TRT
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach aimed at helping individuals manage and reduce the impact of tinnitus, a condition characterized by the perception of ringing or buzzing sounds in the ears when there is no external sound source. TRT was developed to address the emotional and psychological distress often associated with tinnitus.
TRT consists of two main components: counseling and sound therapy. During counseling, individuals are educated about the mechanisms of tinnitus and how it affects their emotional responses. They learn coping strategies and relaxation techniques to reduce the distress caused by tinnitus. The sound therapy aspect involves using external sounds, like white noise or nature sounds, to mask or partially cover up the tinnitus sounds, making them less noticeable over time.
TRT aims to desensitize the brain to the tinnitus sounds, so they become less bothersome and intrusive. It’s a long-term therapy that requires commitment and patience. TRT has been effective for many people in improving their quality of life and reducing the impact of tinnitus, allowing them to better cope with this persistent auditory sensation. It’s typically administered by audiologists or tinnitus specialists.