FAQ on Tinnitus Cognitive Retraining Therapy

 Q: What is Tinnitus Cognitive Retraining Therapy (TCRT)?

A: Tinnitus Cognitive Retraining Therapy is a highly effective treatment for tinnitus based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy that helps you jump start and speed up your body’s natural healing process.

Q: How long does it take to experience results?

A: Obviously, this varies from person to person, as each one of us is so different due to many issues. These individual factors will be thoroughly explored in the therapy itself. In my years of experience in treating tinnitus, I have frequently seen changes in volume, intensity, and in one’s emotional reactivity to the tinnitus itself within a few sessions. However, more significant results are achieved with Tinnitus Cognitive Retraining Therapy on average from about 3 to 6 months.

Q: What changes in my tinnitus might I expect with Tinnitus Cognitive Retraining Therapy?

A: As the therapy progresses, around 95% experience what I call “windows”. A window is a period of time that usually begins in shorter durations, within which you may hear the tinnitus, but it doesn’t really bother you as it did before. Eventually, around 75% also experience what I call “super windows”, which is a period within which you don’t hear the tinnitus at all. Both windows and super windows tend to grow longer in duration and are experienced with increased frequency as the treatment progresses.

Q: How does Tinnitus Cognitive Retraining Therapy work?

A: By retraining the brain to alter stress hormone producing thought patterns known to increase and maintain tinnitus at higher levels, Tinnitus Cognitive Retraining Therapy accelerates the brain’s ability to heal itself.

Q: But aren’t there other factors that have an impact on tinnitus?

A: Yes. I take an all-around holistic approach and will investigate a host of factors that research has shown may be contributing to and/or exacerbating your tinnitus.

Q: Isn’t tinnitus a physical problem?

A: It is actually more complex than that. Tinnitus may begin as a result of several known physical problems; however, in my experience, what maintains tinnitus at higher levels is a physical-biochemical-neurological-psychological feedback loop, that has an impact on all of these systems.

Q: What is the main cause of tinnitus?

A: The main cause of tinnitus is cumulative sound exposure. The main culprits include loud music, loud concerts, bars or clubs where loud music is played, headphones at loud volumes, and certain occupational noise.

Q: Can emotions cause tinnitus?

A: In my experience emotions are a major factor in maintaining tinnitus at high levels due to their connection with stress hormones. Emotions can trigger tinnitus and even make it worse.

Q: I also have hyperacusis (over-sensitivity to certain frequency and volume ranges of sound). Will Tinnitus Cognitive Retraining Therapy help with my hyperacusis as well?

A: Experiencing hyperacusis accompanying tinnitus is fairly common. Tinnitus Cognitive Retraining Therapy will also address the same feedback loop in the brain that maintains the hyperacusis at high levels.

Q: Do I need to purchase any special device to do Tinnitus Cognitive Retraining Therapy?

A: You don’t need to purchase any device to do Tinnitus Cognitive Retraining Therapy because the therapy utilizes the most powerful device you possess: Your brain!

Q: Will you work with my audiologist?

A: Of course. I receive many referrals directly from audiologists and also work with the top audiologists in the field of tinnitus if you should require a referral.

Q: My audiologist is having me use a device. Is Tinnitus Cognitive Retraining Therapy compatible with my device?

A: I work many audiologists around various devices. Not only is Tinnitus Cognitive Retraining Therapy compatible with various devices for tinnitus, the therapy can enhance the sound therapy and other therapeutic devices. Furthermore, I will work closely with your audiologist to coordinate the most effective treatment plan.

Q: Will my insurance cover Tinnitus Cognitive Retraining Therapy?

A: If you have out-of-network coverage, your insurance will usually cover most of the costs.

Q: If I don’t have insurance that will cover the therapy, can you still work with me?

A: Yes, the Tinnitus Cognitive Center is dedicated to working with everyone who suffers with tinnitus. Just give us a call at 646-213-2321 and we will help you with various options.

Tinnitus Cognitive Center

Stephen Geller Katz, LCSW-R
200 W 57th Street, Suite 506b
New York, NY 10019

Call today for a consultation