Friday Audiogram: Unmasking Tinnitus with Dr. Alexandra Tarvin

Ever wonder why your ears won't stop ringing? The answer might surprise you. 

Welcome to our brand-new Friday Audiogram series! Every week, we'll deliver a concentrated 7-10 minute dose of hearing healthcare wisdom you can enjoy anywhere—even while standing in line at the grocery store. These bite-sized episodes bring you essential insights from our extensive catalog of conversations with industry leaders.

In this inaugural Friday Audiogram, we tackle the complex relationship between tinnitus and hearing loss. Many patients mistakenly believe their tinnitus prevents them from hearing properly, but the reality often runs in the opposite direction. As Dr. Tarvin expertly explains, for many people, hearing loss comes first, with tinnitus developing as a symptom of that auditory deficit. This "chicken or egg" relationship requires careful unraveling during patient consultations.

We also explore the power of motivational interviewing in hearing healthcare. By asking open-ended questions like "Tell me your story," practitioners can uncover crucial information about patients' true concerns. This patient-centered approach helps distinguish between perceived problems and actual underlying issues, leading to more effective treatment plans.

Dr. Tarvin shares her personal journey to tinnitus specialization, which began when she recognized gaps in her knowledge while trying to help distressed patients. Her background in neuroscience provided the perfect foundation for exploring tinnitus management—where audiology intersects with cognitive health and emotional wellbeing.

The Hearing Matters podcast has grown beyond our wildest expectations, now reaching listeners in over 4,100 cities across 212 countries. We're grateful for every one of you who presses play and shares these conversations. Subscribe now to catch every Friday Audiogram and join our global community of hearing health advocates, professionals, and patients.

Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast Team

Email: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com

Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast

Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast