subject: Tinnitus Retraining Therapy - A Comprehensive Guide [print this page] 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.
Based on studies conducted on the prevalence of tinnitus, an estimated 17% of the population around the world suffers from tinnitus with the United States accounting to 44 million of this figure. Ear infection is believed to be one of its major causes. Several treatment options are available and TRT or tinnitus retraining therapy is said to be one of the most effective.
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 wont 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.
What does Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) do to make the patient ignore the sounds and noise produced by tinnitus? The concept is simple and this is accomplished through the help of a white noise. Some patients are advised by their doctors to listen to MP3 or CD sound effects with relaxing and calming sounds like the beach waves or sounds from the tropical rain forest. The patient has to listen to these sounds so that their minds will be set to these external sounds rather than to the sounds produced by tinnitus. Some doctors even advise their patients to sleep with the radio or TV on with a volume just loud enough to cover up the tinnitus sounds.
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.
