National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research (NCRAR)
Robert Folmer, Ph.D.
Telephone: 503.220.8262, x51868
Fax: 503-721-1402
E-Mail: Robert.Folmer@va.gov
Current Appointments
Research Investigator, NCRAR
COIN (Center of Innovation) Investigator, Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care (CIVIC), VA Portland Medical Center
Associate Scientist, Center for Regenerative Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University
Professor, Dept. of Otolaryngology, Oregon Health & Science University
Overview
Robert L. Folmer earned B.A. and M.A. degrees in biology from San Francisco State University. He received his Ph.D. in Speech and Hearing Science from the University of California, San Francisco. At U.C.S.F., he conducted numerous EEG and evoked potential studies and evaluations for the Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology, Otolaryngology, and Neurosurgery. He also provided neurophysiological monitoring services during brain and spinal surgeries. In 1997, he joined the Department of Otolaryngology at Oregon Health & Science University where he maintains an appointment of Associate Professor. At OHSU, Dr. Folmer was part of the team that developed the Dangerous Decibels hearing loss prevention education program. He joined the NCRAR in 2007 and now serves as Program Manager for the VA National Sleep Medicine Program. His research projects/interests include transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for relief of tinnitus; electrophysiological assessment of auditory processing; evaluation of auditory and cognitive functions in patients who have multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson Disease, or traumatic brain injury (TBI); epidemiology and effects of sleep apnea and insomnia in Veterans.
Current Projects
- Improving Access to Sleep Apnea Care: A Pragmatic Study of New Consultation Models, VA HSR&D, 8/1/2020-9/30/2025
Selected Publications
Folmer RL, Carroll JR, Rahim A, Shi Y, Martin WH. Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) on Chronic Tinnitus. Acta Otolaryngol. 2006;126:96-101.
Folmer RL. Noise-induced hearing loss in young people. Pediatrics 2006; 117(1):248-249.
Folmer RL, Carroll JR. Long-term effectiveness of ear-level devices for tinnitus. Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. 2006;134(1):132-137.
Folmer RL. Ringing-in-the-Ears: Hope and Help for Tinnitus Sufferers. Hearing Health. 2006;22(1):42-45.
Folmer RL. Hearing Loss and High-Speed Dental Tools. Br Dental J 2006; 201:259.
Folmer RL, Carroll JR, Rahim A, Shi Y, Martin WH. Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) on Chronic Tinnitus. Acta Otolaryngol 2006;126:96-101.
Folmer RL. Lateralization of Neural Activity Associated with Tinnitus. Neuroradiology 2007;49(8):689-691.
Griest SE, Folmer RL, Martin WH. Effectiveness of Dangerous Decibels, a School-Based Hearing Loss Prevention Program. Amer J Audiol 2007;16:S165-S181.
Folmer RL. Hearing Loss Prevention Practices Should Be Taught in Schools. Seminars in Hearing 2008;29(1):67-80.
Folmer RL. Noise-induced hearing loss: past, present and future. Hearing Health 2008;24(2):6-13.
Langguth B, de Ridder D, Donhoeffer JL, Eichhammer P, Folmer RL, et al. Controversy: rTMS/tDCS shows efficacy in treating tinnitus patients. Brain Stimulation 2008;1(3):192-205.
Folmer RL, Griest SE, Martin WH. Obsessive-Compulsiveness in a Population of Tinnitus Patients. Int Tinnitus J 2008;14(2):127-130.
Folmer RL. Media coverage of the persistent vegetative state and end-of-life decision-making; Theresa Schiavo's tragedy and ours, too. Neurology 2009;73:909.
Folmer RL, Billings CJ, Diedesch AM, Gallun FJ, Lew HL. Electrophysiological assessments of cognition and sensory processing in TBI: applications for diagnosis, prognosis and rehabilitation. Int J Psychophysiol., 2011;82(1):4-15.
Folmer RL. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for tinnitus. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2011;137(7):730-732.
Folmer RL, Shi Y, Theodoroff S. Chronic tinnitus following electroconvulsive therapy. Case Reports in Psychiatry, 2011.
Folmer RL, McMillan GP, Austin DF, Henry JA. Audiometric thresholds and prevalence of tinnitus among male Veterans in the United States: data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2006. JRRD, 2011;48(5):503-516.
