Course Abstract & Learning Objectives

This mini-course gives hearing care professionals a clear, practical foundation for evaluating and managing tinnitus. You’ll learn the key classification systems (subjective/objective, pulsatile/non-pulsatile, primary/secondary, acute/chronic) and when findings warrant medical referral. We translate leading neural models (central gain, tonotopic map reorganization, cognitive-behavioral) into patient-friendly explanations you can use chairside. We also cover epidemiology, common etiologies—including hidden hearing loss—and real-world aggravating factors such as somatosensory modulation, hearing changes, mental health, lifestyle, and noise exposure. You’ll leave with a straightforward assessment workflow—history taking plus THI/TFI, THS, and quick visual analog scales—alongside management strategies you can implement immediately: informational counseling, amplification and sound therapy, sound enrichment, neuromodulation basics, CBT referral, and stress-reduction techniques. The result is a confident, evidence-based approach to helping patients reduce distress, improve communication, and reclaim quality of life.

  • Differentiate key tinnitus classifications (subjective vs. objective, pulsatile vs. non-pulsatile, primary vs. secondary, acute vs. chronic) and identify when referral to a physician is warranted.

  • Apply evidence-based assessment tools, including case history, otoscopy, comprehensive hearing evaluation, THI/TFI, THS, and visual analog scales—to evaluate tinnitus severity and patient impact.

  • Implement practical management strategies, such as counseling, amplification, sound therapy, sound enrichment, neuromodulation, CBT referral, and stress reduction—to reduce patient distress and improve quality of life.

Continuing Education


Instructor

Dany Pineault

Tinnitus Audiologist

Dany Pineault, AuD, Reg CASLPO Dany Pineault, AuD, Reg CASLPO, is a dedicated audiologist with over 25 years of clinical experience in private and non-profit organizations, specializing in managing tinnitus and hyperacusis. Serving as an adjunct assistant professor in the Post-Professional Doctor of Audiology online program at A.T. Still University–Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS), Dany imparts his expertise while developing courses covering the theoretical and clinical foundations of tinnitus and hyperacusis evaluation and management, including the relationship between age-related hearing loss and cognitive decline. His nomination for the ATSU-ASHS Alumni Scholar Award recognizes his substantial contributions to advancing knowledge in clinical audiology, particularly in the domain of tinnitus. Beyond clinical and academic work, Dany has contributed to hearing health research as a research advisor for Statistics Canada, participating in the development of three Health Reports on hearing health problems. His ongoing commitment to education was recently highlighted when he served as a guest expert on the Widex podcast, sharing his expertise in tinnitus assessment and management. Dany Pineault stands out as a content expert, with published articles on topics including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hearing and the management of older adults with cognitive health concerns. His work has been featured in esteemed publications such as The Hearing Journal, Audiologists Today, Natus Medical, and the Phonak Audiology Blog.

How Do I Take This Course

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