Conversations in Tinnitus Podcast

SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT: Elizabeth Beach, PhD TOPIC: Dr. Elizabeth Beach discusses large-scale research that reveals why clubs, bar, and music venues are playing music at higher volumes than what most people prefer. And while it might seem easy to raise awareness that results in quieter recreational music venues, Beach says it’s complicated, so safe listening initiatives require support at various levels to achieve change. As head of the Behavioral Sciences Department at the National Acoustics Laboratory in Australia, she studies recreational noise in the music and entertainment industry, strategies for encouraging safe listening for staff and patrons, and how to motivate young adults to protect their hearing.   If you are having problems streaming the media directly from our site, try using Chrome browser or read our listening instructions. Download Media View The Transcript

SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT: Jennifer Gans, PhD TOPIC: Jennifer Gans, PhD and licensed psychologist, launched the Mindfulness-Based Tinnitus Stress Reduction (MBTSR) program to teach mindfulness meditation skills to people bothered by chronic tinnitus. With practice, Gans contends that bothersome tinnitus can be addressed effectively, opening the door to a renewed sense of hope and empowerment. She also discusses research that explains how mindfulness meditation strengthens the brain’s ability to respond more neutrally to negative stimuli, such as tinnitus, anxiety and fear.       If you are having problems streaming the media directly from our site, try using Chrome browser or read our listening instructions. Download Media View The Transcript

SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT: Bruce Hubbard, PhD TOPIC: For more than 20 years, Dr. Bruce Hubbard has helped people improve their lives using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and relational therapy strategies. He explains how CBT, acceptance commitment therapy (ACT), and mindfulness are applied to treatment of tinnitus and what patients should expect. As someone with tinnitus, Dr. Hubbard offers a unique perspective on the challenges and process of habituation, as well as the importance of early intervention. He also discusses the audiologist’s role and assessing when to refer a tinnitus patient to a mental-health provider.     If you are having problems streaming the media directly from our site, try using Chrome browser or read our listening instructions. Download Media View The Transcript

SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS: Markku Vesala and Hazel Goedhart of TinnitusTalk TOPIC: Markku Vesala, founder of Tinnitus Talk, and Hazel Goedhart, content strategist, discuss how the online support forum began in 2011, its mission and goals, as well as their own journeys with tinnitus. Both note that internet forums pose a unique challenge in terms of questionable advice as well as causing some members to fixate on their tinnitus. Nonetheless, the online community can provide a sense of connection and meaning for people with tinnitus.    *Online tinnitus support forums can encourage important communication about the condition, thereby providing a sense of community and empowerment. However, with no gate-keeping mechanism to manage misinformation, it's critical that forum visitors crosscheck information with credible tinnitus websites that vet content, particularly for individuals who recently developed tinnitus or are suffering from depression. False information can contribute to increased tinnitus distress, anxiety, purchases of useless products, and delay in seeking appropriate research-based treatment for its management.   If you are having problems streaming the media directly from our site, try using Chrome browser or read our listening instructions. Download Media View The Transcript

Dr. DiSogra continues his conversation on the topic of ototoxicity and tinnitus, helping the listener to anticipate potential problems related to certain drugs and what should be done if a medication seems to have triggered or aggravated tinnitus. He highlights resources and steps people should know to better manage tinnitus and other health issues that require medication. For practitioners, he discusses what should be considered when evaluating a patient whose tinnitus might be the result of ototoxicity, as well as ways to support patients so they have positive interactions and outcomes as they navigate the healthcare system.          If you are having problems streaming the media directly from our site, try using Chrome browser or read our listening instructions. Download Media View The Transcript

SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT: Robert M. DiSogra, AuD In this podcast, Dr. DiSogra, an audiologist for 39 years and frequent lecturer on the topic of tinnitus and ototoxicity, reveals what every person with tinnitus and every hearing healthcare professional should know about this largely unregulated industry, issues with ingredients, and the efficacy of the products. Promises of relief and the desire to try anything to quiet the sound of tinnitus have fueled a lucrative market for over-the-counter dietary supplements, or nutraceuticals, aimed at the millions of Americans bothered by tinnitus.     If you are having problems streaming the media directly from our site, try using Chrome browser or read our listening instructions. Download Media View The Transcript

SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT: Susan Shore, PhD After 20 years of painstaking research, Dr. Shore made national headlines this year with groundbreaking research results that showed positive effects in tinnitus treatment using bimodal stimulation. She heads the team of researchers at the University of Michigan, where it was discovered that “touch”-sensitive (somatosensory) neurons in the auditory region of the brain become hyperactive and synchronized with each other in guinea pigs and humans with tinnitus. The team’s preliminary studies found that bimodal stimulation, which calms neurons using specially-timed multisensory stimulation, reduces tinnitus distress and loudness. In the fall, her team will begin the next phase of research, with the goal of replicating earlier results and gaining Food and Drug Administration approval for commercialization of the technique.       If you are having problems streaming the media directly from our site, try using Chrome browser or read our listening instructions. Download Media View The Transcript

Our 5th podcast features Glenn Schweitzer, a best-selling author and blogger on tinnitus and Meniere’s disease. Schweitzer was a college student when the sudden onset of Meniere’s disease destroyed his vision of having a productive life. He shares how this life-altering disease aggravated his tinnitus and necessitated a radical change in lifestyle, focus, and commitment to helping others with both conditions. Listeners will hear his story and what motivated him to become an advocate for greater awareness and help for those with bothersome tinnitus and Meniere’s disease.    If you are having problems streaming the media directly from our site, try using Chrome browser or read our listening instructions. Download Media View The Transcript

Our 4th podcast features Dr. Larry Roberts, an emeritus professor at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. Dr. Roberts discusses cutting-edge research in neuroscience that points to understanding possible causes of tinnitus, including cochlear pathology, hidden hearing loss at high frequencies, and synaptopathy. He also shares compelling findings on teenagers with tinnitus that suggest links to hyperacusis. Thoughts are shared on how recent research, in such areas as transcranial magnetic stimulation or procedures designed to harness neural plasticity, might be translated into clinical treatments.   Listen online by clicking play on the player below or by subscribing on your favorite podcatcher. If you are having problems streaming the media directly from our site, try using Chrome browser or read our listening instructions. Download Media A transcript to aid in listening is available through the following link: View the Transcript

Listen to Training Clinicians in Tinnitus Care – ATA’s second “Conversations in Tinnitus” podcast – that discusses the ongoing drive to educate audiologists and other health-care professionals in tinnitus treatment options, past and present research, and the importance of professional networking. Dr. Richard Tyler, our featured guest, also touches on his past research, obstacles to care, and his upcoming “Management of the Tinnitus & Hyperacusis Patient” conference at the University of Iowa, which runs June 15-16, 2017. The 30-minute episode is a conversation with Dr. Richard Tyler, a well-known researcher and professor at the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. His international conference is an annual event, which is celebrating its 25th year. The transcript, which can be accessed through the link, is available as a listening aid.   Listen online by clicking play on the player below or by subscribing on your favorite podcatcher.     If you are having problems streaming the media directly from our site, try using Chrome browser or read our listening instructions. Download Media View the Transcript