Folmer RL. Implants Can Improve Tinnitus, But Most Offer No Quick Fixes. Hearing Journal. 2012;65(3):42-48.
http://journals.lww.com/thehearingjournal/Fulltext/2012/03000/Breaking_News__Implants_Can_Improve_Tinnitus,_but.8.aspx
Folmer RL, Saunders GH. Guest Editor: Proceedings of the 5th International NCRAR Conference – Expanding Our Horizons: Medical Conditions and Audiology. Seminars in Hearing. 2012;33(3):213-215.
Folmer RL, Hutter MM, Lilly DJ, Shannon J, Casiana L, Wilmington D, Lewis MS, Billings CJ, Krisky C, Berlow Y, Pollaro J, Rooney W, Bourdette D. Electrophysiological measures of auditory processing in patients with multiple sclerosis. Seminars in Hearing. 2012;33(3):274-282.
Folmer RL, Saunders GH, Dann SM, Griest SE, Porsov E, Fausti SA, Leek MR. A Computer-based Hearing Loss Prevention Education Program for Veterans and Military Personnel. JRRD. 2012;49(4):vii-xv.
Theodoroff SM, Folmer RL. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) as a Treatment for Chronic Tinnitus: A Critical Review. Otology & Neurotology, 2013;34:199-208.
Folmer RL, Theodoroff SM, Martin WH, Shi YB. Experimental, Controversial and Futuristic Treatments for Chronic Tinnitus. JAAA 2014;25(1):106-125.
Theodoroff SM, Lewis MS, Folmer RL, Henry JA, Carlson KF. Hearing Impairment and Tinnitus: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes in US Service Members and Veterans Deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. Epidemiologic Reviews 2015;37(1):71-85.
Theodoroff SM, Folmer RL. Experimental Use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to Treat Tinnitus in a Deaf Patient. Clinical Medical Reviews and Case Reports, 2015;2:1-4. https://clinmedjournals.org/articles/cmrcr/cmrcr-2-023.pdf
Theodoroff SM, Folmer RL. Hearing loss associated with long-term exposure to high-speed dental handpieces. General Dentistry 2015;63(3):71-76.
Folmer RL, Theodoroff SM, Casiana C, Shi YB, Griest SE, Vachhani J. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Treatment for Chronic Tinnitus: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery 2015;141(8):716-722.
http://archotol.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2388777
Folmer RL, Theodoroff SM, Griest SE, Vachhani J. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) Treatment for Chronic Tinnitus: Effects of Active Stimulation on Study Participants Who Initially Received Sham rTMS. Otolaryngology 2016;6(3):134. http://www.alliedacademies.org/articles/repetitive-transcranial-magnetic-stimulation-rtms-treatment-for-chronic-tinnitus-effects-of-active-stimulation-on-study-participan.pdf
Gallun FJ, Lewis MS, Folmer RL, Hutter M, Papesh M, Belding H, Leek MR. Chronic Effects of Exposure to High-Intensity Blasts: Results on Tests of Central Auditory Processing. JRRD 2016;53(6):705-712. http://www.rehab.research.va.gov/jour/2016/536/pdf/jrrd-2014-12-0313.pdf
Theodoroff SM, Griest SE, Folmer RL. Transcranial magnetic stimulation for tinnitus: using the Tinnitus Functional Index to predict benefit in a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2017;18(1):64.
Folmer RL, Vachhani J, McMillan GP, Watson C, Kidd GP, Feeney MP. Validation of a Computer-Administered Version of the Digits-in-Noise Test for Hearing Screening in the United States. JAAA, 2017;28(2):161-169.
Papesh MA, Folmer RL, Gallun FJ. Cortical measures of binaural processing predict spatial release from masking performance. Frontiers Hum Neurosci, 2017;11:124. http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fnhum.2017.00124/full
Folmer RL, Vachhani J, Theodoroff S, Ellinger R, Riggins A. Auditory Processing Abilities of Parkinson’s Disease Patients. BioMed Research International 2017;2017:2618587. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2017/2618587/
Folmer RL, Theodoroff SM. Hearing Protective Devices Should Be Used By Recipients of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. J Clin Neurophysiol 2017; 34(6):552. https://journals.lww.com/clinicalneurophys/fulltext/2017/11000/Hearing_Protective_Devices_Should_Be_Used_by.14.aspx
Folmer RL. Factors that contribute to the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for tinnitus treatment. Brain Stimulation 2017;10(6):1121-1122.
