Dr. Brian Fligor, our very own Audiologist-in-Chief — and nationally recognized expert in music audiology and tinnitus management — recently shared his insights at the NHCA Updates in Music Audiology Workshop. This special event, hosted by the National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA), brought together leading voices in hearing health to explore practical solutions for some of today’s most pressing auditory issues, especially those impacting musicians and others living with tinnitus.
As a featured speaker in the fourth installment of the NHCA’s audio series, Dr. Fligor delivered a compelling, research-informed, and deeply human presentation on tinnitus evaluation and management. The full lecture is now available in an audio-only format, and it’s a must-listen for anyone seeking clarity, support, and science-backed strategies for living with chronic tinnitus.
🎧 Listen to the full audio now!
A Focus on the Musician’s Experience — and Beyond
Drawing on decades of experience working with musicians, Dr. Fligor emphasized that tinnitus isn’t just a byproduct of overexposure to loud environments. It’s a complex neurological phenomenon, and its management requires both audiological expertise and empathy.
“Back in the day,” Dr. Fligor explained during the talk, “I learned how to work with musicians not just by taking ear impressions, but by earning their trust. Their ears are just as vital as anyone’s — and when something goes wrong, we don’t shrug our shoulders and say, ‘Too bad.’ We do something about it.”
For Dr. Fligor, tinnitus is not merely about the sound itself — it’s about how we react to that sound. Many people with tinnitus don’t find it bothersome, but for those who do, the difference is often rooted in the brain’s emotional response system. As Dr. Fligor described at the workshop, “It’s not the loudness of the tinnitus. It’s whether it activates your limbic system — the part of your brain that processes anxiety, fear, and distress.”
Bridging Neuroscience, Compassion, and Clinical Care
Dr. Fligor walked attendees through the biological underpinnings of tinnitus, from spontaneous neural firing in the auditory cortex to how emotional centers in the brain interpret — and amplify — the perception of sound that isn’t there.
Through analogies like a “charcuterie board of sensations” supported by the brain’s systems, he made complicated neuroscience digestible and, at times, funny. It’s this blend of clarity and compassion that makes his message resonate.
He also touched on:
- The psychological and emotional toll of tinnitus
- Misconceptions about hearing aids and masking techniques
- New frontiers in bimodal neuromodulation therapy
- The importance of a team-based, holistic approach, including audiologists, mental health professionals, and neurologists
Most importantly, he stressed the value of listening — not just to symptoms, but to the person behind them. “Talk to the individual,” he urged his fellow clinicians. “They will tell you their story if you give them the space.”
Why This Matters — Especially for Tinnitus Sufferers
Whether you’re a musician, someone dealing with chronic ringing in your ears, or a friend or family member trying to help, this workshop episode offers a powerful message of hope, validation, and practical guidance.
If you’ve been told that there’s nothing you can do about tinnitus — or if you’ve felt dismissed or discouraged — Dr. Fligor’s approach provides a new way forward. His perspective is shaped by science, yes, but also by the stories of the thousands of patients he’s helped.
Want to Learn More?
This isn’t about “curing” tinnitus. It’s about giving you back control.
This workshop goes far beyond the basics. Dr. Fligor explores tinnitus management strategies, music-induced hearing loss, and how to tailor sound therapy and counseling to individual needs.
If you’re looking for answers, this recording is a great place to start.
🔊 Click here to listen to Dr. Fligor’s full audio presentation on tinnitus evaluation and management.
You’ll walk away with a better understanding of what tinnitus is, why it affects people differently, and what you can do about it.
Whether you’re in the music industry, struggling with tinnitus yourself, or supporting someone who is, this talk offers clarity, connection, and clinically grounded hope.
Don’t miss the chance to hear from one of the field’s most respected voices, our fearless leader, Dr. Brian Fligor.