Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) is based on which neurophysiological model?

• A Jastreboff's neurophysiological model — tinnitus becomes distressing only when the signal reaches the limbic and autonomic nervous systems via conditioned reflexes ✓
• B Central sensitization model — NMDA receptor hyperactivity in the auditory cortex generates phantom sound
• C Cochlear synchrony model — loss of outer hair cells leads to increased spontaneous firing of auditory nerve
• D Stochastic resonance model — noise exposure paradoxically reduces tinnitus perception

Explanation

TRT is based on Jastreboff's neurophysiological model, which proposes that tinnitus perception itself may be generated at various levels of the auditory system but becomes clinically significant tinnitus only when the signal is processed through the limbic system (emotional component, causing distress) and the autonomic nervous system (arousal/anxiety). TRT aims to break this conditioned reflex through directive counseling and broadband sound therapy (not masking), allowing habituation of the reaction to and perception of tinnitus. CBT addresses the psychological response, not the underlying neurophysiological pathway.

Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.