Following several months, or more, I've managed to habituate. This is with the help of Sertraline at 150mg per day. I've think I've found a balanced dose that works for me. However, whilst I'm not so much frustrated and angry, I still feel mentally drained and the noise is much higher, albeit that I'm able to dismiss it.
My doctor suspects the "honeymoon period" maybe over for the Sertraline.
Has anyone else who has habituated found despite habituation that Tinnitus still takes a mental toll?
hi Dave - I can dismiss my T a lot of the time , even though its is quite loud ( esp evenings and nightime) - and I am generally not too anxious about it - although I am depressed at times because it has restricted my life. (I havent taken any anti-deps because i couldnt bear it to be any louder) - although there are noise incdents which effect it and i can be back to being anxious again ( like today)
What do u mean by "honeymoon period" for Setraline may be over? are u tapering off the Setraline?
When I say "honeymoon period", I'm quoting my doctor. What he means is that now I've found an optimum dose of 150mg, after trying the max dose of 200mg which I had side-effects,, the drug has probably been as good as it's going to get for me, and I may have to tackle some the side effects.
It's not a good euphemism, as I'm 10 years in and 7 years married. It's still going very strong 😘. How she puts up with my moods, I don't know 😁.
hi Dave - does yr T react to noise ? does it fluctuate in volume . Have you found that the sound of yr T has changed over time?
Yes, a spike can be triggered by a loud sudden noise or exposure to background noise. To be more specific this can vary and is dependent on a mixture of fatigue and stress. Most of the time I can control it, especially when I am mentally prepared.
thnx Dave - my T is quite reactive even to sounds that are not that loud - especially artificial sounds such as from TV, computer speakers etc. My T has been quite restrictive on my life because of the reactivity - I dont travel far these days at all ,only in the local region and train and planes are totally out of the question . Not being able to travel really is quite depressing for me .
Are you still able to travel or has this changed for you as well
I'm too stubborn and I try my best to not let it beat me. Though I do have to be selective though. I only go to my local on a Sunday evening where it is just the 3 of us at the bar. In coffee shops and restaurants, I always try to select a table where I can sit with my back to the wall or away from the noise.
In fact I was at a concert last week - with my earplugs, I should add. It was a old school friends get together. As I expected would happen, I sat in the foyer. I could hear the music much better than in the hall. Though I did give it a try, but after 5 minutes I had to give up. It was still a good evening. I was due to go out to a local gig with a friend tonight as it happens, but I've cancelled.
its good that you are not too restricted - I think i have a rare type of T that is more reactive and restrictive
Try not to let it beat you though. The main thing is as long as you are finding activities and a lifestyle that keeps you happy.
thnx Dv
Another thing. What I found helpful in my journey towards habituation was being mindful and listening to my tinnitus. This involves understanding Tinnitus."It cannot hurt me".
yes in answer to your question, I have sort of habituated and yes it still does take it’s mental toll. . I keep trying, it’s hard work !!!
yes agree ..& to daves question i am able to dismiss the noise and of the t,, and yes it does take its toll mentally in my epierence to! 
Yes it really does. I am now 13 years of 24/7 tinnitus, been through the anger, the ‘why me’ , the ‘poor me’ and i habituated about 6 years ago, with much help from alternative therapies,…but it is absolutely mentally exhausting still and I arrange my lifestyle to suit what I can do and when…..not usually evenings for me.
Hi Dave - good to hear that you have made progress in striving to habituate so congratulations on that. As for finding this mentally draining I totally agree. No two days are the same, the slightest thing can ramp up the volume and intensity. I sometimes liken it to being in a lift where I am always waiting for the doors to open! I still ask myself “why me” and until I can stop that don’t think I will habituate. I too can get moody and impatient, tinnitus (MES) has changed my personality. It is good to know that at least you have a GP who appears to take an interest and your lovely wife who obviously cares for you very much. Have a good day x
sounds like u have reactive T like me , when u say the "slightest thing can ramp up the volume" . Artificial noise effects my T , like TV , computer speakers , etc etc, even if it not that loud! Which sounds affect yr T
Hi - I struggle with a lot of things - TV, car radio, supermarkets, talking on the telephone, - I feel my head filling up the longer the call, walking along busy roads anywhere where there are several people all talking at once. My best time is when I go to bed in my quiet room, hearing aids out, snuggled down with a good book!! Can’t listen to music any more as I’ve lost the ability to hear higher pitched sounds so music just sounds flat. So annoying. I do get great pleasure gardening and just feeling some warmth of the sunshine on my back. It’s been a long hard winter!! x
I can completely relate to this. It sounds like you are doing all right things. I have an appointment with my boss on Monday to discuss my situation and working pattern, and need to make some decisions about my career (not for the first time).
