Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is a problem experienced by at least one in ten adults. In Fiscal Year 2018 alone, Tinnitus was the leading service-connected disability among veterans, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers. Members of both civilian and military sectors, working in high noise occupations and conditions encompassing the music industry, factory workers, miners and construction crews, are susceptible to this disorder that can range from slightly annoying to incapacitating symptoms.

CONFERENCE GOALS:
• To provide information and resources to multidisciplinary healthcare providers to assist and support their patients who experience tinnitus.
• To provide patients and caregivers information and resources for management of tinnitus symptoms.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
• Professionals Providing Clinical Care to Tinnitus Patients: Nurses, Occupational Health Nurses, advanced practice Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Audiologists, Physicians, Physician Assistants (PAs), and Mental health providers.
• Military, Veteran and Civilian Tinnitus Patients and/or spouses/caregivers

This conference is free of charge. Registration is encouraged as light snacks are provided. This conference is funded by The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Caring Foundation Grant. Register via www.auburn.edu/nursing and look for a web link to register for the conference.

FEATURED SPEAKERS:
 Dr. James A. Henry is a research investigator at the National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research (NCRAR), United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Dr. Henry has focused his research efforts primarily on tinnitus measurement and treatment, for which he is a VA Merit Review funded Principal Investigator of two RR&D projects. He is involved in a number of NCRAR research projects and activities along with other scientists in the development of a proposal to establish a Tinnitus Awareness and Resource Program (TARP).
 Dr. Candice Manning is a research audiologist at NCRAR -VA Portland Health Care System and Assistant Professor at Oregon Health and Science University, Department of Otolaryngology. Manning is a clinically-focused researcher with an interest in tinnitus prevention, evaluation, and management within the military population. Her research focuses on psychoacoustic measurement of tinnitus perception, web-based technology for patient-centered tinnitus assessment and management, and evaluating tinnitus sound therapy management options through the use of hearing aids and combination units.

PROGRAM:
7:30 A.M.–8:00 A.M.: Registration and Coffee, light refreshments
 Session 1: 8:00 A.M.–12:15 P.M.: Presentations by Dr. Jim Henry, Dr. Candice Manning, Dr. Libba McMillan, Dr. Sridhar Krishnamurti, and Dr. Andy Wise.
Although this session is targeted to the professional community, tinnitus patients and care givers are welcome to attend. Contact hours awarded for 4 hours CEU credit from the Alabama Board of Nursing. Audiology Contact Hours pending approval.
 Session 2: 1:30 P.M.-3:30 P.M.: Tinnitus Information and Support Group led by Dr. Henry and Dr. Manning.
Although this session is targeted to civilian, Veteran, and military tinnitus patients and caregivers, everyone is welcome to attend. Helpful tinnitus management strategies, resources, and tinnitus information will be provided.