entconsult@aol.comnospam (ENTconsult) wrote in part:

I think we're not using the words in the same way, Murray. I think that
anxiety can become associated with tinnitus and a vicious cycle can ensue. I
agree with you that biofeedback and other methods that can reduce the
association can help.

I was just disagreeing with your use of the term "reflex."
Reinforcement of a conditioned response can occur in many ways and not by what
a non-psychologist would call a "reward."

Jim

Behaviors that are classically conditioned are those which involve the
learning of involuntary responses -- responses over which the learner has no
control and to which he or she responds reflexively or "automatically."

In classical conditioning, behaviors are increased in one of two ways:
1.  repeated practice and positive reinforcement: more pairings (of neutral
stimuli with unconditioned stimuli), which can include drill-and-practice
(i.e., additional training) but also includes rewarding the desired
behavior, positive reinforcement (e.g., trying to build an association
between desired behavior and pleasure of the reward)
2.  stronger reinforcement: stronger unconditioned stimuli (i.e., traumatic
events) produce stronger conditioning

There are several ways to change inappropriate conditioned responses:
1.  extinguishing: stop pairing the response with the stimulus in order to
extinguish the linkage (this is the mildest method, and least reliable
because of speed, avoidance, and spontaneous recovery)
2. counter conditioning: replacing one conditioned response with a new, more
beneficial conditioned response (tends to be more effective than extinction,
also decreases chance of spontaneous recovery of previous conditioning);
includes two forms, depending on desired outcome
3.  eliminating the response to the stimulus: through *systematic
desensitization*, where the object is to eliminate the response -- classic
treatment for phobias and other anxiety responses using the *threshold
method*  of presenting the stimulus so faintly at first that the individual
doesn't respond to it in the habitual manner -- then increasing the
intensity of the stimulus so gradually that the individual continues to
*not* respond
4.  exhaustion: keep repeating the stimulus until the individual is too
tired to respond in the habitual way; the intent is to get the response to
the stimulus to become "doing nothing" or "not responding" to the stimulus.

Classical conditioning is a major factor in real life. It's a fundamental
part of all forms of animal training (including some forms of human
training). Its primary use in human behavior is in dealing with habit
formation, either trying (1) to form good habits (enjoying exercising,
positive thoughts vs. negative thoughts, for ex. "My tinnitus will *never*
allow me to lead a normal life....replaced with "My tinnitus will *not*
control me.", creating a persistent, positive environment, etc.) or (2) to
break bad ones (listening to loud music, being a victim of self inflicted
worry or anxiety, etc.), including phobias or anxiety-producing
conditioning.

Yes, you are correct, Murray.  Tinnitus is NOT a
conditioned reflex.  Pavlov's study was just a parallel observation.  Those
who suffer from tinnitus-associated anxiety (conditioned reflex) *could*
benefit
from behavior changes, cognitive therapy, medication
(when medical necessity is established), knowledge, etc. But, most
importantly....only through acceptance will these various methods be
beneficial.

btdt

Oh so right you are!

knowledge.

possible.

Acceptance helps and is essential but not sure I agree that active
acceptance is the initial stimulus to habituate. Most can't will themselves
to accept it. They have to experience the fact that tinnitus will not kill,
will not interfere with certain  activities (e.g., sex). Then that
experience, no matter how small, reinforces the habituation process and
reinforces acceptance. Some positive experience, I think, must occur first.

PaulS "Pavlov Reincarnated"