Tinnitus CBT Habituation Success Stories
“I used to read these stories and now I've written my own!” Jessica, Psychologist, Philadelphia, PA
“When I developed tinnitus at age 45 I was devastated. I spent months in distress, unable to see a way out of the constant noise in my head. I saw doctors, I researched cures for months, I tried countless supplements, exercises, and acupuncture. My family, my job, and my mental health suffered along with me. I have a controlling, Type A personality and an anxiety disorder, and I figured all of this would hold me back from ever getting better.
Everything changed when I watched Dr. Hubbard's webcast, listened to every podcast he's been part of (there are only a few, but they are immeasurably valuable), and started to take his advice. His calm, reassuring demeanor and his confidence in my ability to habituate gave me the kick I needed to take my life back. I only met with Dr. Hubbard a few times, but that's all I needed; his sessions were immediately impactful and gave me concrete tools and materials I could use to take control of my tinnitus. Dr. Hubbard works from personal experience - and if someone without tinnitus has ever tried to help you, I don't need to tell you how essential it is to have your doctor know firsthand what you're experiencing.
Today, I am 14 months out from the onset of my tinnitus distress. My tinnitus is something I have "learned to live with" - I've habituated! I still notice it, but not all the time. It doesn't bother me, and I forget about it for longer and longer periods during the day. My habituation has continued to get better with time, and I have no doubt that it will continue to progress to the point where I rarely give it a second thought, just like Dr. Hubbard. After only 14 months (it might sound long to you, but trust me, it's a drop in the bucket of life) I am in a wildly different frame of mind and (I can't stress this enough) I continue to improve.
When I was in distress I read the success stories on this page over and over again - I never ever thought that someday I would be writing my own! Tinnitus has changed me as a person; dare I say, for the better. The lessons I've learned and continue to learn from this experience are lessons that I apply daily in my work and personal life. Thank you CBT for Tinnitus for everything”
“Bruce’s prediction you’ll habituate has come true!” Rebecca R, MBA Student, New York, NY
“It's a year to the day since this whole tinnitus journey began, and I just wanted to say that while I still have tinnitus, I am not suffering from it. Thank you, Bruce, for being there when I needed it so desperately. Your long-ago prediction that ‘if it doesn’t go away, you will habituate’ has come true! It's hard to explain how much that little ray of light you gave me during that dark time meant, but it stands out vibrantly in the landscape of my memories. You were a godsend in those early weeks/months and really offered me a comfort that I could not find anywhere else.”
“Bruce’s guidance and support were critical to me getting a handle on my tinnitus.” Jeff P, Retired Accountant, Columbus, OH
“Hi Bruce - I hope you are well. I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for helping me through what has been an extremely painful and difficult year in my life. Your guidance and support were critical to me getting a handle on my tinnitus, and my continued recovery. Yes, it is still there, but I am able to coexist with it and live my life fully. Many hours pass each day when I am unaware of the tinnitus, and when I do become aware it is usually short lived and with a minimal emotional response. It was very hard to imagine six or seven months ago that I would ever get to this place. Hoping it stays this way, but if I do need help I know where to turn.”
“I rarely notice my tinnitus now, and when I do, I don’t stress over it.” Adam R., Chief Financial Officer, Syracuse, NY
“After my ENT physician diagnosed my tinnitus and said there was no cure and nothing he could do. I was in a bad place, panicking and having dark thoughts about being unable to cope with the inescapable, all-consuming, high-pitched ringing in my ears. I didn’t know how I could go on. I needed help desperately and struggled to find it.
On a couple of occasions, I was comforted to learn that friends or family members had tinnitus too, but that comfort was short lived. They all seemed to hear different sounds than I was, and they were all less distressed than I was. If their lives were not being hijacked like mine, then their tinnitus could not be as severe as mine. I was sure my case was the worst ever.
One day, miraculously, my wife discovered an interview with Bruce Hubbard on YouTube talking about CBT and the ability to successfully habituate to tinnitus. He sounded experienced, assured, and scientific. Most important, he was calm and encouraging as he described how CBT works and said there is strong reason for those with tinnitus to believe their suffering can go away.
