Retrain Your Brain with Tinnitus Retraining Therapy 

Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) is a treatment approach that has been found to be effective in managing tinnitus symptoms. It is a comprehensive treatment approach that involves a combination of counseling and sound therapy. This therapy is based on the concept of neuroplasticity, which is the ability of the brain to adapt and change in response to new experiences. In this article, we will discuss four things that people should know about TRT.

4 Things to Know About Tinnitus Retraining Therapy

1. TRT involves a comprehensive evaluation

4 Things to Know About Tinnitus Retraining Therapy - Northwest Audiology + Tinnitus - Seattle, Olympia
Using the natural adaptive abilities of the brain, Tinnitus Retraining Therapy can achieve remarkable results.

Before starting TRT, a comprehensive evaluation is conducted to assess the severity of tinnitus and its impact on the patient’s quality of life. The evaluation involves a detailed history and physical examination, as well as audiometric testing to assess the patient’s hearing ability. This evaluation helps healthcare professionals design a treatment plan tailored to the patient’s specific needs.

During the evaluation process, the audiologist at Northwest Hearing + Tinnitus – Seattle & Olympia Audiology will also assess the patient’s emotional and psychological response to tinnitus. This is because tinnitus can cause emotional distress, anxiety, and depression. Identifying and addressing these emotional responses is an important part of the TRT process.

2. TRT is based on neuroplasticity

TRT is based on the concept of neuroplasticity, which is the ability of the brain to adapt and change in response to new experiences. TRT works by retraining the brain to filter out the sound of tinnitus, making it less noticeable and bothersome. This is achieved through a combination of counseling and sound therapy.

During counseling sessions, patients learn to reframe their thoughts and emotions about tinnitus. They are taught coping strategies to manage the negative emotions associated with tinnitus, such as anxiety and depression. The sound therapy component of TRT involves using background noise to help mask the sound of tinnitus. This can be done through the use of a white noise machine or other sound-producing device.

3. TRT is a long-term treatment approach

TRT is a long-term treatment approach that typically involves several months of treatment. It is important to follow the treatment plan as prescribed by your audiologist. This is because TRT involves a process of retraining the brain to filter out the sound of tinnitus, which takes time.

The duration of TRT treatment may vary depending on the severity of the patient’s tinnitus symptoms and their response to treatment. Some patients may require ongoing maintenance therapy to sustain the benefits of TRT.

4. TRT can be effective for some people with tinnitus

While TRT may not work for everyone, it has been found to be effective for some people with tinnitus. Research studies have shown that TRT can help reduce the severity of tinnitus symptoms and improve the quality of life for some patients.

The effectiveness of TRT may depend on several factors, such as the severity of tinnitus symptoms, the patient’s emotional response to tinnitus, and their ability to commit to the treatment process. It is important to speak with your audiologist to determine if TRT is a suitable treatment option for you.

Tackle Tinnitus with TRT

Tinnitus Retraining Therapy is a promising treatment approach for managing tinnitus symptoms. If you are experiencing tinnitus, speak with your audiologist at Northwest Hearing + Tinnitus – Seattle & Olympia Audiology to determine if TRT is a suitable treatment option for you. With the right treatment and management strategies, it is possible to reduce the severity of tinnitus and improve your quality of life.