Is Habituation Real?

[Tinizzy]

Hello there. I'm now 2 months into this and still in the acute, what the hell is happening to me phase.

Today I went to the audiologist and therapist to get information on what tinnitus exactly is and to make a plan for CBT because I'm super anxious.

But I want some hope to get through these really hard days. Is habituation real? Is it really possible to not be bothered by your tinnitus anymore? Cause right now its hard to see the light.

I'm totally consumed by this... It's eating me (literally, I can see all my bones).

Will I ever be able to relax again without thinking about tinnitus?

 

[Michael Leigh]

HI @Tinizzy

Habituation is certainly real and can be achieved but it takes time. You haven't mentioned what caused your tinnitus? If it is headphone use or exposure to loud sounds, then I suggest that you do not use headphones for now even at low volume. Please click on the links below and read my articles on tinnitus and habituation that you might find helpful. Try to read them in full and not skim through them.

All the best
Michael

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/the-habituation-process.20767/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-a-personal-view.18668/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/hyperacusis-as-i-see-it.19174/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-and-the-negative-mindset.23705/

 

[fishbone]

Hello there. I'm now 2 months into this and still in the acute, what the hell is happening to me phase.

Today I went to the audiologist and therapist to get information on what tinnitus exactly is and to make a plan for CBT because I'm super anxious.

But I want some hope to get through these really hard days. Is habituation real? Is it really possible to not be bothered by your tinnitus anymore? Cause right now its hard to see the light.

I'm totally consumed by this... It's eating me (literally, I can see all my bones).

Will I ever be able to relax again without thinking about tinnitus?

Your tinnitus is VERY new. All of us felt the same way you did at first. I felt that way too. The tinnitus was consuming all the energy and focus 24-7. It takes time to learn how to deal with tinnitus. It is a shock to our system, when all of a sudden our ears ring and makes new noises. It can take from 6 months to 1 year...possibly more to adjust to tinnitus and the ringing.

I highly suggest that you talk to someone you trust and care for. Let them know how you feel and what is going on.

Learning how to relax and being calm has been crucial for me, when it comes to tinnitus. I have VERY loud high pitch tinnitus in both ears. It takes time to deal with tinnitus, don't worry about tomorrow, focus on today and just do your best. Every little positive step is a victory and that's all it takes.

I know that my tinnitus is there, but I don't dwell on it. My motto is - IT IS, WHAT IT IS. I have tinnitus, I have ringing. For me it will never go away. For you, it might fade or maybe not. Just being honest with ourselves is key to this and to living life.

You have a great community supporting you here, so you have an advantage. I never had this 30 years ago. You will be ok and this board is here for you

 

[Pleasure_Paulie]

Yes, but get off these forums as they won't help you habituate. Go and do fun things that will take your mind off your Tinnitus. What are you thinking about while on these forums?..

As an FYI: habituation is still hearing your Tinnitus but not caring and/or having an anxious response to your Tinnitus.

 

[GregCA]

But I want some hope to get through these really hard days. Is habituation real? Is it really possible to not be bothered by your tinnitus anymore? Cause right now its hard to see the light.

Yes it's real, some people do get to the point that they aren't bothered by it anymore.

 

[Tinizzy]

Yeah. Thats what Im uncertain of.. Whats the true meaning of habituation. I want it to be: you dont hear unless you search for it. Simply because right now I cant imagine not having a negative response to it ever.

 

[Michael Leigh]

Yeah. Thats what Im uncertain of.. Whats the true meaning of habituation. I want it to be: you dont hear unless you search for it. Simply because right now I cant imagine not having a negative response to it ever.

My link: The habituation process explains what habituation is. Also read: Tinnitus and the negative mindset. Habituation takes time it isn't achived in a few weeks or months.
Michael

 

[Tinizzy]

@Michael Leigh Ive read them. Nice articles. In what wat are you habituated to your second noise trauma?

 

[Tinizzy]

@Michael Leigh I only noticed my T after watching a movie bout someone with T. 2 weeks prior went clubbing without earplugs. Before that: always earplugs and almost no headphones..

 

[Michael Leigh]

@Michael Leigh Ive read them. Nice articles. In what wat are you habituated to your second noise trauma?

Habituation to tinnitus means to be able to live with it without it affecting your daily life. I habituated to my 2nd noise trauma in the same way even though it took 4 years.
Michael

 

[Tinizzy]

@Michael Leigh Beautifully said

 

[josho771]

@Tinizzy you seem to be obsessing about it that's why you can hear it so much, you need to try stop obsessing about it, like when mine first started I constantly obsessed about it and then I thought fine I'm just gonna let this be here and then all of a sudden I forgot and couldn't hear it.. that's because I have OCD which mine is obsessive mind I obsess about bad things unfortunately. But yeah once I stopped obsessing about it I couldn't hear it.

 

[Tinizzy]

@josho771 I know I am ahhaha. Wish I wasnt. But how come you dont obsess about T then?

 

[josho771]

@Tinizzy I seem to be obsessing about it again unfortunately, but I also have a fear of getting illness's and once I start obsessing about one I forget about T, so mine just seems to be an obsession

 

[Jeff M.]

Yup, it's a real thing! Never thought it was possible in the beginning, But with effort and desire to overcome, it happened! There's hope!!

 

[Raphael7713]

it's real.