I became a client of Bruce’s and quickly gained a new perspective about my tinnitus. His self-assessment forms asked thorough questions that helped me candidly appraise the level of my distress. Our virtual therapy sessions were friendly and productive, and together with his CBT coaching materials and pre-recorded mindfulness meditations they put me on the track to acceptance of my tinnitus without judgment or approval of it.
I rarely notice my tinnitus now, and when I do notice it I’m able to quickly dismiss it as an unimportant sound and I don’t stress over it. Another positive outcome of my experience with Bruce is that I've used mindfulness for situations other than tinnitus, allowing me to focus on other life issues without being burdened by judgment, stress and negativity. I owe Bruce many thanks and I hope this story convinces others to reach out and get relief from their own tinnitus.”
“You will heal, and you will be happy again!” Tony Z., Chief Technology Officer, Philadelphia, PA
“I was desperate when I first sought help from Dr. Hubbard. I imagined that the tinnitus sound would rob me of all my enjoyment in life… This was not the case at all! I have my full life back. Dr. Hubbard's careful attention to my specific concerns, his personal testimonial, and the program he put in place changed everything for me… With CBT and mindfulness, you will heal, and you will be happy again!”
“I no longer notice my tinnitus, which I have thought would never be possible.” Deborah C., Englewood, NJ
“In late 2020, I sought help from an ENT specialist with my tinnitus because it had suddenly increased from moderate to severe. It was distressing to hear that there is no medical treatment for tinnitus, to say the least. How would I live with this loud constant ringing in my ears for the rest of my life? Since there is no treatment for tinnitus, the ENT’s visit would have proved fruitless except that, thankfully, he recommended Dr. Bruce Hubbard, a licensed psychologist who specializes in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) for tinnitus sufferers.
Using various CBT techniques, Dr. Hubbard steered me towards tinnitus habituation so that I could live my life to the fullest despite the constant ringing in my ears. As a result of CBT, I no longer notice my tinnitus which I have thought would never be possible. And the rare times that I do notice the ringing (for example, if it spikes after a loud party), it no longer causes me distress. CBT has changed my way of thinking about my tinnitus and has enabled me to cope with the condition effectively and get on with my life.
Dr. Hubbard's calm and reassuring manner gave me hope when I thought there was none. Under his careful guidance during our sessions, he provided strategies and techniques that enabled me to overcome my tinnitus distress and, most importantly, change my reaction to it. Tinnitus is no longer a significant factor in my life. Before going through CBT for tinnitus with Dr. Hubbard, I would have never thought I would be able to habituate to the constant ringing in my ears. But I did, and I have Dr. Hubbard to thank for that. I would be happy to speak with anyone who would like encouragement or has any specific questions around this issue.”
“After only 2 sessions, I felt confident I was on the right track.” Robert G., Strategic Analyst, Phoenix, AZ
“I developed Tinnitus in 2007, and after several years, reached a good level of habituation. Then in early 2014, following a stressful period, I lost much of that improvement. I became terrified that tinnitus would again take over my life. I was prescribed Zoloft and Xanax, but my emotional condition just got worse. Fortunately, my medical provider referred me to Dr. Bruce Hubbard, and after only 2 sessions, I felt confident I was on the right track. Dr. Hubbard taught me to lower my stress, but more importantly, I learned to control my thoughts about tinnitus, which were increasing my anxiety. And using mindfulness, I learned to hear all the sounds outside my head and notice tinnitus in that soundscape. After just five sessions, Dr. Hubbard felt I could handle tinnitus on my own. Now, 16 months later, my habituation is better than ever. I am confident that anyone struggling with Tinnitus, no matter how helpless they feel in, will find relief working with Dr. Hubbard.”
