Tinnitus is one of the most misunderstood conditions in hearing healthcare. Many patients are told that nothing can be done, that the ringing is purely an ear problem, or that supplements and internet "quick fixes" might help. Unfortunately, much of this advice is outdated or incomplete.

In this episode, Dr. Layne Garrett breaks down five of the most common tinnitus myths that keep people from getting meaningful relief. Drawing from over two decades of clinical experience and modern neuroscience research, he explains why tinnitus is often a brain-based condition, how hidden hearing loss can play a role, and why silence can sometimes make symptoms worse.

The discussion also explores what evidence-based tinnitus management actually looks like today. This may include hearing aids, structured sound therapy, cognitive behavioral strategies, and newer approaches such as bimodal neuromodulation. Most importantly, effective tinnitus care typically involves a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan rather than a single quick fix.

Dr. Garrett is an audiologist specializing in tinnitus and complex hearing loss and has spent more than 20 years helping patients understand and manage these conditions.

You can learn more here.
If you'd like to explore more resources about hearing loss and tinnitus, visit our online learning center.

And if you're in Northern Utah and want support from our team, you can schedule an appointment anytime at: utahhearingaids.com

Hearing aids are a major investment — financially, emotionally, and cognitively. But most patients aren't told what questions to ask before purchasing them.

In this episode, Dr. Layne Garrett walks through five critical questions that protect patients from common industry mistakes. From real ear measurement verification to speech-in-noise outcome testing, you'll learn how proper fitting reduces auditory load, improves speech clarity, and ensures devices are programmed to your specific hearing loss — not just manufacturer defaults.

Dr. Garrett explains why bundled pricing can either protect or confuse patients, what a legitimate trial period should include, and why subjective feedback alone is not enough to measure success. Objective metrics like QuickSIN testing help confirm that hearing aids are truly improving real-world performance.

With more than two decades of experience treating complex hearing loss and tinnitus, Dr. Garrett approaches hearing care through a medical-model lens grounded in neuroscience, REM-verified fittings, and measurable outcomes.

If you're considering hearing aids — or advising someone who is — this episode will help you walk into that appointment informed, confident, and prepared.

You can learn more here
If you'd like to explore more resources about hearing loss and tinnitus, visit our online learning center.
And if you're in Northern Utah and want support from our team, you can schedule an appointment anytime at: https://utahhearingaids.com

If your tinnitus feels worse despite trying everything, you're not alone — and you're not doing it wrong.

In this episode, Dr. Layne Garrett breaks down five everyday habits that genuinely increase tinnitus severity: loud noise exposure, constant monitoring and cure-chasing, sleep deprivation, chronic stress, and jaw tension. These factors increase auditory load, amplify neural hyperactivity, and keep the brain stuck in threat mode — preventing habituation.

We explore why caffeine usually isn't the issue, how REM sleep affects neural irritability, why stress changes auditory processing, and how somatic tension (especially TMJ dysfunction) can directly modulate tinnitus volume.

Dr. Garrett draws on over two decades of experience treating complex tinnitus and hearing loss using evidence-based approaches including CBT, TRT, PTM, bimodal neuromodulation, and REM-verified hearing aid fittings.

If you've been stuck in the cycle of anxiety, hypervigilance, and inconsistent results, this episode will help you understand what's actually driving your symptoms — and what to address first.

You can learn more at: https://utahhearingaids.com/learning-center
And if you're in Northern Utah, schedule an evaluation at: https://utahhearingaids.com