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Tinnitus

 

Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in the ears without an external source. It is often linked to hearing loss but can also result from other factors affecting the auditory system. Although its exact cause is not fully understood, the most widely accepted theory—particularly when linked to hearing loss—points to damage in the cochlea, specifically to the outer hair cells. Researchers suggest that when these cells collapse, they may randomly stimulate the auditory pathways, leading to the perception of sound.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE)

The main body sits behind the ear, with a tube connecting it to a custom-molded earpiece.

Suitable for mild to profound hearing loss.

Offers powerful amplification and durability.

Often includes telecoils and Bluetooth for wireless connectivity.

Receiver-in-Canal (RIC)

Similar to BTE but smaller, with a thin wire connecting the main body to a receiver inside the ear canal.

Provides better sound clarity due to the receiver's placement.

Less occlusion (plugged-ear sensation) compared to traditional BTEs.

In-the-Ear (ITE)
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Custom-made to fit the entire outer portion of the ear.

Easier to handle than smaller styles, making it ideal for individuals with dexterity issues.

Can accommodate more features like volume control and directional microphones.

Hyperacusis is an increased sensitivity to normal environmental sounds, making routine activities like conversations or household chores uncomfortable or even painful. This condition can result in social withdrawal and emotional distress if left unmanaged.

Misophonia is characterized by strong emotional reactions—such as irritation, anxiety, or anger—to specific sounds like chewing, breathing, or tapping. These triggers can significantly impact personal and professional relationships.

Developed by Dr. Pawel Jastreboff, Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) is a structured approach that combines sound therapy and cognitive counseling to retrain the brain’s response to unwanted sounds, reducing their impact over time.

How TRT Works

  •  Sound Therapy:  Using customized sound generators or background noise to desensitize the brain’s perception of tinnitus and hyperacusis.
  •  Cognitive Counseling:  Educating patients on the science of auditory perception to change their emotional response to sounds.

Gradual Habituation: Encouraging the brain to filter out unwanted sounds naturally, making them less noticeable.

TRT does not mask the sound—it helps you train your brain to ignore it.

Why Choose Tinnitus Retraining Therapy?
  •  Clinically Proven: Based on decades of research, TRT has been shown to significantly reduce tinnitus distress and hyperacusis symptoms.
  •  Long-Term Relief: Unlike quick fixes, TRT provides sustainable improvement by addressing the root cause of sound sensitivity.
  •  Personalized Treatment: Each TRT program is tailored to individual needs, ensuring the most effective results.

Take Control of Your Hearing Health Today

Imagine a life where tinnitus no longer dominates your thoughts, hyperacusis no longer disrupts your daily routine, and misophonia no longer affects your emotions. With Tinnitus Retraining Therapy, this is possible.

Don’t let sound control your life—retrain your brain, restore your peace. Contact us today to learn more about how TRT can help you regain control over your auditory experience.

Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT)

Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) is a treatment approach developed by Dr. Pawel Jastreboff in the 1990s, grounded in his neurophysiological model of tinnitus. This model posits that tinnitus is not merely an issue within the ear but rather involves complex interactions between the auditory system and the brain’s emotional and attentional networks. The neurophysiological model emphasizes how the brain’s interpretation and reaction to tinnitus play a significant role in its perceived severity

The Neurophysiological Model

According to Dr. Jastreboff, tinnitus begins with abnormal neural activity in the auditory pathways, often triggered by hearing loss or damage to the cochlea. When the brain receives reduced input from the damaged auditory system, it attempts to compensate by increasing the sensitivity of the auditory pathways, which can lead to the perception of tinnitus. However, the distress associated with tinnitus is not solely due to this auditory signal. The model highlights the role of the limbic system (which governs emotions) and the autonomic nervous system (responsible for the fight-or-flight response). When tinnitus is perceived as a threat or an intrusion, these systems amplify the negative emotional and physical responses, creating a vicious cycle of increased tinnitus awareness and distress. TRT aims to break this cycle by combining directive counseling with sound therapy. TRT combines counselling and sound therapy to help patients manage tinnitus. Counselling educates patients on how tinnitus affects the brain, reducing fear and weakening its connection to emotional and autonomic responses. This promotes habituation, where the brain gradually filters out tinnitus, much like background noise. Sound therapy uses external sounds to minimize the contrast between tinnitus and the environment, aiding habituation. Hearing aids, especially for those with hearing loss, amplify ambient sounds to naturally mask tinnitus, while some models include sound generators for added relief. Together, these approaches retrain the brain’s response, making tinnitus less intrusive.

The Role of Hearing Loss in Tinnitus

Since a large proportion of tinnitus patients also have hearing loss, addressing this loss is a key component of effective treatment. Hearing aids restore access to environmental sounds, reducing the brain’s need to fill in auditory gaps with the phantom sounds of tinnitus. Moreover, by improving auditory input, hearing aids can reduce hyperactivity in the central auditory system, which is often associated with tinnitus. Our certified TRT specialists are here to help. If you're experiencing tinnitus, reach out to our audiologists for expe

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