“For a high anxiety, catastrophizing individual like myself, CBT was a lifesaver.” Joan W., Registered Nurse & Marathon Swimmer, Seattle, WA
“I am a Registered Nurse and competitive marathon swimmer. I am very driven, perfectionistic, a solution seeker, and a generally anxious person. Approximately November 2017 I noticed a hissing sound that varied in volume. It bothered me most at night, while I was trying to sleep, and in the mornings, when starting my day. I tried a local CBT therapist who didn’t have a clue about tinnitus. So, I turned to a different online tinnitus coach. But after six months, I saw no improvement and felt even more anxious and distressed. When I told her of my growing despair, she recommended that I watch Dr Hubbard's webinar. On watching the webinar, several points stood out right away: 1) recovery is NOT a straight line and temporary setbacks are normal 2) habituation takes time, but if you let go, are patient, and stop trying to control your tinnitus, habituation will occur. Feeling more hopeful, I contacted Bruce directly to set up my first CBT coaching session.
After the first session I felt better than I had in a long time. Bruce provided instruction in CBT and mindfulness and how to use them with tinnitus. For a high anxiety, catastrophizing individual like myself, CBT was a lifesaver. I learned that I have a habit of catastrophizing, jumping to the worst-case scenario, when there is little or no evidence to support it. I still reference Bruce's materials frequently, not just for tinnitus but for other areas of life where I see myself catastrophizing. Bruce also taught me how to use mindfulness to cope better with tinnitus. Daily mindfulness practice has been extremely beneficial. I am better able to accept life as it is without trying to change it to suit me. Now when I catch myself getting anxious, I’m able to work through what in the past would have been debilitating anxiety.
I found Bruce to be kind, brilliant, and full of practical suggestions. As a registered nurse, I like knowing that there is a strong science base for CBT. I understand that achieving Stage 4 habituation takes time (see Bruce’s “Resources” page). But I’ve gone from Stage 1 to a solid Stage 3. There are long periods of time when I don’t notice or think about my tinnitus, and when I do, it’s annoying not tragic. I’ve had a couple of tough setbacks that Bruce coached me through. Now I’ve learned how to handle them on my own, and when setbacks occur, they are briefer and less intense.
if you are suffering with tinnitus, I strongly recommend that you contact Bruce Hubbard. He will guide you in developing a toolbox to help you feel better!”
“Seeing is believing, because you really don't believe it until it happens to you.” Fabio Z., Professional Writer, Sao Paulo, Brazil
“When Tinnitus hit me, it felt like torture. I heard a loud, shrieking high pitched sound that followed me everywhere. Making it worse, I had hyperacusis, so if I stayed indoors, tinnitus would drive me crazy, and if I went outside, normal sounds hit me like a brick.
To make the noise stop, I tried Homeopathy, Acupuncture, and other "alternative cures". But after 3 months, the tinnitus hadn’t change and I was feeling worse. I still had trouble sleeping, kept falling behind at work. I was miserable. My girlfriend even left me. I didn’t believe I could ever feel better, much less have my old life back.
Then I remembered my ENT's had said “you’ll learn to live with it”, and they recommended CBT. I was skeptical that an approach claiming to help me accept tinnitus could work, but out of desperation, I gave it a try, and found Dr. Hubbard. One of the first things Dr. Hubbard told me stuck. He said, “If your tinnitus doesn’t go away, you can still be ok, because your brain can learn to habituate, and you will no longer notice your tinnitus.” I remember asking him if "habituation" wasn't just a cute word to calm people down!
Well, seeing is believing, because you really don't believe it until it happens to you. I was so relieved when I began to see small changes, moments when the sounds seemed to go away. As soon as I said "Hey, I'm not hearing my tinnitus!" it would come slamming back. But these moments gave me something to hang on to. They gave me hope that CBT was working just as Dr Hubbard said it would. Gradually, the periods of time when I didn’t notice tinnitus became longer and felt more natural. It's not that the tinnitus isn’t there. I still notice it sometimes, especially when I'm tired, sick or stressed. But now I see it for what it is: A condition that I can live with. My brain found better things to do than obsess about the sounds. A couple of weeks ago I was sitting in my living room reading, when my wife asked, "what the hell is that neighbor doing?" Not really noticing, I said "Oh, is that noise outside? I thought it was in my head!”