I think you mentioned that you are in teaching? That in itself is a stressful job apart from the noise you probably endure . Our son was a head teacher at a small school for many years but took early retirement due to Ill health, mainly due to the stress involved. He now does private tuition and is in a better frame of mind. Hope you have a good meeting with your boss which results in a satisfactory outcome. x
Well done for habituating! I’m 2 years in and still hear it 24/7 - I think habituation just isn’t possible for me - but try to stay as positive and healthy and positive as possible. I enjoy my life. I can generally sleep so that helps my frame of mind. Life is for living etc!
I am the same
Never lose hope . I first got it 20 years ago . Cant really remember when I habituated . But would guess 5 years into it . I know that for at least the last 12-15 years I haven't been aware of it . Sadly I was recently put in Atorvastatin and the T is back . Just hoping I can get back the relative quiet I had a few months ago. Stay positive, try ignoring whenever you can . It does work for lots of us.
that’s amazing to hear. Thank you
Hi
Yes I’m 2 years in now & I used to think habituation must mean you don’t hear it anymore , I realise now you will always hear it some days more than others , for me it’s the loudest first thing in the morning , it never affects my sleep which is a blessing . I tell myself get up get on with your day & that way it fades to the background rearing its ugly head at certain intervals in the day . Sometimes early evening has a loud session. & yes like you I feel it’s changed my personality & my husband is also very understanding as I don’t laugh as much as I used to but I try to not let it win . So I guess I have habituated my sister is the person who helps me when I wobble as she has had it over 30 years & tells me just think about something else & it will go away. I think knowing it’s not just me helps too & never realised how common it is , but I won’t let it win & there are worse things you can have . So I guess this must be my version of habituation & I tell myself one morning I might wake up & not notice it at all .
I'm so glad this thread has turned into positive stories. I think there is a lot of misconception and uncertainty what habituation means (maybe out of hope). Thank you.
Hi habituation is only half of the deal....as others have said it is a constant effort to be habituated and get on with life and just be as content as you can be. It's definitely an effort everyday for me, on difficult days I just want to curl up in a ball and hibernate forever but that would be such a waste of myself and I know that things WILL get better eventually. So I fill my days with doing things I enjoy and I don't rush around anymore I take my time as rushing around getting stressed makes T worse and my vertigo worse too. Sometimes I only do a nice walk with my dog but I make it really enjoyable by taking my time and enjoying nature and I don't worry if I don't get much else done. I suppose I'm lucky to be retired I think it would be more difficult coping if I had to work. Each day can be unpredictable and I have learned to go with the flow as best I can. I too have a very understanding partner and it helps a lot to have support whether it's family or friends take care.
I think we're very alike. I noted from a previous reply to another post your use of "WILL" in capitals. We have to be strong and as we w found we can beat it. Habituation is a large part of our "survival" and we have to be mindful that we can continue to not let it beat us.
👍
I forgot to mention that I take sertraline 50mg helps me a lot along with betahistine 8mg 2 times a day.
The reason for the question in my OP was that I have a doctor's appointment today, prior speaking to my boss on Monday. I will make enquiries into Betahistine. Thank you.
Betahistine has really helped my vertigo but its a case of try and see as I know there are members on this site that it didn't work for....I tried prochlorperazine but found it awful it made me worse I couldn't get down the stairs when I was taking it! Really scary!...however there are members it has worked for....so we are all different and just have to try different things until we find something that works....good luck with your appointment take care
I'm also recently on a dose of 150mg of Sertraline. On top of that on anti epileptic meds for 30 years . the epilepsy is controlled thank god & I think Sertraline has helped the anxiety but the tinnitus is worse partly, I think, because my tiredness is so much worse.
Sertraline gave me tinnitus 6 years ago, it is a side effect that is now on the medication leaflet inside the box, there is also more info if you Google tinnitus/sertraline, that maybe why your tinnitus is louder.
Thank you. I know it's ironic that I'm taking Sertraline to combat the anxiety caused by Tinnitus. However, after a few years of avoiding ADs, it's the only one that has worked. I believe you are right that my Tinnitus might be louder due to Sertraline. On balance it's a better and cheaper option than replastering and replacing cupboard doors.👍
hi daverussell
I’ve had tinnitus a long time now, I can manage to live with it and at times it is okay, but having said that I get very loud sessions like now my T has been very loud for weeks. It is tiring and mentally draining. I have found a way to cope.