Theodoroff SM, Stevens A, McMillan G, Petterssen D, Woodward W, Folmer RL. MRI Verification of a 10-20 Targeting Protocol Used During Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Sessions for Tinnitus; Brain Topography, 2018;31(4):690-699. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10548-018-0636-9
Carlson KF, Sell S, Vachhani J, Folmer RL, Saunders G, Feeney MP. Enhancing Screening Systems to Facilitate Hearing Health Care Access: A Qualitative Study. JAAA, 2019;30(4):250-263.
Folmer RL. No Evidence of Broadband Noise Having Any Harmful Effect on Hearing. JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, 2019;145(3):291-292.
Sarmiento KF, Folmer RL, Stepnowsky CJ, Whooley MA, Boudreau EA, Kuna ST, Atwood CW, Smith CJ, Yarbrough WC. National Expansion of Sleep Telemedicine for Veterans: The TeleSleep Program. J Clinical Sleep Medicine 2019;15(9):1355-1364. https://jcsm.aasm.org/doi/10.5664/jcsm.7934
Folmer RL. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Treatment of Tinnitus. European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Diseases 2020;137(6):513-514.
Ptito A, Papa L, Gregory K, Folmer RL, Walker WC, Prabhakaran V, Wardini R, Skinner K, Yochelson M. A Prospective, Multicenter Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of Translingual Neurostimulation Plus Physical Therapy for the Treatment of Chronic Balance Deficit Due to Mild-to-Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury. Neuromodulation. 2021;24(8):1412-1421. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1094715921068975?via%3Dihub
Folmer RL, Smith CJ, Boudreau EA, Hickock A, Totten AM, Kaul B, Stepnowsky CJ, Whooley MA, Sarmiento KF. Prevalence and Management of Sleep Disorders in the Veterans Health Administration. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 2020 Jul 20;54:101358. doi: 10.1016/j.smrv.2020.101358. https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1087-0792(20)30101-5
Sarmiento KF, Boudreau EA, Smith CJ, Kaul B, Johnson N, Folmer RL. Effects of computer-based documentation procedures on healthcare workload assessment and resource allocation: An example from VA sleep medicine programs. Federal Practitioner 2020;37(8):368-374. https://www.mdedge.com/fedprac/article/226986/sleep-medicine/effects-computer-based-documentation-procedures-health-care
Chang YHA, Folmer RL, Shasha B, Shea JA, Sarmiento KF, Stepnowsky CJ, Lim D, Pack A, Kuna ST. Barriers and Facilitators to Implementation of a Novel Web-based Sleep Apnea Management Platform. Sleep 2021;44(4):zsaa243. doi: 10.1093/sleep/zsaa24. https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/44/4/zsaa243/5995904?login=true
Folmer RL, Saunders GH, Vachhani J, Margolis R, Saly G, Yueh B, McArdle R, Feth L, Roup C, Feeney MP. Hearing Healthcare Utilization Following Automated Hearing Screening. JAAA, 2021;32(4):235-245. https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-0041-1723041
Folmer RL, Vachhani J, Riggins A. Electrophysiological Evidence of Auditory and Cognitive Processing Deficits in Parkinson Disease. BioMed Research International, June 2021;6610908. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2021/6610908/
Folmer RL, Boudreau EA, Atwood CW, Smith CJ, Totten AM, Tock JL, Chilakamarri P, Sarmiento KF. Study Protocol to Assess De-implementation of the Initial Provider Encounter for Diagnosis and Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The DREAM (Direct Referral for Apnea Monitoring) Project. BMC Pulmonary Medicine 2022; 22:123. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12890-022-01899-y
Henry JA, Carlson KF, Theodoroff SM, Thielman EJ, Zaugg TL, Quinn CM, Folmer RL. Re-evaluating the Use of Sound Therapy for Tinnitus Management: Perspectives on Relevant Systematic Reviews. Journal of Speech Language and Hearing Research (JSLHR) 2022;65(6):2327-2342. https://pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/2022_JSLHR-21-00668
Henry JA, Folmer RL, Zaugg TL, Theodoroff SM, Quinn C, Reavis K, Thielman E, Carlson KF. History of Tinnitus Research at the NCRAR (1997-2021): Studies and Key Findings. Seminars in Hearing 2023;45(1):4-28. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10872658/
Folmer RL, Smith CJ, Boudreau EA, Totten AM, Atwood CW, Chilakamarri P, Sarmiento KF. Sleep Disorders Among Rural Veterans: Relative Prevalence, Co-morbidities, and Comparisons with Urban Veterans. J Rural Health 2023;39(3):582-594. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jrh.12722
Chun VS, Whooley MA, Williams K, Zhang N, Zeidler MR, Atwood CW, Folmer RL, Totten AM, Smith CJ, Boudreau EA, Reichert JM, Sarmiento KF. Veterans Health Administration TeleSleep Enterprise Wide Initiative 2017-2020; Bringing Sleep Care to our Nation’s Veterans. J Clinical Sleep Medicine 2023;19(5):913-923.
