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Review
. 2023 Jun 22;45(1):4-28.
doi: 10.1055/s-0043-1770140. eCollection 2024 Feb.

History of Tinnitus Research at the VA National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research (NCRAR), 1997-2021: Studies and Key Findings

James A Henry  1   2 , Robert L Folmer  1   2 , Tara L Zaugg  1 , Sarah M Theodoroff  1   2 , Candice M Quinn  1   3   4 , Kelly M Reavis  1   5 , Emily J Thielman  1 , Kathleen F Carlson  1   5   6
Affiliations
Review

History of Tinnitus Research at the VA National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research (NCRAR), 1997-2021: Studies and Key Findings

James A Henry et al. Semin Hear. .

Abstract

The Veterans Affairs (VA) Rehabilitation Research & Development (RR&D) National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research (NCRAR) was first funded by the RR&D Service in 1997 and has been funded continuously since that time. The overall purpose of the NCRAR is to "improve the quality of life of Veterans and others with hearing and balance problems through clinical research, technology development, and education that leads to better patient care" ( www.ncrar.research.va.gov ). An important component of the research conducted at the NCRAR has been a focus on clinical and rehabilitative aspects of tinnitus. Multiple investigators have received grants to conduct tinnitus research and the present article provides an overview of this research from the NCRAR's inception through 2021.

Keywords: assessment; intervention; research; review; tinnitus.

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Conflict of interest statement

CONFLICT OF INTEREST None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
A “vicious circle” of symptoms that is often associated with severe cases of tinnitus.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Dr. Robert Folmer administers repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to a study participant.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Five stepped-care levels of PTM. Level 1: Referral is for properly routing patients who complain of tinnitus. Level 2: Audiologic evaluation is the basic assessment level conducted by audiologists for any patient with chronic/persistent tinnitus. Level 3: Skills education is the first intervention level, and normally addresses the needs of patients requiring intervention for their bothersome tinnitus. If Level 3 is insufficient, then Level 4: Interdisciplinary evaluation is recommended, involving in-depth assessment by both an audiologist and a psychologist. Level 5: Individualized support provides options for intervention, including extending the Level 3 intervention, focusing just on sound therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy, or providing a completely different form of intervention.
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