The weather is improving and I look forward to spending more time in the garden whereby the wind with outside noises really help me to ignore my tinnitus, dare I say it T is a part of me which I’ve accepted, I know I will have good times and bad you just have to keep going enjoy your family and activities
Wishing you all the best, Jean
I have had tinnitus for many years, and then it also started on the other side about three years ago, albeit not so noisily. I really can't remember a time without it and it doesn't bother me unduly. I go for longish periods of time in a day without even thinking about it, although on some level I'm always aware of it. I think habituation means getting to a point, for you, that you can cope with it. You're never going to forget it, it's not going to get better, but most people can get to a point where it doesn't rule their life. It no longer affects my sleep, in fact I think I sleep better as I do find it and hearing loss quite tiring. The thing that bothers me the most is that I will never actually know silence again. No matter how quiet it is somewhere, it's not.
I've accepted Tinnitus and actively encourage others to do so. I can actively listen to my Tinnitus more than often. You added a different perspective for me here - Accepting Tinnitus and accepting "I will never actually know silence" are different stages of acceptance. I need to look at other strategies to manage my time and preserve my energy levels. Maybe changing careers to teaching wasn't necessarily the best option, but I'd already actively made that career change as I found it very challenging in the office and sentry work.
Hello Dave I have eventually succumbed and now take 7.5mg Mirtazapine
Feel a lot more settled and not stressing over T
The conclusion is that the medication has assisted with habituation
P
An update.... Thank you all for your responses. Again I'm delighted this has created a discussion and understanding for others about Habituation and what it actually means.
1. I have an appointment with my boss on Monday to discuss my work. They have been very supportive so far, but this may very well be a career and life changing decision.
2. My doctor has prescribed me Betahistine (on top of my Sertraline. Thank you @Beagleears).
3. I have another referral to ENT. Though I have been told this may take a few months.
It is what it is, and my sanity is far more important than the stresses and strain of the bureaucracy of the education system.
I agree Dave - your health is top priority. I imagine there are other less stressful work options that you could contemplate .
Hi DaveThanks for the update I hope Betahistine works for you. It may take a few days as it made me feel quite nauseous at first even though I was taking it with food as it says on the instructions. However I stuck with it as I could tell that it was helping my balance and that has made a big difference to me.
I'm sorry that work is difficult for you and I think you are right to take a step back to assess everything that's going on so that you can make the best decision for yourself and your health.
I'm waiting for ENT/Audiology appointments it's been months and they recently sent me a message enquiring if I still wanted the appointment! Anyway I'm considering paying privately as I would like to get some hearing aids I think I might need them take care and good luck with your meeting at work.
Thank you I've been taking it for a week now. Might explain why I (still) feel Nausious.
My boss has been great. I'm still pushing for change many many thanks. All the best to you.
I think it might gave taken at least a couple of weeks for the nausea to settle down after I started taking betahistine. Its hard to remember exactly as I've been taking it a long time but stick with it if it's helping you the nausea will pass.
All the very best to you with your appointment on Monday. 🙂
Thank you. I've been a team player, but I need to think about myself. Thanks to everyone's response; it give me more confidence to say with my "health" the demands and day-to-day sensory overload are not compatible. I accept I have to battle on but we all have a duty of care.
hi Dave - what’s habituation?
When we encounter tinnitus, or where it becomes louder (or more noticeable), our attention is more frequently drawn to it. This applies to any stimulus we encounter.
Habituation is the process of becoming less aroused by the stimulus.
From the Tinnitus.org.uk website...
"In the same way that you get used to noises around you (like air conditioning, a clock ticking or aeroplanes overhead), it is possible to do the same with tinnitus. This is known as habituation.
The noises we are most able to ‘forget’ are predictable, repetitive sounds that we perceive as benign, non-threatening, and unimportant. If you focus your attention on something else, it may be possible to ‘forget’ the tinnitus and it will have less impact. "
Susan Shore auricle device will eliminate 75% of loudness. Effectively a cure. Hang on.
Hi Dave just wondered how you were getting on with betahistine....I made a boo boo with mine got it mixed up with a different medication last week and stopped taking it and took the other medication instead!!! Anyway I ended up with vertigo again after a few days, it took me a while to understand what I'd done wrong but after taking it again vertigo has settled and I'm just a little bit off balance now thank goodness....I don't know how I managed to mess up so badly....so hope you are finding it is working for you as it definitely works well for me pretty much straight away....luckily the other med I was taking 3 times a day was a new painkiller the GP has given me even though I wasn't having back problems it doesn't seem to have done me any harm to take it and if I was taking it for back pain it was 3xdaily meds anyway....could have been a lot worse could have took sertraline 3xday instead 😂 Sorry long winded msg but my boo boo made me wonder how you were doing....lesson learned is need to be careful about meds and not getting them mixed up take care....
I started seeing a very small improvement, but this week I've had some very strange side effects from something (or made a boo boo with something, as I got out of sync with my Sertraline and not sure if I double-dosed 😬). I feel I'm back to square one. As you previously suggested, I'll have to keep at it.I appreciate you asking. All the best to you.
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