You’re not the only person looking for “tinnitus retraining therapy near me.” Tinnitus can negatively impact focus, sleep, and overall quality of life. Thankfully, there is a tried-and-true management strategy for tinnitus: tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT). TRT helps you to make ringing less bothersome and regain control.
"Treble Health helped me turn down the sound of my tinnitus. Now I can breathe, and get on with my life!"
"Treble Health helped me turn down the sound of my tinnitus. Now I can breathe, and get on with my life!"
– Elisa
Book a free consultation to learn which Treble Health solution is right for you. Join Elisa and thousands more who have found lasting tinnitus relief.
Everything you need to know about TRT will be covered in this guide, including what it is, how it operates, and what to anticipate if you choose to seek treatment in your area
What Is Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)?
Tinnitus retraining therapy helps your brain ignore the sounds of tinnitus. It uses sound therapy and counseling to train your brain to stop focusing on the ringing, buzzing, or hissing. Over time, just like you stop noticing background noises like a fridge or the feeling of your clothes, your brain learns to tune out the tinnitus sounds.
We refer to this process as habituation. To help you stop being bothered by tinnitus side effects, TRT aims to assist your brain in naturally pushing it into the background. Many people get to the point where their daily lives are no longer disrupted by tinnitus with time and consistency.
TRT’s Main Objectives
- Modify how you feel about tinnitus
- Assist your brain in reducing the tinnitus noise
- Over time, lessen the impact and perception of tinnitus
The Three Stages of Tinnitus Retraining Therapy
TRT usually takes place in three steps: evaluation, education, and sound therapy.
1. Evaluation: Individualized Assessment
Before beginning TRT, a hearing specialist (audiologist) will assess your hearing health. This includes:
- A comprehensive evaluation of hearing
- Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) questionnaires
- A conversation regarding your lifestyle and medical history
The purpose of this step is to evaluate your tinnitus symptoms and determine whether TRT is a good fit for you.
2. Education: Recognizing the Situation
A crucial component of TRT is counseling. You’ll discover how your brain reacts to sound, how your auditory system functions, and why tinnitus occurs.
Basics of the Auditory System
You’ll discover how sound moves from the outer ear to the brain, with an emphasis on:
- How the inner ear (cochlea) perceives various pitches
- How damage to hair cells can cause phantom sounds
The Function of the Brain in Tinnitus
You’ll comprehend the roles played by various brain regions:
- Brainstem (“reptilian brain”): Basic survival and reflexes
- Limbic system: Memory and emotion
- Brain cortex: Reasoning and logic
These brain systems work together to affect how you experience and respond to tinnitus.
Why Different People Are Affected by Tinnitus
While some people don’t notice tinnitus at all, others find it upsetting. This is due to the emotional meaning your brain assigns to the sound. When your brain associates tinnitus with discomfort or danger, it becomes bothersome. TRT helps reframe this association.
3. Rewire Your Perception with Sound Therapy
This is TRT’s second treatment pillar. You can train your brain to disregard tinnitus by introducing background noise.
Sound Enhancement of the Environment
If you have mild to moderate tinnitus:
- Make use of fans, white noise machines, or natural sounds
- Steer clear of complete silence whenever you can
Portable Sound Generators
These are tiny gadgets that produce low-level sound and are worn like hearing aids. They assist your brain in ceasing to respond to tinnitus, but they do not entirely conceal it.
Aids for Hearing
Hearing aids can do two things for people who have hearing loss:
- Boost your hearing
- Make tinnitus less noticeable
Extra Perspectives from TRT Counseling
Conditioned Responses’ Power
Our responses to sounds are influenced by our prior knowledge. An adult may be startled by thunder, but a baby may laugh. TRT takes advantage of the fact that these responses are modifiable.
Tinnitus Distress Is Caused by Emotional Responses
The way your brain responds to tinnitus is what causes distress, not the actual sound of tinnitus itself. Regaining control is made simpler once you understand this.
