Tinnitus Specialist Had Cancellation, Seeing Her Tomorrow

Hi Dr Nagler,

I had a sudden opportunity to meet with Dr Laurie Hebert of LSU tomorrow. I thought I would not meet with her until June but she had a cancellation. She was recommended to me by the head of the tinnitus support group in New Orleans as she has been working with some of the members. Here is her info:
https://alliedhealth.lsuhsc.edu/cd/lschmidt.aspx

It's my understanding that this is a teaching situation so there will be students involved. She said the first appointment is 3 hours with hearing tests, tinnitus testing, counseling and options. She said that they tend to start people with an app that they can download as therapy.

I haven't had any time to prepare but am wondering what I should be asking for questions? How do I know if they actually do the real TRT therapy and will they be able to tell if that is a good option for me? Any other advice you can give for my first appointment would be helpful.

BTW - I mentioned to you a few weeks ago that Janice Howard was my previous audiologist back in CT. She called me and we spoke for some time. I mentioned that you had some kind words about her and she truly appreciates it. She is wonderful and certainly even speaking to her was helpful, at least emotionally.

Thank you for your time!

 

I know Laurie Hebert. Met her a few years ago when I was invited to speak at a meeting of the New Orleans Tinnitus Support Group. (She was Laurie Schmidt back then.) She is knowledgeable and seems awfully nice. I liked her immediately. Please be sure to give her my regards.

I have not seen her interact with patients, so I cannot give you a recommendation one way or the other in that respect.

I would ask Dr. Hebert the same questions I would ask any tinnitus clinician - TRT or not:

· What is the approach the clinician is recommending and why?
· What type of training has the clinician undergone in the use of that approach?
· How long has the clinician been using the approach?
· How many tinnitus sufferers has the clinician treated with the approach?
· What is the clinician's success rate using the approach?
· How does the clinician define and measure success?​

You are most welcome. I hope everything goes well for you.

stephen nagler