View Full Version : Tinitus
pinktrance
03-23-2005, 02:55 AM
Hi, i have a client with tinitus who has asked me for help, ive looked in all my books and can find nothing at all.
I am guessing that the best thing to do is distraction tequniques (away from the hum)
The problem is down to a damaged inner ear from a bad infection.
Do you think its possible to turn the hum off or down with the right suggestions?
Has anyone else treated someone with tinitus?
Hello Pink,
Problem with Tinnitus is that around 50% of the time it has a physical cause, that is a malfunction of the inner ear. I've never successfully treated such. However, if there is no physical cause there are two ways to go:
1. You can install a radio in the client's head with two knobs. One decreases the volume and the other alters the pitch of the noise. The second knob is useful for showing the client how much control he has over the noise.
2. Use binaural sound. I have used the alphadynamics binaural sound CD for Tinnitus, insomnia and PMT - I have no idea if they intended it as such, but it seems to work.
You can try both methods, but since damage is present the chances might be pretty slim. Let me know how you get on.
Jack
Although I haven't worked with tinnitus, I'm going to make a suggestion (no pun intended) that it might best be worked with as if it were pain.
That is, before starting, have the client rate it on a scale of 1-10 (or whatever you wish) with ten being unbearable and 1 being almost non-existent. Ask them at what number they would consider it to be bearable.
Then, while under hypnosis, the first goal is to increase the volume of the tinnitus. The purpose here is to show the client--consciously and subconsciously--the the mind can control the volume of the tinnitus. Then, after this has been done, have the client lower the volume (and now they know it can be done). After the session, have them rate it again on a scale of 1-10. It should be lower, and hopefully,below the number of acceptibility they chose at the beginning.
pinktrance
03-23-2005, 09:58 AM
Ok, i am definately gonna try this, slightly worried about making it louder for her, but i can see what purpose it would serve. I really hope this works.
Jack, just because its a physical malfunction in the ear i dont see why that would prevent these suggestions from working?
I will let you know how i get on
Merlin
03-23-2005, 08:00 PM
Pink,
I can think of two options.
1-ask the subconscious about healing this
2-have them hallucinate. A negative hallucination. Hallucinate there is no tinnitus.
wsblack999
03-24-2005, 02:08 AM
Kevin Hogan has done a good deal of research regarding Tinnitus and hypnosis:
http://www.kevinhogan.com/#tinnitus
You might like to check it out.
Regards,
David
pinktrance
03-24-2005, 07:17 AM
thank you very much
TaffyE
03-24-2005, 07:32 PM
Kevin Hogan has done a good deal of research regarding Tinnitus and hypnosis:
But does he still say it takes 2 years plus medication?
Pink, when the inner ear is malfunctioning due to physical damage then simple suggestions that the effect will reduce or disappear do not seem to work. You might try Merlin's idea about actually trying to heal the damage and then turning down the volume, but I have personally never seen inner ear damage healed in this way.
The suggestion about turning the volume up first is exactly what one does in the case of physical pain, so it is a good one.
Jack
Ok, i am definately gonna try this, slightly worried about making it louder for her, but i can see what purpose it would serve. I really hope this works.
Jack, just because its a physical malfunction in the ear i dont see why that would prevent these suggestions from working?
I will let you know how i get on
DrTadJames
03-27-2005, 03:12 PM
By the way, Milton Erickson had success with tinnitus and his cases are written up in the Collected Works of Milton H. Erickson, MD, by Ernest Rossi
betlamed
03-29-2005, 12:31 AM
This might be off-topic, but I wonder, doesn't everyone have a little tinnitus? I think I always had one, only it is so low it rarely ever even annoys me. To me, it was always "the sound behind thoughts" or the like, and I actually rather like it.
bl
pinktrance
03-29-2005, 05:31 AM
It comes and goes with me, usually only lasting a few seconds. Too much noise in my house to hear it anyway!
Betlamed, Tinnitus can be at any perceived volume and is of course subjective since it can't be measured by instruments. In some cases it can even be, as you suggest a comforting sound and part of the individual orchestra, but in most is an horrendous psychological barrage of uncontrollable white or brown noise.
Jack
This might be off-topic, but I wonder, doesn't everyone have a little tinnitus? I think I always had one, only it is so low it rarely ever even annoys me. To me, it was always "the sound behind thoughts" or the like, and I actually rather like it.
bl
islandaddy
03-31-2005, 11:28 PM
:cool: New Member: I have tinnitus [constant ringing in ears] from frontal lobe trauma. No more a big deal than listening to a creek running. The only problem is the damn creek is running every waking hour.. I guess it impares my hearing a certain amount,
but that can be a GOOD cop-out .LOL
xboa721
04-16-2005, 08:16 PM
Most significantly, the underlying belief you HOLD while you deliver the suggestions, in fact throughout the whole theraputic process, is CRITICAL to the success. I'd suggest you use an autotrance to develop your own belief about successful changework first - then go help your friend.
Ok, i am definately gonna try this, slightly worried about making it louder for her, but i can see what purpose it would serve. I really hope this works.
Jack, just because its a physical malfunction in the ear i dont see why that would prevent these suggestions from working?
I will let you know how i get on
Help-Seeker
07-12-2005, 06:50 AM
I have been experiencing tinnitus the last 10 months with a significant hearing loss. My doc believes it is because of otorosclerosis, though he does not have any conclusive evidence to this effect. A brain scan was done to rule out any brain or nerve problem. I also have epilepsy(though, pretty much under control) and am taking medication for this(carbamazepine). My question is: can hypnosis help me? I do not live in the States. I got the book written by Kevin Hogan, but it does not have any specific help, he just suggests references to contact. Any help or suggestion would be greatly appreciated.
Hypnosis is very effective and may be able to help you. I do not know the laws where you are, but I would suggest that you let your doctor know that you are going to see a hypnotherapist for relief and make sure that your hypnotherapist stays in touch with your doctor. Make sure that your hypnotherapist is experienced in this area and be sure to tell your hypnotist all of your medical conditions and prescriptions.