What I do
01
Developing tinnitus
Everyone who develops tinnitus searches online to get answers, which is often misleading and distressing, but the majority end up consulting their GPs – which is the recommended route to follow. From here they are most often referred to ENT specialists and/or audiologists. The object is to ascertain whether there are physiological issues such as ear infections, ear wax, etc, which may trigger the tinnitus – the treatment of which can solve the issue for some people.
02
Tinnitus stress
Those who are still struggling with their tinnitus are sent home to fend for themselves, which can be a deeply frightening experience. Most people don’t have the basic “tool kit” to manage tinnitus stress and anxiety efficiently, which can leave them in a vicious circle of despair and disbelief.
The people who are still struggling after these preliminary consultations are the people I’m helping. I provide strategies and thought processes which diffuse tinnitus discomfort. The object is to return to a life that is not defined by tinnitus – where you feel the same about yourself as you did before it appeared.
03
Handling tinnitus
Handling tinnitus can be compared to the healing process of any other physiological ailment. If you fracture your ankle, there is an implicit expectation that this will be fixed, but you have to accept the recommendation not to put weight on the foot for about 6-8 weeks, as it is likely to prolong the healing process.
04
Dealing with tinnitus
Dealing with tinnitus follows a similar pattern of trusting in improvement and allowing time to heal – or habituate, which is the common term. But hanging on to this process is often a challenge, as the expectation of improved tinnitus perception isn’t widely spread, or trusted. Allowing anxiety and fear to prevail is likely to heighten tinnitus perception – which leaves many people stuck in a vicious circle which can be hard to break out of.
My approach is to give people the support they need to establish faith in the habituation process. The brain has a tremendous capacity to filter out unwanted stimuli, but if fear is the predominate sensation, it will react with distress and heightened tinnitus perception. By diffusing the fear, the brain will learn to approach the sound with indifference, which will facilitate the habituation process –
and ultimately allow you to lead a normal life.
05
Habituation
This is the approach practised by the majority of those who live comfortably with tinnitus, and once the process has been allowed to unfold, it’s a very effective tool. It may be hard for someone with bothersome tinnitus to trust this process initially, which is why it’s helpful to look for guidance.
It may be that you do not feel ready to engage in this approach, which is why I offer a complimentary initial 30 min consultation where we can get a sense of each other and where you can ascertain whether this is a route you’d like to follow.
06
Tinnitus stories
100 tinnitus sufferers tell 100 different stories – the remedies must be adapted to each and every one. As people react differently to the process, the number of sessions may vary. For some, 1-2 sessions will be sufficient, but many feel that 5-6 offer a more secure basis for future tinnitus management.
07
Tailored approach
Those who want to follow up with occasional talks are, of course, welcome. For those who have had tinnitus for a long time, the approach may be a bit different. As impressions and experiences often are well ingrained, the process of dismantling negative thought patterns and updating strategies may take some time. However, after initial talks, the sessions will be shorter as they are mainly about monitoring strategies and offering reassurance.
Important aspects
Below are three important aspects of tinnitus management: habituation, acceptance and dealing with spikes. I will help you put these into context, applying them to your daily life.
Habituation
The process where the brain learns to filter out intrusive tinnitus, lowering the perception of the sound.
Acceptance
About accepting the fact of having tinnitus and allowing the habituation process to proceed.
Spikes
How to deal with the sudden onslaught of increased tinnitus and getting accustomed to it.
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I can help
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