Tinnitus Is Not Hazardous
Part of the process is assuring you that tinnitus is not dangerous. This is a major component of TRT counseling. Once you realize this, habituation becomes easier and your anxiety decreases. Note that this is true for the majority of people. Although for most people tinnitus is not a sign of a serious underlying problem, some people may need care from a medical ear specialist to treat certain conditions related to tinnitus. These people are referred for medical care.
Research Findings on TRT
Tinnitus affects millions of people, and while it can be a frustrating condition, treatments like Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) offer hope for relief. According to research from the 2007 National Health Interview Survey, the prevalence of tinnitus is significant, but many sufferers still struggle to find effective solutions.
- 9.6% of U.S. adults (about 21.4 million people) experience tinnitus annually.
- 36% of tinnitus sufferers report near-constant symptoms.
- 7.2% consider their tinnitus to be a “big” or “very big” problem.
- 27% have had tinnitus for more than 15 years.
These statistics highlight the widespread nature of tinnitus and the varying degrees of its impact. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy offers a promising approach for those looking to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life, addressing both the emotional and physical toll of the condition.
How Long Does TRT Take?
TRT is a long-term solution. Although it takes time—typically six to eighteen months—habituation is worthwhile. Progress is contingent upon:
- Your degree of tinnitus discomfort
- Your dedication to sound therapy every day
- Frequent check-ins for counseling
Most people start to see improvements within the first few months.
Finding Tinnitus Retraining Therapy Near You
If you’re wondering, “Where can I find tinnitus retraining therapy near me?” the good news is that a lot of tinnitus specialists and audiologists now provide this service.
Qualities to Consider in a Provider
- Experience with treatments tailored to tinnitus
- Use of structured counseling and sound therapy
- Individualized sessions based on your requirements
Make sure to inquire about the scope of the treatment program when looking for TRT providers in your area, as care for tinnitus varies.
Is TRT Right for You?
TRT might work well for you if you:
- Have annoying tinnitus that interferes with your ability to concentrate, sleep, or feel happy
- Desire a non-invasive, scientifically supported treatment
- Are prepared to devote time to making small improvements
The education and sound therapy provided by TRT can provide significant relief, even if your tinnitus is not severe.
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy Cost
TRT is an investment, and the price varies based on the length of treatment and your provider. This is a broad range:
- First consultation: $150 to $300
- Follow-up appointments: About the same or a little less
- Hearing aids (if needed): $3,000 to $6,000
Check if your insurance covers part of the cost or if your provider offers treatment packages. Some audiologists charge separately for sound therapy equipment.
Supporting Your Recovery Beyond TRT
TRT can be used in conjunction with other tools to accelerate your progress.
Meditation and Mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness can help you become less reactive to tinnitus. Even five to ten minutes a day can help.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT complements TRT by:
- Targeting negative thoughts
- Reducing anxiety
- Improving coping strategies
Lifestyle Changes
Small lifestyle shifts support your brain’s healing process:
- Cut back on alcohol and caffeine
- Make getting enough sleep a priority
- Steer clear of loud noises
Your Road to Relief from Tinnitus
Now that you’ve searched for “tinnitus retraining therapy near me,” you have a better idea of what this therapy entails. TRT aims to alter how your brain reacts to the sound—not eliminate it. With the right support, the majority of people experience significant relief.With a tailored combination of treatments, Treble Health has assisted thousands of patients in lessening the effects of tinnitus. We can help if you’re prepared to stop allowing tinnitus to take over your life. We offer personalized hearing solutions and expert guidance. To get started, book a 20-minute telehealth consultation on us!
Next Step: Book Free Consultation
- 75% of patients reduced their tinnitus within three months after following our recommendations.
- "I feel like Treble Health literally gave me my life back." - Randy S. (verified customer)
- Join thousands of people who have reduced their tinnitus after scheduling a free consultation.
