Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) is based on the neurophysiological model of tinnitus developed by Jastreboff. The fundamental mechanism targeted by TRT is:
- A Habituation of the limbic and autonomic system responses to the tinnitus signal through counselling and sound therapy ✓
- B Elimination of tinnitus signal through auditory masking
- C Cognitive restructuring of negative thought patterns about tinnitus
- D Cochlear suppression of the lateral olivocochlear system
Correct answer: A. Habituation of the limbic and autonomic system responses to the tinnitus signal through counselling and sound therapy
Explanation
Jastreboff's neurophysiological model proposes that tinnitus distress arises not from the auditory signal itself but from conditioned responses in the limbic (emotional) and autonomic nervous systems. TRT aims for habituation of these reactions through directive counselling (explaining the benign nature of tinnitus) combined with low-level broadband noise (sound therapy) to reduce contrast between tinnitus and background silence. Masking aims to cover up tinnitus temporarily; TRT is different in that the sound is kept below the tinnitus level.
Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.