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Habituation to reaction and perception

Habituation to reaction and perception, used in the Habituation Protocol.

In the context of tinnitus, habituation can encompass both the reaction to the presence of tinnitus and the perception of the sound itself. As individuals are exposed to tinnitus over time, they may habituate to both the emotional and attentional response associated with tinnitus (reaction) and the actual perception of the sound (perception).


Habituation to the reaction aspect of tinnitus involves a reduction in the emotional distress, anxiety, and attentional focus that the presence of tinnitus initially evokes. It refers to becoming less reactive or bothered by tinnitus's psychological and emotional impact over time.

Habituation to the perception aspect of tinnitus involves a decrease in the attentional salience and conscious awareness of the tinnitus sounds themselves. It refers to individuals becoming less aware or less conscious of the perceived sound as they adapt to its presence.

It's important to understand that habituation to tinnitus can simultaneously encompass both the reaction and perception aspects. As individuals habituate to the perception of the sound, they often experience a reduction in the emotional distress associated with it. Similarly, as they habituate to the emotional reaction, their perception of the sound may become less salient and intrusive.


In summary, habituation to tinnitus is a broader process that involves both the reaction (emotional and attentional response) and perception (awareness of the sound) aspects. Through habituation, individuals may experience reduced emotional distress and conscious awareness of tinnitus over time.


Several psychologists and researchers have studied and worked with habituation to tinnitus, exploring strategies and interventions to help individuals cope with and habituate to the perception of tinnitus. Here are a few notable psychologists in this field:

Pawel J. Jastreboff: Dr. Pawel Jastreboff, a prominent figure in tinnitus research, developed Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) along with his wife, Margaret Jastreboff. TRT combines sound therapy and counseling to help individuals habituate to tinnitus. Their work has significantly influenced the understanding and treatment of tinnitus-related distress.

Richard S. Tyler: Dr. Richard Tyler is a clinical audiologist and psychologist known for his expertise in tinnitus management. He has researched the psychosocial aspects of tinnitus. He has developed interventions, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and Tinnitus Activities Treatment (TAT), to help individuals habituate to tinnitus and improve their quality of life.

Laurence McKenna: Dr. Laurence McKenna is a clinical psychologist and researcher focused on psychological interventions for tinnitus. He has contributed to the development of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for tinnitus, which aims to help individuals accept the presence of tinnitus while engaging in valued activities, leading to habituation and improved well-being.

Derek J. Hoare: Dr. Derek Hoare is a clinical psychologist and researcher specializing in tinnitus. He has studied habituation approaches, such as Progressive Tinnitus Management (PTM) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) for tinnitus. His work aims to provide evidence-based interventions to help individuals habituate to tinnitus and manage related distress.

Grant D. Searchfield: Dr. Grant Searchfield is a psychologist and researcher focused on cognitive processes and habituation to tinnitus. He has studied the impact of attention and cognitive factors on tinnitus perception and has explored interventions such as mental training to promote habituation.

These psychologists, among others, have significantly contributed to understanding and treating tinnitus, specifically concerning habituation. Their research has provided insights into the psychological processes involved in habituation to tinnitus. It has contributed to developing evidence-based interventions to help individuals manage and cope with tinnitus-related distress.


Edvaldo de Oliveira Leme, RNC,ADON/LTC,BPSY.

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