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Overview |
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Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) is a scientific approach in the treatment of tinnitus. It is based on the so-called "Neurophysiological Model according to Prof. Jastreboff (USA)". This method has yielded success in reducing the tinnitus impairment.
Measurable tinnitus is not a loud sound. In other words, the individual perception of loudness is created in the brain and can be explained as the result of a negative learning process, which amplifies a person´s attention towards tinnitus to the point of dominance.
Therefore, the tinnitus retraining therapy focuses on reversing the learning process with the goal to perceive the tinnitus less intensely. This demands a close work of an interdisciplinary team including physicians, psychologists and audiologists.
TRT does not disclaim that you actually do "hear" your tinnitus - quite to the contrary. In fact, modern examination methods such as PET (Positron Emission Tomography) actually show tinnitus-specific activity in the brain cortex. By its very origin, tinnitus is definitely not a psychic disorder!
Regardless of its original various causes, at some point tinnitus becomes independent. For this reason, tinnitus would persist even if the acoustic nerves were cut, i.e. when there is no more possible way for a signal to be carried from the ear to the brain. At this stage, tinnitus becomes an independent entity. Unlike other background noises, the brain is unable to block tinnitus from conscious awareness. Tinnitus sound no longer comes from the ear, but becomes "centralized", with strong involvement of the so-called Limbic System, the seat of our emotions. This explains why so many therapies of the past, solely targeting the inner ear, were unsuccessful.
The goal of retraining is to habituate tinnitus, in other words, lower your awareness level to the point where tinnitus no longer dominates your perception. Thus, retraining does not promise cure. One benefit of retraining is, that it works regardless of the cause of tinnitus, which usually cannot be established unequivocally. The aim of TRT is the improvement of general quality of life. It thus gives afflicted persons a clear perspective. Another advantage is the need for active patient participation. The patient is freed from a role of passive suffering and becomes involved in the ongoing habituation process. This, however, demands commitment, time, patience and determination.
Retraining is a long-term therapy, targeted at a lasting improvement. Therefore, TRT is usually of 12 to 24 months duration. The TRT presents a four part approach, involving counselling, psychological consultation, relaxation methods and wearing a TCI (Tinnitus Control Instrument). All four parts are incorporated into a therapy offered in our Tinnitus Center. Each element of retraining is as important as the other. Each component compliments the others and all participants should work together.
Doubtlessly, counselling will be the most important element. It aims at developing a thorough understanding of the mechanisms leading to the development and amplification of tinnitus. Only a good understanding of your condition will allow you to re-evaluate it and develop a personal strategy of coping with this condition.
