I am using hearing aids; how can I use other devices?

Although in some cases masking can provide tinnitus relief, this approach is aimed at making tinnitus inaudible. When the device is removed, however, the tinnitus returns. In addition, the level of sound required to mask the tinnitus may be uncomfortable. We use the devices to generate noise, not to cover the sound of tinnitus. The goal of retraining therapy is to retrain the brain so that it eventually does not pick up the tinnitus sound, and in order to do this, the tinnitus sound cannot be covered. Generating sound that mixes with your tinnitus will help you feel more comfortable and remove the emotional response to tinnitus. At this point, the tinnitus no longer bothers you, even when it is perceived.

My mother is deaf and she has tinnitus. Can she benefit from Tinnitus Retraining Therapy?

This therapy uses sound as a part of the protocol. So if your mother is completely deaf and does not have a cochlear implant she would not be able to benefit from this therapy. However, the use of electrical stimulation of the ear (through cochlear implant or external stimulation) combined with Tinnitus Retraining Therapy may help. If she can hear sound, even if she cannot recognize speech, we can try to help her.

My mother is deaf and she has tinnitus. Can she benefit from Tinnitus Retraining Therapy?

This therapy uses sound as a part of the protocol. So if your mother is completely deaf and does not have a cochlear implant she would not be able to benefit from this therapy. However, the use of electrical stimulation of the ear (through cochlear implant or external stimulation) combined with Tinnitus Retraining Therapy may help. If she can hear sound, even if she cannot recognize speech, we can try to help her.

I am taking some medication. Will I be able to continue?

Your doctor is the best person to advise you. In general, if you are taking medication for any other reason than tinnitus, you will be able to continue taking the medication.

How long does the treatment take?

The treatment takes 12-24 months. If you carefully follow the protocol, you should see an improvement within half a year.

Will I be cured?

You will no longer be bothered or annoyed by your tinnitus. However, if you concentrate and want to hear your tinnitus, you will. 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, but from our experience over 80% of our patients have reported significant improvement.

How long is the first visit?

The first visit consists of a one and half-hour evaluation, this includes direct counselling.

How frequently do I need to return to the centre?

This varies. Fifty percent of patients seen for tinnitus at Western Hearing Services require only one visit.

Is this treatment covered by insurance?

In general, no. Some insurers cover part of the evaluation and sometimes the devices. Medicare does not cover it. You may call or write your insurance company and check with them as to your coverage and possible reimbursement. You will be responsible for payment of typically non-covered services at the time they are rendered.

I am using retraining therapy for my tinnitus. I need to have some dental work done which involves high speed drilling. Can I have it done and what can I expect?

You should contact the centre and the person who is working with you. High-speed dental drills produce loud sound which is transmitted not only by the air, but also by bone conduction. This sound may increase tinnitus (in most cases temporarily). In general it would be better to avoid loud drilling if possible. There is a new, and still controversial, quiet technology called air-abrasive micro-dentistry which you might like to explore and seek more information about from dental professionals.

I am using retraining therapy for my hyperacusis. I need to have some dental work done which involves high speed drilling. Can I have it done and what can I expect?

You should avoid exposure to any loud sounds. High speed drilling could potentially worsen your condition.

I was advised to have an MRI done. Can I expect any problems with my tinnitus and hyperacusis?

If you need to have an MRI done, we advise you to use an open field MRI. In addition, your ears should be protected. Unfortunately we have to make you aware that some of our patients have reported that their tinnitus/hyperacusis started or became unbearable after MRI exposure.

Can cosmetic facial surgery affect my tinnitus and/or hyperacusis?

There is no reason to suspect that this procedure will have any effect. I would try to postpone the surgery if it involves drilling or is in very close proximity to the ear.