Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Tinnitus and Sound Sensitivity

Certificate Level: Graduate
Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree or higher
Certificate Type: Post-Baccalaureate
Number of Credits to Completion: 9.0
Instructional Delivery: Online
Calendar Type: Semester
Expected Time To Completion: 6 months
Financial Aid Eligibility: Not aid eligible
Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) Code: 51.0202
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code: 29-1181

About the Program

Tinnitus and sound sensitivity disorders (such as hyperacusis and misophonia) affect millions of individuals worldwide, often leading to sleep disturbance, difficulty concentrating, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. As awareness grows and more patients seek specialized care, audiologists must be prepared with advanced, evidence-based knowledge and clinical skills to effectively assess and manage these complex conditions. The Advanced Studies Certificate in Tinnitus and Sound Sensitivity is designed to meet this need through rigorous, clinically grounded, graduate-level education.

Offered online through Drexel University Osborne Audiology, this certificate enables practicing audiologists to refine their knowledge, stay current with scientific and clinical developments, and expand their professional expertise. Taught by subject matter experts and grounded in a philosophy that integrates scientific innovation with evidence-based care, the program prepares clinicians to excel in today’s complex and dynamic healthcare environments.

The six-course sequence provides a comprehensive and progressive exploration of tinnitus and sound sensitivity disorders. Students begin with an in-depth examination of the neuroscience underlying tinnitus and decreased sound tolerance, building a strong foundation in auditory pathways, neural plasticity and current theoretical models. Coursework then advances to diagnosis and assessment, equipping clinicians with practical tools for case history, psychoacoustic measures, validated self-report instruments and interpretation of findings. Management strategies emphasize evidence-based approaches, including counseling frameworks, sound therapy options, interdisciplinary collaboration and individualized treatment planning. Learners also gain practical guidance on establishing and sustaining specialized tinnitus and sound sensitivity services, including workflow design, billing considerations, outcome tracking and patient education resources. Broader public health perspectives address epidemiology, access to care, prevention, and advocacy, while focused study of current trends ensures clinicians remain informed about emerging research, technologies and best practices.

An optional hands-on workshop further solidifies clinical skills through case-based learning, standardized patient interactions and applied decision-making.

Graduates emerge prepared to deliver sophisticated, patient-centered care for tinnitus and sound sensitivity disorders, translating scientific and technological advances into meaningful clinical outcomes.

Admission Requirements

Prospective students must meet the following application requirements:

• At least a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from an accredited college or university (official transcripts of all post-secondary studies must be submitted directly to Drexel University).
  • Applicants whose degrees were completed outside the US will be required to submit a document-by-document credential review from a NACES-recognized agency.
• For professionals, proof of eligibility to provide audiological services (copy of license, certificate or other documentation) -- not required for current students.
• For current students, support from their program (submit letter of support from program director or department head).
• Current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Two letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant's academic work, employment record and/or personal characteristics, and not related to the applicant.
• Personal goal statement (up to 750 words) that will give the admissions committee a better understanding of why the applicant is choosing this program of study, how their background and work experience has prepared them for success in this program, and their plans upon achievement of the certificate.
• For international applicants, English language proficiency (provide official TOEFL/IELTS/DuoLingo scores; some exemptions available).

Program Requirements

¹

Optional workshops require additional time, tuition and fees.

²

Basic workshops are typically delivered in-person

Plan of Study

¹

Optional workshops require additional time, tuition and fees.

²

Basic workshops are typically delivered in-person

Additional Information

For more information about this program, contact Osborne Audiology -- Distance Education (salus_ocade@drexel.edu).