Coverage of Conditions and Treatments (Coverage Decisions)
Tinnitus retraining therapy is a program intended to treat chronic tinnitus by inducing a patient to habituate to the tinnitus signal.
Coverage decision
L&I does not cover TRT because it is considered investigational and controversial. No prospective studies with comparison groups have been published to evaluate TRT for chronic tinnitus. The efficacy of TRT for tinnitus has not been established due to the lack of evidence addressing effectiveness.
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) is a program intended to address and treat chronic tinnitus. TRT is based on a neurophysiological model and aims to allow a patient to habituate to the tinnitus signal. The multidisciplinary TRT team provides direct counseling, sound therapy with instruments or devices, and follow-up visits.
TRT technology assessment (261 KB PDF / 1 min)