By: Dr. Lindsey
Most are familiar (thanks to Stan Lee’s Spiderman) with the quote “With great power comes great responsibility”.
I am currently reading the book “Limitless” by Jim Kwik (one of my favorite teachers for improving brainpower regardless of your learning differences). He has an amazing story and if you have not heard of him, I highly recommend his short podcasts and his book.
In his book, he relays a story of meeting with one of his heroes, Stan Lee and when asked who his favorite character was, he states it was Spiderman because he can relate to knowing he had power but wanting to stay invisible.
Stan Lee replies with the quote from the story, “With great power comes great responsibility”.
Jim Kwik then says the saying really could be turned around that with great responsibility comes great power.
I love this so much my mind went bonkers with it.
As you may know by now, my specialty is in sound sensitivities and tinnitus and helping overcome the strong negative feeling associated with these disorders. Many professionals and patients alike, including some audiologists and physicians, are not aware of how research-backed effective treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, sound therapy, and even hypnosis can be for these conditions.
The reason Jim’s response hit me so deeply on both a personal and professional level is how empowering that statement is. When we learn to take responsibility for what we are working to overcome, we take back our power.
So many with sound sensitivities and/or tinnitus have a feeling of overwhelm and hopelessness, especially if they have been told there is no cure and extraordinarily little options regarding improvement. The reality: that simply is not true!
The unfortunate truth is, however, there is no pill, no one day fix or miracle solution for solving sound sensitivities or tinnitus. It can take anywher from 1-18 months of treatment (depending on the types of treatments utilized) as well as ACTIVE work to overcome these disorders. Sometimes that can deter people from seeking treatment. And while the work is not hard – it also is not an instantaneous fix.
However, that time will pass anyway. Knowing the responsibility is in your hands to create this change in your life is extremely powerful! This puts YOU back in the driver’s seat of treatment for you and/or your child.
Now is the time to use that power to take your life back. To reduce the impact tinnitus, misophonia, hyperacusis, and/or processing differences is having. The longer these disorders go without treatment, the longer treatment can take to regain better functioning of the auditory system.
There has never been a better time to get on the path to an even greater life. The power is in your hands!
And if you’d like to check out Jim Kwik’s book, “Limitless”, I highly recommend it as a learning tool for anyone. I have found it an amazing resource in my own life as a lifelong learner who has struggled with learning, processing and retention. See the link below for his online resources.
I cannot wait to see you soon!
https://www.limitlessbook.com/
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Got Wax? That’s Totally Normal!
You’re Not Alone, It’s Not In Your Head
Auditory Hallucinations: Did I Just Hear That?
Listening Therapy – What Is It and Who Needs It?
With Great Responsibility Comes Great Power
Managing Use of Hearing Technology in Children
There Is Help: Hopelessness is Unacceptable
Getting Straight Answers About Auditory Processing
The Locked Door
School Year Worries
Still Human, Just Different
The Night I Went Camping With A Bear
The Emotional Journey of Childhood Hearing Loss