The questions included in here will give you only a general outline of the treatment. Please read carefully the detailed information included in the package.
* How do you treat Tinnitus?
* What does retraining therapy mean?
* Are there any side effects of the treatment?
* What kind of audiological tests are performed? Will it hurt my ears? What if I don’t have tinnitus when I am tested?
* I recently had audiological tests done. Do they have to be repeated?
* Is the counseling a form of psychotherapy or biofeedback?
* How long does the treatment take?
* Will I be cured?
* What is the guarantee that I get better?
* How long are the visits?
* How frequently do I need to return to the Clinic?
* How much does the treatment cost?
* How do you treat Tinnitus?
How do you treat tinnitus?
This treatment is called Tinnitus Retraining Therapy. It involves an extensive audiological evaluation, several counseling sessions, the use of external sound, and frequently the use of sound devices. It does not involve any surgery or drugs.
What does retraining therapy mean?
We try to retrain the subconscious part of the brain to ignore the sound of your tinnitus and to achieve the stage in which you are not aware of and annoyed by your tinnitus.
Are there any side effects of the treatment?
There are no side effects.
What kind of audiological tests are performed? Will it hurt my ears? What if I don’t have tinnitus when I am tested?
The test includes a hearing evaluation and, several specific tests which will allow us to evaluate whether you have tinnitus and/or hyperacusis, and to what degree. The tests begin with low levels of sound and gradually get louder, therefore none of the tests will be painful. If the tinnitus is not present on the day of the testing, it will not influence the possibility of success with the treatment.
I recently had audiological tests done. Do they have to be repeated?
We prefer to have the tests performed in our clinic. Equipment calibrations and test procedures may vary, and there are also very specific measurements we perform which are not routinely provided in other places.
Is the counseling a form of psychotherapy or biofeedback?
No, the counseling will provide you with information about the causes and factors involved in your tinnitus/hyperacusis, explain to you how the retraining therapy works, and teach you how to use sound to help control your tinnitus. The counseling session is a fundamental part of the treatment process. This therapy uses sound as a part of the protocol. If psychological counseling or biofeedback/stress management is indicated, appropriate referrals will be made.
How long does the treatment take?
The treatment takes 12-24 months. If you carefully follow the protocol, you should see an improvement within a half a year.
Will I be cured?
You will no longer be bothered or annoyed by your tinnitus. However, if you concentrate and listen for your tinnitus, you may be able to hear it. This is why we refer to Tinnitus Retraining Therapy as a treatment, and not a cure.
What is the guarantee that I get better?
There is no guarantee.
How long are the visits?
The first visit consists of a 2-3 hour audiological evaluation which includes a thorough discussion of your history and concerns. Following your evaluation, recommendations will be made regarding a treatment program designed for your specific needs.
How frequently do I need to return to the Clinic?
The typical follow-up schedule is:
Visit Schedule Length of Visit
Initial counseling session* 2 hours
3 week follow-up 1/2 to 1hour
12 week follow-up 1/2 to 1hour
6 month follow-up 1 to 2 hours
Every 6 months until completion of the treatment 1 to 2 hours
Discharge from treatment program is approximately 18-24 months from the initial evaluation.
*For some individuals, the initial counseling session is sufficient, and continued treatment is not needed. For patients who live far away, the 3 week and 12 week follow-up visits can be replaced by telephone consultations.
How much does the treatment cost?
The approximate cost of the audiological evaluation is $300.00, which will be billed to your health insurance. The approximate cost of the TRT program is $500.00. The devices and their fitting, if recommended would be an additional $900.00. There is a reduced fee of $150.00 for cases in which the initial counseling session alone is sufficient in meeting the patient’s needs, and no continued follow-up or treatment is recommended. These fees are payable when services are rendered. Insurance does not currently cover TRT or tinnitus devices. We accept cash, check, and major credit cards.
Adapted from Dr. Pawel Jastreboff Tinnitus Rehabilitation Therapy Workshop November 1998
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