Celebrating a decade of evaluation and treatment: the University of Maryland Tinnitus & Hyperacusis Center

Abstract

The University of Maryland Tinnitus & Hyperacusis Center in Baltimore was the first center in the United States dedicated to the evaluation and treatment of tinnitus and hyperacusis patients implementing an habituation-based protocol that has become known internationally as Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT). A crucial feature of the model is the postulate that a number of systems in the brain are involved in the emergence of tinnitus. The cochlea and auditory periphery play only a secondary role. To facilitate the goal of habituation of the tinnitus signal, TRT implements both directive counseling to neutralize the negative emotional associations toward the tinnitus, and sound therapy to interfere with the signal. As an outgrowth of the work with tinnitus, the evaluation and treatment of hyperacusis has emerged as an increasingly important part of our program. This report describes the unique facility, staff, and services of the Center as we celebrate a decade of research and clinical management dedicated to the scientific understanding of tinnitus and hyperacusis.