Strange/hopeful realization

[Lylyl]

I am new to this forum, I’m 19 and my tinnitus started about two months ago, not sure why. It is in both ears, one consistent hum and one ‘ringing bell’ like sound. There are possibly more, I have been obsessively avoiding listening to them. Luckily so far I can’t hear them over the sound of the tv or when I’m outside.

And then for the strange thing. Battle hardened- t- sufferers might not find this very strange but I’ve been looking into habituation and the connection between the emotional response and severity of the t. I recently started using a new charger that produces a ringing (tinnitus-like) sound when I plug my phone in. As I laid in bed I focused on that sound, knowing it wasn’t ‘my own’ t. Strangely enough, this rather unpleasant ringing became almost comforting to me.

If I had been convinced the sound was in my head it would be a different story but now, because I created a positive emotional response to it, I think my brain goes ‘this is a safe sound’ and stops seeing it as a threat.

Now in my opinion this kind of proofs the possibilty of habituation to intrusive sounds, I just have no idea how to apply this knowledge to accepting my t as my immediate response right now is pure panic.

If anyone has any tips/ thoughts to share on this topic I would be extremely grateful. Seeing as I am currently suffering from a rather intense anxiety disorder it would be appreciated if potential commenters refrained from stating any extremely negative/‘omnious’ thoughts as I tend to go into this panicky vortex of doom at any sad tinnitus-related story (call me a wuss), thank you in advance for your consideration!

[HayleyStephens]

You are right about the emotional response. As you have this level of awareness I feel very hopeful that you will be open to neuroplasticity. Please look at my posts. I suffered with a terrible debilitating anxiety disorder, of which I am now free. The Linden Method has exactly the correct scientology to cure anxiety disorders. Again neuroplasticity is at the core of this method. My T is mild now. Barely noticeable and certainly doesn't bother me. That wasn't the story when I first got it believe me.

Hope this is if some help

Hayleyx