Tinnitus Retraining Therapy - Quick Overview

Those diagnosed with tinnitus probably have already heard about Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT), since it is one of the first options for tinnitus treatment. Before we discuss about this treatment method, let us first discuss about what tinnitus is. Tinnitus is an ear condition that affects the inner part of the ear. It is characterized by ringing sounds either from the inner part of the ear or the head. Studies show that 17% of the world population is suffering from tinnitus with 44 million coming from the United States alone. Medical reports show that one of the common causes of this condition is ear infection although it can also be caused by other things. This condition can be treated in different ways and Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) is one of these ways.The efficacy of the Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) to provide tinnitus relief has been proven by many tinnitus patients. Initially, the patients undergo sound therapy through an extensive counseling period where they are taught how to recognize the sounds and noises caused by tinnitus. They must undergo this therapy for two years although one year is enough to see noticeable positive results. Through the sound therapy, the patients learn how to recognize the tinnitus sounds and ignore them so they won’t be very much annoyed and affected by the sounds. Tinnitus patients reported that the tinnitus sounds definitely affect them; however, doctors said these are normal. Just imagine you are sleeping when you suddenly hear the sound of water dripping continuously from the faucet or the refrigerator motor running continuously. These are indeed annoying and the same thing goes for the tinnitus sounds. Hearing the external sound mentioned in the example is normal. The annoying thing however is that the patients tend to focus on the sounds that they hear. This is when the Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) works as it teaches the patients to not focus on the tinnitus sound that they hear. How does Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) teach the patient how to not focus on the sounds and noise produced by tinnitus? It follows the white noise concept or the process of covering up the tinnitus-produced sound with an external sound such as the soothing and calming sound from a CD player or MP3. The sound can be the sound you hear from a tropical rain forest or the wave from the beach. Listening to these sounds will divert the patient’s attention from the sounds they hear from their ears or head. There are even patients who use TV or radio to mask the tinnitus sounds wherein they set the volume a little bit louder than what they can hear from the inside. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) is just one of the many options to treat and deal with tinnitus. The best way, however, is still to deal with the root cause. Keep in mind that tinnitus is just a condition indicating the presence of an underlying problem. This is the reason why it is necessary to consult with your healthcare provider as he is the only person who can help you with this.