One change is that I take better care of my hearing. I carry earplugs now and use them at loud venues. But it’s a small price for getting my life back. In time, my brain has gotten better at tuning tinnitus out, and focusing on the more important stuff. It’s two years later, and I’ve traveled, reengaged at work, even started a new relationship, and got married. Life is good again! I still have Tinnitus, but I have moved on with my life. I highly recommend CBT!”
“The fact that Bruce also has tinnitus gave me confidence that he understood.” Dick D, Retired Dentist, Galveston, TX
“I can’t express how valuable it was to work with Dr. Hubbard. We had a total of 6 sessions and after each session I felt progressively better. He listened, gave me good advice, good exercises for me to do on my own, and was very professional and compassionate. The fact that Bruce also has tinnitus gave me confidence that he understood. Through the sessions, and the support he gave me, I am now able to manage my tinnitus very well. Even though the noise is still there, there are long periods of time when I forget about it. If you are bothered by tinnitus, there is help for you. Don’t give up. You may think that you can’t make it another day, but you can!”
“Now I have my life back just as it was.” John F., Furniture Designer, Los Angeles, CA
“I was living with a very mild level of tinnitus for about 6 months when suddenly the volume increased tenfold. It was an excruciating nightmare 24hrs a day. For the first time in my 48 years, I considered suicide, but with my wife and children I could not even find comfort in a simple exit from this world being an option. I looked endlessly online and fell subject to the myths and misconceptions being spread online and in forums. I was afraid of the furnace in my home turning on. I was afraid of picking up heavy objects. I was afraid of eating a piece of candy. All for fear of it making my tinnitus worse.
It was only after I spoke with Dr. Hubbard that I found a sense calm. The tinnitus was still present in my thoughts literally every other second of the day but hearing him share his story brought a sense of true optimism. Through the practice of CBT, I started to embrace the sounds that I was reacting to and after a few weeks I was able to go an entire day without the need for one of the four masking sounds I was constantly juggling - one for home, one for sleep, a discrete one for work...etc.
It was not too long after that I came to terms with my tinnitus and now, I have my life back just as it was. All the myths and nonsense everyone finds on tinnitus forums is exactly that - it was Dr. Hubbard's professional experience that cut through all of those and gave me the assurance I could do all the normal things and eat all the normal things without the fear of repercussion. As I write this, I listen the far fainter sound of my tinnitus and I sit in awe of how a sound so terrifying is now the sound I listen to it intentionally to go to sleep. I cannot recommend Dr. Hubbard and the TinnitusCare program enough.”
“CBT is definitely the path to habituation.” Jeff T., Retired Financial Analyst, Pittsburgh, PA
“I first began experiencing tinnitus in January of 2019. It came on slowly, but after a few days it sounded like a "thousand cicadas" going off in my head 24 hours a day. I had no idea what was causing it, and I really began to get scared so I turned to where most people turn these days, the Internet. The horror stories and what seemed ridiculous "quick cures" scared me even more into believing that I was destined for a life of torture with this condition. I couldn't sleep, and even though I'm retired and no longer have to face a work environment, I just couldn't seem to hide from it. I went to my primary care physician, and while he is a good doctor for most things, he wasn't very helpful for this. I tried researching the medications I'm taking to see if any of them cause this, but no luck there either. I was preparing to go to an ENT, but a good friend of mine told me that his wife suffered from the same condition and that after a battery of tests, there was little the ENT could do.
Late one sleepless night I came across Dr Hubbard's Webinar on CBT for tinnitus, and halfway through the webinar I realized that I finally found some answers to what I was experiencing. I must have watched it two dozen times over the next two weeks and began practicing some of the techniques he described both there and on his website. The most important thing I came away with during that period was not to be afraid and practicing the CBT method of quietly meditating while listening to all the external and internal sounds got me to see the tinnitus as just another sound. I was probably doing it 10 times a day in the beginning, but gradually it got easier.
