Audiology/Otolaryngology/hearing aids and tinnitus

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Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 4/15/2008


Question
Hi:  Can in-the-ear aids worsen tinnitus?  Are behing the ear aids safer to use when you have tinnitus?
Also, have you heard of a NEUROMONICS device called the "oasis" that relieves tinnitus symptoms?  Does it work?

Answer
Hi John,
I've really never heard of one type of hearing aid that would make tinnitus worse. Usually hearing aids have the opposite effect, that by bringing more sound to the ears, the wearer is less aware of the tinnitus. It is very important that whatever hearing aid you do wear, that it is not set too loud.
For your second question - Yes, I am quite familiar with Neuromonics.  It is not only a device, but an entire program. The idea behind it is to use personalized sounds to retrain the way you "hear" your tinnitus and help you adapt, or "habituate," to it. One advantage of Neuromonics is the way it can be used. Patients only have to wear the device for about 2-4 hours each day. The entire program takes about a year to a year and a half and it can be expensive. Several of my colleagues use it and they have found it to be quite successful. It you chose to try it, be sure to get an audiologist who has been thoroughly trained.  You can check it out at http://www.neuromonics.com/
Hope this helps.

Harriet B Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified Doctor of Audiology

Audiology/Otolaryngology

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Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D.

Expertise

I am a Board Certified Doctor of Audiology with 25 years of experience. I can answer questions regarding hearing loss, both general and specific, dizziness and vertigo, auditory processing disorders, hearing aids, aural rehabilitation as well as specialized audiologic testing, i.e., Auditory Brainstem Response, VideoNystagmography, Otoacoutic Emissions. I have worked with both pediatric and adult populations. Because of my extensive musical background, I am able to respond to questions regarding the special needs of musicians.

Experience

I have been an audiologist for over 25 years with a specialty in electrophysiology of the auditory and vestibular systems and pediatric evaluations. I currently work in my private consulting practice providing services to nursing homes and schools. My Doctoral research was on specialized techniques in Auditory Brainstem Responses.

Organizations
American Academy of Audiology, - American Speech Language Hearing Association, - Hearing Loss Association of America

Education/Credentials
Au.D. (Doctor of Audiology), Nova Southeastern University, 2000. Board Certified Doctor of Audiology (American Board of Audiology) Certificate in Audiology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

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