a prevalent condition often associated with hearing loss, lacks the awareness and attention it deserves in comparison to hearing evaluations and amplification options. Audiologists sometimes struggle with limited confidence due to inadequate tinnitus knowledge and the absence of tinnitus consultation experiences during AuD programs. To address these challenges faced by both individuals with tinnitus and AuD students, we initiated a tinnitus education program at a local senior center, led by audiology graduate students. This study aimed to equip individuals experiencing tinnitus with essential information and management skills while enhancing the counseling skills of AuD graduate clinicians.

We launched a two-hour tinnitus education session, which takes place three times annually at the local senior center. These sessions, led by AuD student presenters under clinical supervision, encompass three parts: participants share their tinnitus experiences, followed by discussions on hearing, hearing loss, and tinnitus mechanisms. The next section explores tinnitus causes, prevalence, impacts, and treatment, involving participants in group activities with the Tinnitus Primary Function Questionnaire. The final segment introduces tinnitus activity treatment, encompassing sound therapy, and counseling, and emphasizes effective reactions to tinnitus. We also discussed valuable resources, including the American Tinnitus Association. Audience questions are welcome throughout and after the session.

To assess the session's effectiveness, participants complete an 11-question exit survey, encompassing demographics, hearing loss, tinnitus experiences, and satisfaction with the session. Open-ended questions capture insights into key takeaways and areas of interest for future sessions. An exit survey for audiology graduate students measures their experiences and confidence in tinnitus topics before and after leading the sessions, along with an open-ended feedback question.

In this study, 23 participants provided feedback on the tinnitus education session. Most were aged 65-84, with some in the 45-64 age range and one over 85. Tinnitus duration varied, with some for 1-3 years and others for over a decade. Most found the support group meeting informative and helpful, with 17 strongly agreeing and the rest in agreement. Nineteen were very satisfied with the session's organization and facilitation, while the others expressed satisfaction.

Participants were interested in various aspects of tinnitus, including its causes, treatment options, and its link to hearing loss. In open-ended responses, some mentioned beneficial coping strategies like sound therapy and noise masking apps for sleep and concentration. Others stressed managing the emotional impact of tinnitus positively. Many expressed a strong likelihood of attending future tinnitus-related events, indicating the value of these support group meetings. Additionally, the tinnitus education program had a positive impact on audiology graduate students, enhancing their confidence and knowledge in tinnitus and counseling. Their experiences and feedback underscore the value of hands-on tinnitus education for professional development.

In summary, our tinnitus education program shows promise in addressing the challenges of tinnitus awareness and management. By providing crucial knowledge to those with tinnitus and enhancing the counseling skills of AuD students, we aim to make a positive impact on individuals affected by tinnitus and equip future audiologists.