Hahn Z, Hotchkiss J, Smith C, Boudreau E, Totten A, Folmer R, Sarmiento K, Atwood C. Travel Burden as a Measure of Healthcare Access and the Impact of Telehealth within the Veterans Health Administration. J General Internal Medicine, 2023; 38(Suppl 3):805-813. doi: 10.1007/s11606-023-08125-3.
Folmer RL. Unresolved Issues Associated with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Treatment of Chronic Tinnitus. J Clin Med 2023;12(14):4648. https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/12/14/4648
Dale ML, Mancini M, Stevens A, Brumbach BH, Prewitt A, Harker G, Silva-Batista C, Ragothaman A, Folmer RL, Quinn JF, Horak FB. C-STIM: Protocol for a randomized, single-blind crossover study of cerebellar repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for postural instability in people with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications 2023;35: 101165. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2451865423001114
Belkora JK, Ortiz DeBoque L, Folmer RL, Totten AM, Williams K, Whooley MA, Boudreau E, Atwood CW, Zeidler M, Rezayat T, Chilakamarri P, Sarmiento KF. Sustainment of the TeleSleep Program for Rural Veterans. Frontiers in Health Services 2023;1214071. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frhs.2023.1214071
Berman ZR, Citrenbaum C, Corlier J, Leuchter AF, Folmer RL, Leuchter MK. Sequential Multi-locus Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) for Treatment of Tinnitus With and Without Comorbid Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Neuromodulation, 2024;S1094-7159(24)00035-7.
Chapters
Shiley SG, Folmer RL, McMenomey SO. Tinnitus and Hyperacusis. In: Cummings CW, et al (eds.) Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery St. Louis: Mosby Year Book, 2005; 2832-2847.
Folmer RL, Martin WH, Shi Y, Edlefsen LL. Lifestyle Changes for Tinnitus Self- Management. In: Tyler RS (ed), Tinnitus Treatment: Clinical Protocols New York: Thieme Publishing, 2005; 51-64.
Folmer RL, Martin WH, Shi Y, Edlefsen LL. Tinnitus Sound Therapies. In: Tyler RS (ed), Tinnitus Treatment: Clinical Protocols New York: Thieme Publishing, 2005; 176-186.
Folmer RL, Martin WH. Mechanisms and Treatment of Tinnitus. In: Valente M, Hosford-Dunn H, Roeser R (eds), Audiology: Treatment New York: Thieme Publishing, 2008, 485-505.
Presentations
Dangerous Decibels – American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Board of Governors Meeting, Washington D.C., March 4, 2006
Hearing and Auditory Neuroscience – International Listening Association 27th Annual Convention, Salem, Oregon, April 21, 2006
Auditory Symptoms Resulting from Head or Neck Injuries – National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research, Portland, May 25, 2006
Resources to Facilitate Classroom Instruction of Hearing Loss Prevention. Conference: Noise-induced Hearing Loss in Children at Work and Play, Cincinnati, October 19-20, 2006
Tinnitus Evaluation, Management and Research. Gerald Studebaker Lecture, University of Memphis, April 13-14, 2007.
Tinnitus Management and Research. Phonak Virtual Conference, May 22, 2007.
Tinnitus Evaluation and Management – Grand Rounds, Department of Otolaryngology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, June 18, 2007
Tinnitus Evaluation and Management. Canadian Audiology Association, Kelowna, B.C., Canada, September 14, 2007.
