Most of us will experience tinnitus to some degree at one point in our lives. For many, tinnitus is a temporary annoyance that occurs after being in a loud environment like a sports stadium or rock concert. For others, tinnitus becomes a persistent and even debilitating problem.
Here at Flex Audiology, we are experts in tinnitus management. We use a variety of methods to manage tinnitus symptoms. One of those methods is tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT). Let’s explore how tinnitus retraining therapy works and whether it may be an effective way to help you manage your tinnitus.
What Is Tinnitus Retraining Therapy?
Tinnitus retraining therapy is an approach to tinnitus management that uses a combination of education, counseling, and sound therapy. The goal of tinnitus retraining therapy is to retrain your emotional reactions so that you’re no longer bothered by the sounds of tinnitus. Eventually, you may not notice tinnitus sounds at all, as your brain learns to ignore them.
How Does Tinnitus Retraining Therapy Work?
When you visit Flex Audiology for tinnitus concerns, we begin with a questionnaire to determine the root cause of your symptoms. Next, your audiologist will conduct a hearing test to determine if hearing loss is associated with your tinnitus symptoms. A tinnitus matching evaluation may also be necessary to determine the pitch and intensity of your tinnitus.
After completing the assessment, your audiologist will discuss a treatment plan with you, which may include tinnitus retraining therapy. Tinnitus retraining therapy consists of counseling and sound therapy.
During the counseling portion of treatment, your audiologist will work with you to change negative thinking patterns about your tinnitus. Relaxation techniques and guided imagery are often used in this treatment.
The sound therapy portion of tinnitus retraining therapy uses sound to mask tinnitus noises. You’ll wear a device behind your ear that plays masking noises with a sound intensity that mixes with your tinnitus sounds. The goal is to help your brain rewire itself and become used to the perceived tinnitus noises.
How Effective Is Tinnitus Retraining Therapy?
Tinnitus retraining therapy requires a long-term commitment to see lasting results. It can take 12-18 months for tinnitus retraining therapy to be effective, although some individuals begin to have improvements after three months.
Many studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of tinnitus retraining therapy, and most have found that around 80% of people see significant improvements. Tinnitus retraining therapy is safe and has no known side effects.
Other Ways to Treat Tinnitus
We use a variety of methods to treat tinnitus at our clinic, including masking devices, hearing aids, tinnitus retraining therapy, and cognitive behavior therapy.
It’s important to note that treatment for tinnitus is not one size fits all. The best treatment for your case depends on the underlying cause of your symptoms and whether you have an accompanying hearing loss. The best thing you can do is come in for a professional evaluation.
Tinnitus Treatment at Flex Audiology
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of tinnitus, our team of experts at Flex Audiology can help you get the treatment you need as well as take good care of your overall hearing health.
If you have any questions that we may be able to answer, or if you would like some advice about your unique needs, please feel free to request a callback and we’ll get in touch with you with the information you need.
If you’d rather not wait, you can always call our clinic at (812) 532-3011. We look forward to hearing from you!
