Really Struggling. Looking to Try TRT (Tinnitus Retraining Therapy).

Hi all, I am really struggling the last couple of months and seem to be running out of options for treatment. I am not telling anyone on here what they don't know. Tried the whole vitamin thing, acupuncture, chiropractor, massage, etc.. I had the typical MRI, MRA and multiple ENT and audiologist visits.

I find my self going back to dark places more and more. I am seeing a therapist and do CBT along with an AD. This is not the perfect solution but I can credit it with me still typing here. When I feel really bad I use a Xanax or Clonazepam.

The latest thing I am going to try is TRT. We have a local place that is a popular place for hearing solutions. One of the services that they offer is TRT.

Is there anyone on here that has been successful with TRT that would be willing to provide a positive story and maybe PM me?

I am really struggling here so please do not come back with "TRT sucks etc etc...". That does not help me one bit.

As always, thanks!

 

One of our notable members, @Michael B is quite knowledgeable with TRT. Perhaps he can give you some idea what it is all about.

 

Thanks, I will reach out. Hanging by a thread lately and looking for some positivity.

 

As mentioned @Michael Leigh has also had a lot of experience with it.

I'm sorry your not doing well. We know its not easy to deal with. I'm glad your going to CBT and taking medicine because that should be helping.

Stay strong!

 

Seems like TRT and Dr. Levine's website is all we have. I'm having a hard time getting Diazepam or Clonazepam. I know many here think they are bad in the long run.

https://sites.google.com/site/doctorlevinestinnitussite/

 

I think you are referring to @Michael Leigh

 

HI @dayma

I have had TRT twice with good results. If you wish contact me at any time regarding TRT or anything else concerning tinnitus then please send me a PM.

I have read your first post to this forum back in March of this year. The information you have given helps a lot and it appears that your tinnitus wasn't "noise induced" which is one of the most common causes of the condition. You mention the tinnitus is in your left ear and the intensity can be affected by movements in your Jaw and Neck. I gather you have seen a few specialists and had a variety of tests which is good. I see that you are having CBT and taking medication to help cope with the management of the tinnitus.

The medications you are taking I advise that you continue with them, for they can be very helpful in controlling the stress and anxiety that is often associated with tinnitus. I also advise whoever is prescribing you these medications: GP/family doctor/ primary care physician monitors you closely.

CBT and TRT are very similar, in that counselling is provided with these treatments in order for them to be effective. This takes time and is not a quick fix. Once your stress and anxiety begin to lower with the help of medication and the counselling, your mental and emotional wellbeing will also improve. I cannot emphasize this enough and it's something that a lot of people that have difficulty manging tinnitus do not understand. Although the intensity of the tinnitus has some bearing, what is of vital importance is not allowing it to affect our mental and emotional wellbeing. This is where counselling with a good Hearing Therapist/Audiologist trained in the management and treatment of tinnitus can be so beneficial. Please click on the links below to read my posts for more information about this.

If you are going to try TRT then having the proper treatment is important. Regular counselling should be provided and you should also be issued or advised to purchase two white noise generators. The white noise generators should be worn for up to 10hrs a day and a sound machine should be used by the bedside at night for sound enrichment. More information is in the links below.

TRT, CBT or any other tinnitus treatment cannot do the work all by themselves. You have to back this up with positive thinking and engaging in things that you like to do in your life in or to reduce "negative thinking". Negative thinking can be detrimental to the tinnitus habituation process. Whilst tinnitus forums can be good they can be harmful too. Try not to read negative posts, if you are not careful, people that have a negative outlook on life, tinnitus and its treatment will start to have a negative impact on you.

I wish you well.
Michael

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/what-is-trt-and-when-should-it-be-started.19024/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-a-personal-view.18668/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/is-positivity-important.23150/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-and-the-negative-mindset.23705/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/acquiring-a-positive-mindset.23969/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/the-ent-doctor-and-hearing-therapist.24047/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/inspiration.22894/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/can-tinnitus-counselling-help.22366/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/the-habituation-process.20767/

 

Thank you Michael. I am reading through these posts and will reach out in a PM.

Rough morning again

 

Maybe try the Back to Silence method? https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/back-to-silence.7172/
That reminds me of Psycho-Cybernetics, dealing with the subconscious mind.

 

What are the major takeaways from TRT? It seems use white noise and stay busy? Anything else in particular?

 

it's a mixure of cognitive behavioral therapy, counseling to accept tinnitus, and color noise therapy that is worn several hours a day with hearing aids and sound machines.