TRT: Tinnitus Retraining Therapy. What Is It and Does It Work?

rain on roof; TRT - tinnitus retaining therapy - concept

Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) was developed more than 30 years ago by neurophysiologist Pawel J. Jastreboff, Ph.D., Sc.D., MBA.

TRT uses a combination of counseling and sound therapy to help patients get used to their tinnitus. Low-level, steady noise generators that are worn in or behind the ear provide a background sound that helps reduce the perceived loudness of tinnitus.

According to Jastreboff, when a person is habituated to their tinnitus, it means that they are no longer aware of the tinnitus noise — except when they focus their attention on it. And even when they focus on it, the tinnitus is not annoying or bothersome.

"This therapy can be compared to the sound of raindrops falling on a roof being noticed when it first starts raining, but going unnoticed and put out of mind after some time," write the staff at Hear-It.

They say that the psychological part of TRT is made up of deep relaxation exercises and stress management to teach patients to ignore the tinnitus noise.

"The goal is the elimination of the patient's anxiety, so that the tinnitus is no longer perceived as a danger, thus diverting concentration away from the tinnitus noise. The end goal is complete habituation of the noise," they explain.

Jastreboff says TRT delivers a success rate of 80 percent, success being when tinnitus does not affect the patient either at all or in a significant manner.

While some patients see improvement quickly, Jastreboff tells Treble Health that "on average, patients are seeing clear improvement in three months." Those results, he adds, either remain stable or improve over time, with no relapses.

TRT can be expensive, running into the thousands of dollars, especially if results are slow in coming. And you'll likely have to pay for it yourself. According to CareCredit, "tinnitus retraining therapy is usually not covered by private medical insurance or Medicare because it is considered investigational or an experimental therapy."

Try Eargasm Earplus

Comments

3 Highly Effective Stress Management Methods Every Tinnitus Sufferer Can Master

The constant noise of tinnitus can make it difficult to concentrate, sleep, or relax, which in turn, amplifies stress and anxiety. Stress management, then, plays a key role in mitigating the impact of tinnitus. Here are three highly effective methods that every tinnitus sufferer can master to manage stress and improve overall well-being. Mindfulness Meditation Mindfulness meditation is a simple yet powerful tool for reducing stress and anxiety, especially for those with tinnitus. The goal is to train your mind to stay in the present moment rather than fixating on the internal noise or the stress it causes. Research has shown that regular mindfulness practice can lower stress levels, increase focus, and reduce the perceived intensity of tinnitus sounds. How to Get Started Begin by setting aside 10-15 minutes each day to sit in a quiet space. Close your eyes and focus on your breath, paying attention to the sensation of air entering and leaving your body. If your mind dr...

17 Hidden Struggles Of Tinnitus-Related Insomnia No One Warns You About

Living with tinnitus can be challenging enough during the day, but when night falls, a whole new set of obstacles emerges. Tinnitus-related insomnia is a common yet often underestimated problem that affects countless individuals. While many are aware that tinnitus can interfere with sleep, few truly understand the depth and complexity of this issue. In this article, we'll explore 17 hidden struggles that people with tinnitus-related insomnia face – struggles that often go unmentioned but significantly impact daily life. 1. The Cruel Irony of Exhaustion and Alertness One of the most frustrating aspects of tinnitus-related insomnia is the paradoxical state of being utterly exhausted yet unable to fall asleep. As the body craves rest, the mind remains on high alert, attuned to the persistent ringing or buzzing. This cruel irony can lead to feelings of helplessness and frustration, creating a cycle that's difficult to break. 2. The Pre-Bed Anxiety Spiral For many tinnitus suffer...

These Simple Words Can Change How You Think About Tinnitus Management

Living with tinnitus can be challenging, but two powerful concepts can transform your approach to managing this condition: acceptance and adaptation. By embracing these ideas, you can develop a more positive mindset and effective strategies for coping with tinnitus. Let's explore how these simple words can make a significant difference in your daily life. The Power of Acceptance Accepting tinnitus doesn't mean giving up or resigning yourself to a life of discomfort. Instead, it's about acknowledging your current situation and choosing to move forward productively. Here's how acceptance can change your perspective: Reduces Stress and Anxiety - Acceptance helps decrease the emotional toll of constantly fighting against tinnitus. - By letting go of the struggle, you free up mental energy for more positive pursuits. Shifts Focus - Accepting tinnitus allows you to redirect your attention to other aspects of your life. - You can start appreciating the sounds you can still e...

Tinnitus Help - Stop the Ringing in Your Ears

Search This Blog