TINNITUS RETRAINING THERAPY (TRT)

Although we understand some of the causes of tinnitus, the actual physiological mechanism is not understood and at present there is no cure. In the search for the cause and treatment of tinnitus many things have been tried and tested. To the delight of some people with the condition, they have found ways of reducing the intrusion. Some have even had their tinnitus go as quickly as it came.

Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) is a treatment that is proving to be beneficial for a number of sufferers. It is not suitable for everyone and an individual assessment is carried out at the first consultation to decide its validity in each case. This treatment is not readily available everywhere and even in the UK it is limited.

TRT may take many months before relief from tinnitus begins, therefore, patience and perseverance is essential. The theory is that the experience of tinnitus can be controlled by our mental or emotional response to it. For example, with the onset of tinnitus the reaction is extreme emotional distress, the perception of the noises will increase accordingly. Tinnitus may be perceived by the sufferer as frightening and threatening with the possible interpretation of a more serious health problem. If, however, the noise can be accepted with less emotional upset, it can be less intrusive.

TRT requires rethinking of perception, fears and anxieties, as well as understanding that tinnitus does not present a threat and that it is possible to reduce the intrusion. In some cases there can be periods when it may not be heard at all. However, it is not easy to change beliefs strongly held by many sufferers. To train the auditory system to alter the response to tinnitus can take some time.

To aid this treatment it is necessary to use a 'white noise generator' (once known as a masker and in appearance is like a hearing aid) in the ear for several hours each day. The generator is adapted to a very low frequency so that the tinnitus can also be heard. It is believed that this continuous aural stimulation usually results in habituation, with the individual responding less and less to the stimulation, in the knowledge that it does not represent a threat. Sometimes this may then progress until neither the signal nor the tinnitus is detected. This is known as habituation of reaction to tinnitus.

Personal counselling is the most essential part to TRT treatment, this must be carried out consistently and sometimes over long periods, in order to achieve the best results. In other words, without counselling it is not TRT.

There is no official list as to where this treatment is available. Should you wish to find the nearest available TRT, ask the Ear Nose and Throat department of your closest hospital if it is on offer in your area. Then ask your doctor to arrange an interview for you.

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