I finally contacted Dr Hubbard and began online coaching sessions. Just talking to him and hearing his personal experience was an enormous boost for me and his recommendation to just "live my life" became the best advice I ever got about tinnitus. I love to golf, bicycle, and play guitar, and early on those things took my mind off the constant background noise for longer and longer periods.
It's now June 2019, and I have to say that I believe I'm pretty much stage 4 habituated, with occasional stage 3 periods where I recognize the noise more. I'm sure there will be some setbacks eventually, but I'm confident I can handle them if they come up. c. I feel like my life is normal again, and I have to thank Dr. Hubbard for that; there is no better person to talk to than one who has been through it. Thank you Bruce!”
“A huge improvement from when the ringing and hissing left me feeling claustrophobic and brought me to tears!” Brian G., Professional Musician, New York, NY
“I’ve been a professional musician for over 20 years. I would highly recommend TinnitusCare for everyone who is struggling with tinnitus, especially if you’re a musician and sound is one the main ways you experience the world and express yourself. Having CBT techniques to deal with the cascade of negative thoughts and emotions is extremely valuable so you can control how you respond to tinnitus and not let tinnitus control your life. Tinnitus is still there in the background, but my mind tunes it out and I forget about it for long periods of the day. This is a huge improvement from when the ringing and hissing left me feeling claustrophobic and brought me to tears!”
“Bruce’s suggestions were immediately practical, useful, and effective.” Peter S., University Professor, Albany, NY
I was experiencing tinnitus and it was causing me some anxiety and discomfort. I spoke with Bruce and his support was enormously helpful. His suggestions were immediately practical, useful, and effective. If you are experiencing similar issues I would highly recommend reaching out and contacting his practice. He is very reasonable, highly knowledgeable, experienced, and easy to work with.
“Eighteen months later, I barely notice my tinnitus. I’ve resumed a normal life, something I had I never thought possible.” Devon M., Snake Breeder, Prague, CR
Eight years ago, after a loud concert, I was left with non-stop, 24/7 tinnitus. My world was thrown upside down and I fell into a dark, depressing trap. I did everything I could to stop the noise. I changed my diet, wore hearing protection everywhere. I tried every available method on the internet and saw several specialists. One miserable night browsing the web, I came across Bruce's CBT site. After six years of failing, I was skeptical that anything could help. But after reading Bruce’s success stories, and doing some background research on CBT, I decided to give it a try.
Bruce's CBT course had a complete outline for tinnitus habituation. And almost everything he told me was a total shock. By running away from my tinnitus for years, I had been doing it all wrong. CBT involves facing your fears head on. It required me to make some major changes that were not easy, like gradually reducing unnecessary use of hearing protection. But slowly and surely, I saw signs of progress.
One of the turning points for me was Bruce's guided mindfulness exercise, which taught me to listen to and lean into my tinnitus, the opposite of what I’d been doing. Gradually, I lost any fear of the thing I had once thought would drive me crazy. And with time and practice, I began noticing periods where I didn’t hear my tinnitus. In time, these periods happened more often.
Now, eighteen months later, I barely notice my tinnitus. I’ve resumed a normal life, something I had I never thought possible. If you are reading this and think there is no hope, you are wrong. CBT saved my life!
“For the better part of the day I don’t notice the sound.” Anthony I., Chief Executive Officer, New York, NY
“I am eternally grateful to Dr. Hubbard for helping me first cope and then completely come to terms with my tinnitus where it is no longer disrupting my life. Yes, I can now and then have flare ups but the coping mechanism is in place to get past those moments and for the better part of the day I don’t notice the sound. I recommend that anyone whose life is being disrupted by tinnitus watch the 90-minute seminar through to the end, even if you watch it in stages. It is the magic pill that along with your effort and some positivity, will help you get through the anxiety of tinnitus. Thank you again to Dr Hubbard, he is doing a wonderful thing for helping humanity with this issue.”