National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research (NCRAR)

Resources

Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

The method of Progressive Tinnitus Management (PTM) was developed by NCRAR researchers over 10 years ago. It is a stepped-care method of tinnitus management, meaning that people with tinnitus receive the level of services that are required by the severity of their condition. Please click on the below links for access to PTM materials.

• Educational video about tinnitus "Ringing in the Ears: What Can I do About It?"
• Tinnitus Questions and Answers (brochure)
• How to Manage Your Tinnitus: A Step-by-Step Workbook
• Progressive Tinnitus Management (PTM) Videos
• Session 1 with Audiologist: Using Sound Part 1 
• Session 2 with Psychologist: Stress and Distraction
• Session 3 with Audiologist: Using Sound Part 2
• Session 4 with Psychologist: Changing Thoughts Part 1
• Session 5 with Psychologist: Changing Thoughts Part 2
  
  

 Hearing and Hearing Loss

• How does the Brain Help Us Hear? (brochure) (Gallun/Saunders)
• Hearing Conservation (brochure) (Dann/Saunders)
• Tips for Improving your Listening Experience (brochure) (Lewis/Saunders) 
• Hearing Aids: The Basics (brochure) (O'Connell Bennett/Saunders)

Balance

• Dizziness and Balance (brochure) (Kampel/Saunders) 

VA Audiology Services 

Your VA Audiology Service may offer the following services:

• Diagnostic hearing tests
• Evaluations for hearing aids including bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA)
• Screening for cochlear implantation eligibility
• Hearing aid fittings, adjustments, programming
• Hearing aid maintenance
• Balance assessment (requires referral from Ear, Nose, and Throat)
• Tinnitus assessment and management

All enrolled Veterans are eligible for a hearing test. To be eligible for hearing aids, you must meet one of the following criteria:

1. Be enrolled and vested with the VA Healthcare System, or
2. Be service-connected for any condition at least 10%, or
3. Be service-connected for hearing loss, tinnitus or ear disease at any percentage.

What types of hearing aids does the VA offer?

The VA works with virtually all of the major world hearing aid manufacturers providing the latest in technology packaged in a variety of different styles and features. VA audiologists work with each patient to determine the severity of hearing loss, abilities, and lifestyle to find the best hearing devices for each person.

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