By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A
Enhancing Hearing Healthcare and Tinnitus Care through Private Practice and ATA Support
In the realm of hearing healthcare, private practice plays a vital role in delivering personalized, high-quality care to individuals suffering from various auditory conditions, including tinnitus. As a healthcare provider, clinical audiologist, MIT and Harvard Medical School trained neuroscientist, and certified dementia practitioner deeply committed to improving the lives of those affected by hearing issues, I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact that specialized, attentive care has on patients. But as significant as these efforts are on an individual level, I firmly believe that our impact can be magnified when we work together.
I am dedicated to my network of leading tinnitus treatment specialists (www.excellenceinaudiology.org), who have made significant donations to support the mission of the ATA. I firmly believe that more people need to support the ATA to ensure that individuals living with tinnitus receive the care, resources, and hope they deserve. To help raise awareness, I have written and published several books including Silenced: The Medical Treatment of Tinnitus, which helps others understand that tinnitus is your brain’s ‘check engine light’ signaling that something is wrong. My upcoming book, Silenced: Living With Less Noise, set to be released in the fall of 2024, addresses supplemental treatment for tinnitus, including tinnitus retraining therapy and neuromodulation.
Why Partnering with the ATA Matters
Partnering with the ATA allows us to be part of a larger network of professionals where we can support groundbreaking research, help the 73 million people in the US with tinnitus live with less noise, and advocate to find better solutions. By contributing to the efforts of the ATA, we are not just helping our own patients, we are investing in the future of tinnitus on a global scale.
The ATA offers a wealth of resources that can empower both patients and practitioners. Their educational materials, support networks, and advocacy efforts help patients better understand and manage their condition, while also raising awareness about the challenges of living with tinnitus. When we sponsor or donate to the ATA, we enable the continuation and expansion of these vital programs, making it possible to reach more patients and provide them with the support they need.
I’ve seen the difference that a well-supported patient can make in their own treatment journey. When patients have access to reliable information, effective treatment options, and a community of support, their outcomes improve significantly. By pooling our resources and expertise, we can help to ensure that no tinnitus patient is left without the care and support they need. As private practice owners, our ability to make a difference is significant, but when we collaborate with others in the field, our impact is exponentially greater.
I encourage my fellow practitioners to consider how their support–whether through donations, sponsorships, or partnerships–can help achieve a future where tinnitus is more manageable , more treatable, and, hopefully, one day, curable.
Together, we can push the boundaries of what is possible in hearing healthcare!
By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A
