Tinnitus Treatment: Multidisciplinary Approaches, Including TRT, Hearing Aids, and Stress Management

Tinnitus, the perception of sound without an external source, affects a significant percentage of the population, leading to considerable impacts on the quality of life of those who experience it. This phenomenon, which can be triggered by various causes, necessitates a treatment approach that considers the heterogeneity of patients. In this context, Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) and a multidisciplinary approach emerge as promising strategies for the effective management of tinnitus.

Delving into Tinnitus Treatment

Recent evidence supports the neurophysiological model of tinnitus developed by Jastreboff, suggesting that by manipulating the limbic, autonomic, and auditory systems, TRT can reduce the response to abnormal stimuli. This approach focuses on personalizing treatment according to each patient's unique tinnitus profile, combining etiological therapies, TRT, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in specialized clinics.

A study conducted at the Charité University Hospital in Berlin evaluated a modified version of TRT, which included group therapeutic interventions in a daytime hospital setting. The results showed a significant reduction in tinnitus-related stress and psychometric variables, both in the short and long term. This multidisciplinary approach, incorporating techniques such as Jacobson's progressive muscle relaxation, physiotherapy, and education, enables patients to practice and transfer strategies to their daily lives.

Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis of available treatment options highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis that considers the etiological aspects and pathophysiological mechanisms of tinnitus. Treatment options include the use of hearing aids and cochlear implants for patients with significant hearing loss, sound generators, novel auditory stimulation approaches, pharmacological treatment, neurofeedback, brain stimulation, and digital approaches based on the Internet and applications.

Conclusions

Tinnitus treatment requires a personalized and multidisciplinary approach that integrates various therapeutic modalities. The combination of TRT, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and other interventions, such as the use of hearing aids and stress management techniques, has proven effective in reducing the impact of tinnitus on patients' quality of life. As research advances, it is crucial for healthcare professionals to stay updated on the latest evidence and approaches to provide patient-centered tinnitus treatment.

Referencias

• [1] Subjective tinnitus assessment and treatment in clinical practice: the necessity of personalized medicine.
• [2] Long-term improvement in tinnitus after modified tinnitus retraining therapy enhanced by a variety of psychological approaches.
• [3] The Current State of Tinnitus Diagnosis and Treatment: a Multidisciplinary Expert Perspective.

Created 6/1/2025