Abstract - Guide to conducting tinnitus retraining therapy initial and follow-up interviews

Guide to conducting tinnitus retraining therapy initial and
follow-up interviews

James A. Henry, PhD; Margaret M. Jastreboff, PhD; Pawel J. Jastreboff, PhD, ScD; Martin A. Schechter, PhD; Stephen A. Fausti, PhD

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Rehabilitation Research and Development, National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research, VA Medical Center, Portland, OR; Department of Otolaryngology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR; Department of Otolaryngology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA; Audiology and Speech Pathology Service, VA Medical Center, Portland, OR

Abstract — Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) is a structured method of tinnitus treatment that has been performed since 1990. The TRT Initial Interview form was developed to guide clinicians in obtaining essential information from patients that would specify treatment needs. The TRT Follow-up Interview form is similar to the initial interview form and is designed to evaluate outcomes of treatment. The clinician administers these forms verbally. The forms have been used in a highly abbreviated format with the potential for inconsistent interview administration between examiners. This project was to expand the forms to provide specific wording for each question. The expanded forms are presented in this article, and the intent of each question is explained. Standardized administration of these interview forms will facilitate greater uniformity in the initial evaluation and outcomes analyses of patients treated with TRT.

Key words: audiology, diagnosis, hyperacusis, questionnaires, therapeutics, tinnitus.