Tinnitus Treatment and Research: Controversies and Conundrums - National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research, Portland, OR November 21, 2008.
Development of a Computer-based Hearing Loss Prevention Education Program for Veterans and Military Personnel – Joint Defense Veteran Audiology Conference, Orlando, FL, February 23, 2010.
Evoked Potential Measures of Central Auditory Processing in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis – American Academy of Audiology 22nd Annual Convention, San Diego, CA, April 16, 2010.
Auditory Dysfunction Associated with TBI – Latest Advances in Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury Issues, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, September 24, 2010.
Development of a Portable Device for Assessment of Auditory Processing – ASHA Annual Convention, Philadelphia, November 19, 2010.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: A Treatment for Tinnitus? American Academy of Audiology 23nd Annual Convention, Chicago, April 8, 2011.
A Multimedia Hearing Loss Prevention Program. American Academy of Audiology 23nd Annual Convention, Chicago, April 8, 2011.
Auditory Dysfunction in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis. NCRAR Fifth International Conference, Portland, OR, October 13, 2011.
Auditory Function in Individuals with and without Multiple Sclerosis. Department of Neurology Grand Rounds, Oregon Health & Science University, October 26, 2011.
Chronic Tinnitus as Phantom Auditory Pain: the Intersection of Audiology and Psychology. Audiology Grand Rounds, Portland VA
Data from a computer-based hearing loss prevention education program for Veterans and Military Personnel. National Hearing Conservation Association Annual Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana, February 23-25, 2012.
Tinnitus Treatment and Research: Controversies and Conundrums. Audiological Society of Australia webinar, December 10, 2012.
Auditory Function in Patients with Parkinson Disease. National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research, Portland, OR, March 7, 2014.
Feeney MP, Folmer RL, Vachhani J, Carlson K, Margolis R, Saly G, Feth L, Roup C, Saunders G, Putterman D, Sebastian S. Development and Assessment of an Automated System for a Randomized Control Trial on Adult Hearing Screening. JDVAC Annual Meeting, Las Vegas, NV, March 12, 2014.
Folmer RL, Theodoroff SM, Casiana L, Shi Y, Griest SE, Vachhani J. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation as a Treatment for Tinnitus. American Academy of Otolaryngology Annual Meeting, Orlando, September 23, 2014.
Folmer RL, Henry JA. Tinnitus Research at the NCRAR. AudiologyOnline Webinar. October 15, 2014.
Papesh M, Gallun F, Folmer R, Hutter M, Lewis MS, Belding H. Effects of blast exposure on central auditory processing. 168th Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America, Indianapolis, Indiana Oct 27-31, 2014.
Gallun F, Folmer RL, Papesh M, Lewis MS, Hutter M, Belding H, Leek MR. Auditory Processing Abilities of Veterans Exposed to High-Intensity Blasts. Traumatic Brain Injury Workshop at Boston University, September 17, 2015.
Occupational Noise Exposure and Hearing Loss Experienced by Dental Professionals and Dental Students. VA Dental Service Chiefs National Conference Call. December 2, 2015.
Folmer RL, Theodoroff S, Vachhani J. rTMS Treatment for Chronic Tinnitus. 4th Annual Clinical TMS Society Meeting, Atlanta, May 14, 2016.
Folmer RL. Clinical Trial of the Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator (PoNS). 15th Annual Pacific NW Brain Injury Conference, Portland, OR, March 9-11, 2017.
Folmer RL. Neuromodulation and Other Novel Interventions for Tinnitus. NCRAR Conference, Portland, OR, October 6, 2017.
Folmer RL. Tinnitus Treatment & Research: Controversies & Conundrums. 2019 Western Canadian Symposium, Hearing Instrument Practitioners Society of British Columbia, March 4, 2019, Victoria, B.C., Canada.
Folmer RL. Tinnitus. Station WRCR Radio Show, “Listen Up Rockland!” March 1, 2021. https://listenuprockland.libsyn.com/website/talking-tinnitus-with-dr-robert-folmer
Folmer RL. Auditory Processing and Its Impact on Communication for Parkinson Patients. Parkinson & Movement Disorder Alliance, September 20, 2021.
Tinnitus Management & Research. Neuromodulation Division, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles. April 10, 2024.
VA Webinar: Introduction to the VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Tinnitus. October 9, 2024.
