Improving Sensitivity of Tinnitus Screening in Hearing Conservation Programs

The modified tinnitus screening question more accurately identifies individuals requiring referral to audiology for tinnitus evaluation and management, improving referral accuracy and reducing unnecessary clinical workload. Strengths of the study include its large sample size, use of validated instruments, and real-world clinical integration. Limitations include incomplete follow-through data on referred SMs because of decentralized care access. Findings support the replacement of the current question with the modified version and incorporating brief validated questionnaires (e.g., THS-T) and self-reported referral interest to improve triage.