Papers by Melissa Carbonell Montero
The Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 2005
Chronic tinnitus is experienced by 10%-15% of the population, of which only about 20% require cli... more Chronic tinnitus is experienced by 10%-15% of the population, of which only about 20% require clinical intervention. People requiring intervention have different levels of need, ranging from the provision of basic information to long-term, individualized treatment. We address this clinical need by outlining a five-level "progressive intervention" approach to the management of tinnitus that would provide a systematic framework for treatment by audiologists. At each level, patients must be appropriately referred-usually to otolaryngology, psychology, and/or psychiatry. Level 1 is an interview method of screening for determining if the person requires clinical intervention (and addressing basic questions). Level 2 is the provision of structured group educational counseling. If the screening determines that care is urgently required or if further help is needed following the group session(s), a tinnitus intake assessment (Level 3) should be performed. The intake assessment, wh...
The Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 2007
The main component of tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) is structured counseling. We conducted a ... more The main component of tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) is structured counseling. We conducted a randomized clinical trial to test the hypothesis that group educational counseling based on TRT principles would effectively treat veterans who have clinically significant tinnitus. Veterans with clinically significant tinnitus were randomized into one of three groups: educational counseling, traditional support, and no treatment. Subjects in the first two groups attended four 1.5 h group sessions each week. All subjects completed outcome questionnaires at baseline and at 1, 6, and 12 mo. A total of 269 subjects participated: 94 in the educational counseling group, 84 in the traditional support group, and 91 in the no-treatment group. Statistical analyses showed that educational counseling provided significantly more benefit than either traditional support or no treatment, as measured by the Tinnitus Severity Index. Results suggest that group educational counseling can significantly benefit many tinnitus patients and could be integral to a "progressive intervention" approach to tinnitus clinical management.
Uploads
Papers by Melissa Carbonell Montero