Tinnitus | Tinnitus Information

Question: Anyone had tinnitus retraining therapy?

(Posted by: randal h on 2010-01-26 04:04:05)

I'm referring to counseling and/ or sound therapy to reduce perception of tinnitus. I've been diagnosed with tinnitus; I'm 17 and my family is not rich. The concept of ongoing counseling and seeing various health professionals sounds very expensive. To anyone who has had this therapy or anything similar - - please share your experience and how much it cost you all up approximately. Thanks heaps I'd also like to know if the therapy consumed a lot of your time, as I am studying for my final high school exams this year (hopefully for a scholarship...not expecting though!) Yes Simon, I have been to an ENT. He gave me a bunch of options, including gingko tablets, antibiotics and TRT. I am 2 weeks into my gingko tablets (1 a day) but they haven't done anything to suppress the tinnitus as yet. re: the cost - - you've mentioned that the buds cost about $2500 - - how much would counselling cost, for 2 years approx?

Posted by: Anthony on 2010-01-26, 14:45:46

Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) is a form of habituation therapy designed to help people who suffer from tinnitus (ringing ears). The notion that there is "no known cure " for tinnitus is a flawed concept within TRT. When a patient has successfully habituated using TRT, the perception of tinnitus frequently returns to the previous level of awareness before perception became problematic. en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/ Tinnitus_retraining_therapy Cost consideration Low level, broad band sound is used to facilitate tinnitus habituation. Silence actually enhances tinnitus and patients undergoing TRT are advised to avoid silence. They should immerse themselves in a low level, emotionally neutral sound environment. TRT involves use of in-the-ear sound generators to provide this neutral sound environment. The sound generators are operated at a low enough level that the tinnitus can still be detected. Broad band sound contains all frequencies which gently stimulate the nerve cells in the subconscious networks allowing them to be more easily reprogrammed, or habituated, to no longer notice the tinnitus. The sound generators are worn continuously and can be taken out for sleep or left in. The cost of the generators is about $2,200.00 to $2,600.00. The cost of directive counseling is added to this. Therapy typically lasts for 12 to 24 months. natural alternatives Utilize masking noise. Tinnitus is usually more bothersome when the surroundings are quiet, especially when you are in bed. A competing sound such as a ticking clock, a radio, a fan or white noise machine may help mask tinnitus. Small hearing aid like devices which generate a competitive sound may help reduce the awareness of the tinnitus. You may combine such maskers along with herbal & homeopathic remedies for complete relief from tinnitus by attacking the bothersome symptoms from all corners. Some herbal remedies exist which can be used to support all body systems involved in helping the ear to perform its tasks of clear hearing and balance, as well as the circulatory, cardiovascular, and nervous systems. Some of the most common herbs & biochemic tissue salts used are • Ginkgo Biloba is excellent for a number of cerebral and circulatory disorders. It is probably the most widely-used herb for tinnitus and many sufferers swear by this natural ingredient. • Rosemary dilates and strengthens blood vessels and is an excellent circulation tonic. Rosemary is particularly useful for tinnitus that is caused or worsened by high blood pressure and other circulatory conditions. • Avena Sativa is effective in reducing high cholesterol levels which can contribute to circulatory problems which cause tinnitus. • Wild Hyssop s also useful in reducing pain and inflammation. • Salicylic Ac. (30C) is indicated for tinnitus with loud roaring or ringing sounds, which may be accompanied by deafness or vertigo. This remedy is particularly useful in people whose symptoms began with a bout of flu, Meniere’s disease or long-term use of aspirin. • Ferrum phosphoricum (Ferrum phos. D6) is a homeopathic biochemic tissue salt which supports the absorption of iron in the body. The protective myelin sheath which surrounds all nerve tissue needs iron to supply this vital nutrient to the nerve cells it encases. Regular use of Ferrum phos. can help to prevent dizziness, headaches and restlessness and is of great benefit for those who tend to feel irritable, tense and tired. • Magnesium phosphate (Mag. phos. D6) well-known as a homeopathic painkiller, Mag. phos. is also of great benefit to the health of the nerves. It acts as a natural anti-spasmodic and a nerve and muscle relaxant and is also frequently recommended for stress headaches. Hope all this helps Good Luck! You may check the source link below for more details on the above

Posted by: Simon D on 2010-01-26, 07:38:57

I am sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with tinnitus at such an early age, and I am assuming that you have been to see your doctor whom presumably referred you for counseling. One thing is abundantly clear from the feedback I receive is that there doesn't seem to be blanket remedy or cure for tinnitus. What works for one does not always work for the next person. And there are relatively inexpensive natural solutions out there if you are on a tight budget. You have made the right start by posting here, and you will soon start to get feedback which will provide many avenues for you to explore. GoodLuck!