Tinnitus
"you don't have to live with it" - Rae
Quick stats:
Female
Age: 45-49yo
Audiology need to know: essentially normal hearing with a mild-moderate noise notch in the extended high frequency range of audiogram 10k to 20k Hz, troublesome tinnitus, vestibular migraines, auditory processing deficits (APD)
Likes: to get stuff done. Career in a role that requires critical problem-solving skills, accuracy and long hours. Like a spy agent, but not a spy agent.
Dislikes: ego’s in the workplace. Being away from her dogs.
Goals: reduce (or stop) tinnitus, improve APD, improve hearing and listening in background noise, improve quality of life.
Rae's story
Rae was referred to me by her GP. Rae had experienced tinnitus for over a decade, and it was impacting her quality of life and mental health. In our initial appointment, I quickly understood the healthcare goals and could see Rae would be motivated to work toward these. After our detailed tinnitus assessment and discussing their results, Rae understood the complexity of tinnitus and the involvement of the peripheral and central systems of the ear and hearing (the role of the ear and pathways of the brain that contributed to tinnitus). The symptoms Rae experienced were not in isolation, other healthcare factors contributed to the tinnitus, however these will not be disclosed in this story.
It's important to know that Rae also had a diagnosis of vestibular migraines which impacted quality of sleep and their response to stressful situations, for example extended hours at work. Rae reported living with an on-going headache daily. Her vestibular migraine diagnosis came from a medico, and her rehab with an exercise physiologist was going ok. What is really important to understand is the ear, hearing and balance can all work together and how they impact each other. Additionally, understanding the medications you are taking and how these impact all area’s of your health is vital.
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During the results discussion I recommended Rae undertake my tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT). Explaining the audiological rehabilitation options Rae had, they were motivated to progress to TRT with sound generators. When delivered correctly, TRT works extremely well for these symptoms. At the initial sound generator fitting appointment therapy was delivered and expectations set for TRT. At the follow up appointments, results of reduced tinnitus loudness, reduced headaches and no ‘brain fog’ were experienced within 2 weeks. I felt proud that Rae was adhering extremely well to the TRT and Rae was in disbelief. We each shed a happy tear in this appointment. Knowing what can be achieved is one thing, but hearing and seeing the improvement and achievements from my clients is a truly momentous occasion. It never ceases to amaze me that with dedication to the TRT program, Rae reports feeling the tinnitus some days “is not there”.
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The disbelief of waiting this long to find a solution and not having to live daily with these symptoms was incredible for Rae. It is important to note that TRT doesn’t always see results this quickly, numerous factors contribute to tinnitus loudness, and it is important to understand the causes of these, in Rae’s case results have been on-going (they have lived with tinnitus for many years) and improvement over the 2 months have been exceptional.
Take home message: consistency with TRT is key. As the brain is plastic (able to change) you can experience changes quickly, generally it can take 3 months of consistent TRT to experience benefit.
Rae has been for their follow-up tinnitus appointment and the improvements to quality of life, sleep and tinnitus have been huge. They have seen the GP and various other medico’s and with these stark improvements they have been able to continue to work (work well), live with less vestibular migraine and symptoms (from having a severe attack to 2 mild vestibular migraine symptoms since starting TRT) and continue to improve all aspects of life. .
Rae has submitted a google review that reads like this:
“I was referred and found Kathryn as a clinical audiologist. I have Vestibular migraines which has caused constant tinnitus and possibly some audio processing issues and as an adult was having issues finding someone on Perth to assist. Kathryn was not only able to see me she has started treating me. I can't believe you don't need to live with tinnitus anymore and my migraines aren't so bad. Kathryn is very friendly and welcoming, through and really listens to your concerns. She has a great knowledge and passion for hearing and the vestibular system. She has a lovely clinic and the whole process from booking to assessment was seamless. Kathryn explains treatment options and is always available to assist when you are at home completing your rehab or technologically inept. Gp referrals gets you Medicare and health fund rebates. Highly recommend Kathryn im so glad I have found her. Thank you Kathryn your a life safer.”
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These kind and generous words really make me love my role as a clinical audiologist. I always advise friends, family and people when they ask about hearing healthcare, make sure you choose an audiologist you can work with for life. The reality is, we will all experience hearing and listening issues, may be on-going troublesome tinnitus, maybe some balance issues, the key is to find an audiologist you can work with to help you achieve your goals.
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What I love about Rae’s words are “you don’t have to live with it”, and I see these results when working with my clients. I don’t take many tinnitus clients on per month. Mostly because I like to keep the TRT personal and invest a lot of my clinical time into your rehab program, truth be told I also balance my clinical workload with the other stuff I love in audiology care (ear wax removals and hearing aid re-evaluations!!).
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Why is it important to seek a Tinnitus Retraining Therapy certified audiologist? This is a key point of difference, and this is why the therapy works. Many audiologists can work with hearing loss, but not with tinnitus and certainly not with tinnitus and hearing loss well. The additional training has improved my overall knowledge of how the brain and psychological aspects are linked to tinnitus, additionally, understanding the TRT options that are available for tinnitus is key to improving your quality of life with tinnitus.
Thank you to Rae for generously letting me share this important story of success. When I see Rae’s name in my diary it brings a smile to me. I know we are going to have a candid, open chat about what’s happening in their life and I know we will work on improving quality of life.