Gassia Jakmakjian, M. P.A., audiologist
Manon Trudel, M. Sc. A., audiologist
Tinnitus, Hypo-hyperaccusis Center
As audiologists, we must question all our clients about the presence of otologic symptoms, i.e. auditory loss, vertigo, tinnitus, as well as the effects on their daily lives. Most of the 78,000 Quebecers afflicted by this symptom are also quick to add: "I suffer from tinnitus and my physician told me that there's nothing that can be done. I have to learn to live with it. I'm devasted"
Some audiologists may also have a tendency to avoid the subject when explaining results and recommendations, regardless of the clients involved or with certain types of clienteles, such has children, people whose mental health has been affected, etc.
Why are we uncomfortable addressing this topic? Is it because we lack time? Maybe. Or is it because we are accustomed to having a treatment for every medical problem and we know that no universal surgical treatment or "magic" pill exists yet to cure tinnitus? What we forget is that the information an audiologist can give people on tinnitus is most often the best" remedy" for reassuring them. One need only take five minutes to invalidate the myths related to tinnitus: tinnitus will not deteriorate an existing auditory loss or lead to deafness; it will not necessarily increase in intensity; hearing aids do not amplify the perception of tinnitus; etc.
Given the prevalence of this symptom, we hope this issue will inform certain speech-language pathologists and especially make audiologists more comfortable in their role as health professionals so they can explain to clients and people around them that tinnitus may be closely linked to some auditory system pathologies as well as to general health (diabetes, anxiety, etc.). Audiologists should also inform their clients about the factors that could increase the intensity of tinnitus, namely exposure to personal and professional noises including loud music, as well as increased consumption of salt, monosodium glutamate, caffeine including some energy drinks, etc.
Needless to say, clients are most reassured when learning that different therapeutic approaches exist. We can attest to the general relief felt when amplification through hearing aids, music and environmental noises is achieved using a safe volume level. For clients requiring more extensive interventions, the audiologist may then refer these individuals to private or public institutions so they can consider other instrumental approaches, including the use of noise generators and tinnitus maskers, as well as the different cognitive-behavioral approaches.
All in all, these few minutes of information help our clients overcome the initial shock, better manage tinnitus, and accept the "mourning of silence" more quickly.
Fréquences, vol. 20 n° 4, mars 2009 • Les acouphènes