A way of learning to live with tinnitus, tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) is a technique used by millions of people around the world. It greatly impacts their lives and makes the symptom if the underlying condition more bearable, potentially avoiding the need of hearing aids and similar devices. What exactly is TRT, and could it help you?
While you’ll need to speak to an audiologist about whether it’s an appropriate treatment for you, it’s worth looking at TRT and what’s involved in it. It could help you manage your tinnitus better than you’d expect.
What is Tinnitus Retraining Therapy
TRT is a method of learning how to cope with your tinnitus. This works on both a conscious and subconscious level, giving you a fully rounded way of managing the condition. It’s helped countless individuals improve their quality of life and reduce the stress levels associated with tinnitus.
It can best be compared to the sound of raindrops on a roof when rain starts. While not overwhelming, there’s a noticeable sound, but works in the background. It might not even be as noticeable as you’d expect. TRT targets tinnitus at its source and teaches the brain to tune out the ringing or buzzing sound.
You’ll work with an audiologist to do this, with optimal results being seen when you work closely with them.
How Does It Work?
With how effective TRT has been for countless people with tinnitus, it’s something you might be considering. It’s worth taking a look at exactly how it works so you’re better prepared for the therapy, if you were to get it. It uses three specific steps to achieve results:
- Collecting information about you and the extent of your tinnitus, including your daily lifestyle and exposure to high noise levels.
- Using behind the ear devices to generate a noise that diverts attention away from the sound tinnitus makes.
- Psychological therapy to help you to ignore the symptoms of tinnitus. Usually, stress management and relaxation techniques are combined with this to have a greater impact. This focuses on reducing any anxiety related to the condition while also driving attention away from the noise, letting you focus on other things.
These steps are taken with the aim of reducing the noise associated with tinnitus and training your brain to ignore the sound. The exact duration of your treatment depends on your specific case, and you’ll need to work with an audiologist to figure this out.
Other Kinds of Tinnitus Therapy
While tinnitus retraining therapy is an effective way of living a life with this symptom of an underlying condition, it’s far from the only option you can try. Several other forms of tinnitus therapy could be appropriate, with sound therapy, tinnitus counselling and cognitive behavioral therapy all being recommended options.
Some people with tinnitus even use a tinnitus masker, depending on their needs. The best option for you depends on your specific case, making it worth speaking with an audiologist to figure out potential treatments. With that, you’ll have a great quality of life, no matter how significant the tinnitus is.
