Progressive Tinnitus Management Level 3 Skills Education: A 10-Year Clinical Retrospective

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Mental Health

Background:

• Tinnitus affects a significant number of Veterans.
• Effective management strategies are crucial for improving quality of life.
• Long-term adherence to tinnitus management skills requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the long-term utilization (6-10 years) of Progressive Tinnitus Management (PTM) Level 3 skills among Veterans.
• To evaluate the impact of sustained PTM skill use on self-reported well-being.
• To compare outcomes between face-to-face and clinical video telehealth (CVT) delivery of PTM.

Main Methods:

• A follow-up survey was mailed to Veterans who completed PTM workshops between 2010-2014.
• Data collected on PTM skill utilization and self-reported well-being.
• Veterans categorized by care delivery method: face-to-face vs. CVT.

Main Results:

• Over half of respondents used all four PTM skills up to 10 years post-workshop; relaxation was most common.
• Approximately 69% reported improved ability to control tinnitus reactions; at least half reported improved well-being.
• CVT recipients reported similar or better coping and well-being outcomes compared to face-to-face, despite using fewer skills.

Conclusions:

• PTM Level 3 skills demonstrate sustained utilization and effectiveness for tinnitus management up to 10 years post-intervention.
• Veterans show improved tinnitus coping and well-being, indicating successful long-term management.
• CVT is a viable delivery method for PTM, yielding comparable positive outcomes to traditional face-to-face care.