Unilateral Hyperacusis Appearing 3 Weeks After Tinnitus/Acoustic Trauma?

Hi!

3 weeks ago I suspect I had noise induced trauma, but no other symptoms except for tinnitus that started 3 hours after the noise exposure.

I didn't attempt anything to cure the trauma since I had no pain and my tinnitus is mild, I can sleep with it no problem. To be honest, I didn't think I had any trauma since everything was okay except for the tinnitus. Shame on me.

Now, since yesterday, I have trouble to cope with my girlfriend's voice when she speaks loudly, I have the feeling that sounds are increased. But no real pain, just a discomfort and it only happens when exposed to high pitched noise. I can go outside, talk with people... I can still live normally for now.

Is it possible that my ear is getting worse even if I let it rest? Or is it a temporary symptom of the ear healing itself? Can I still go to the emergency room 3 weeks after the noise exposure to get steroids if you advise me to do so?

All of this happens only in my right ear.

I managed to get used to my tinnitus, so it upsets me that new trouble has surfaced.

I have also a lot of anxiety. Can anxiety give me new symptoms?

I don't take any medicines, only time and rest.

Thank you!

 

HI @Blodorn

Please click on the links below and read my posts that I think you will find helpful. I advise you not to use headphones even at low volume. Keep away from overly loud sounds, especially at clubs and concerts. If you do this your tinnitus will most likely improve with time.

All the best
Michael

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/new-to-tinnitus-what-to-do.12558/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-a-personal-view.18668/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/hyperacusis-as-i-see-it.19174/

 

I didn't start having hyperacusis or floaters until about 3 months in. They both came at about the same time for me.

 

Thank you Michael for your concern. I will read this with attention. Thank you again!

Thank you John for your feedback, wish us the best

 

Please follow my suggestions especially not using headphones even at low volume and you'll start to feel better just give it time. Use sound enrichment at night to avoid sleeping in a quiet room.

All the best
Michael

 

Let your ears rest as best as possible. That's really the best thing you can do.

Don't force yourself to be around noises that hurt you.

 

Well, to be honest, I'm a young guy who lives with a computer as best friend (you know, video games, YouTube etc... The geek stereotype) so I can't say I did well since 2.5 weeks ago when my tinnitus journey has begun. I had my headphones on 12h a day, with low volume indeed but since I didn't have any pain but only tinnitus, I did keep living. I wish I discovered this forum and your advice before.
Hope it's not too late, and will be truly careful for now.

Also, after reading your post, something caught my attention:
"However, if your tinnitus is under control and you have habituated but experience hyperacusis, that some call: Reactive tinnitus."
I actually feel like my tinnitus is under control (too soon?) like, I don't care anymore, it never bothers me, or maybe a little when a spike is coming. I would say 3 to 4/10 since this is unilateral. I can sleep without any help, only have a TV sound on (always liked sleeping with sound, hate silence). But as I said, a light discomfort for loud sound appeared in my right ear with my habituation. So is this what you call "Reactive Tinnitus"?

Thanks a lot Sir!

Fortunately, nothing really hurts me for now, it's just a discomfort! And don't worry, since that day, I no longer expose myself to loud noise, but I have to admit that I keep using headphones at low volume. I will stop that for now, thanks to Michael!

Thanks again to both of you!

 

HI @Blodorn

The most common cause of tinnitus is exposure to loud noise and this typically comes from using headphones for too long a duration and listening at too high a volume. Attending clubs and concerts where loud music is played can also be responsible. It is good that you have been open and honest about your headphone use for almost certainly, this is what has caused your tinnitus that has probably been coming on for some time, but masked or covered up by normal everyday sounds.

I believe you are going to be one of the fortunate people that has caught their tinnitus just in time before it gets too bad. The fact that you have taken your time and read my articles, will give you insight in knowing what to do so that your tinnitus does not become worse. I just wish I met someone like @fishbone or other very knowledgeable people here, at Tinnitus Talk 23 years ago, to warn me of the dangers of listening to music through headphones at too high a volume, it would have saved me many years of misery and heartache.

That is water under the bridge for I am not one to dwell on the past because I cannot change it. I have mentioned the above for readers of this thread to forewarn them of the dangers of "exposure to loud noise " and tinnitus, typically caused by using headphones at too high a volume.

Give it time your tinnitus will improve providing you follow the advice in my posts and what I am about to say. I realise that you are young but if you want to give yourself the best chance of your tinnitus getting better and completely going away, or reducing to such a low level that you hardly hear it, then "Never ever use headphones again even at low volume". You have "noise induced" tinnitus which is different from other types of tinnitus that wasn't caused by exposure to loud noise/sounds. Hyperacusis often accompanies noised induced tinnitus that's why you are experiencing sensitivity to sound.

If you intend on using headphones (which I don't advise) then keep away from them for at least 3 months, or until the tinnitus reduces to a low level. Until then listen to audio through speakers but remember to keep the volume low or at a comfortable listening level. When you resume using headphones, proceed with extreme caution and keep the volume low and try not to use them for more than one hour at a time. Take them off and give your ears a complete rest for at least 2 to 3 hours preferably longer. If you adhere to my suggestions I think you will be fairly safe and not be like some of the less fortunate people, who think because their tinnitus has reduced to a very low level, they can carry on just like before. Using headphones and throwing caution to the wind; this is a big, big mistake.

Take care and I wish you well.
Michael

 

Hello,

Just an update. Today I decided to go to a shopping center without hearing protection.

Everything went well! No pain, just sometimes a discomfort from high pitched loud noise. I found out that my ear easily gets used to any sound that can make me feel uncomfortable.

It is indeed too soon to say that my ear is getting better, but I can definitely say that my mild hyperacusis sometimes disappears.

Concerning my tinnitus, I do not hear it outside my house except if I'm looking for it, so I can say that my tinnitus does not react to external sound!

 

@Blodorn

Please do not get complacent or think that everything is fine and your tinnitus cannot get worse. It certainly can if you do something stupid like taking risks. These risks are using headphones as I've already mentioned and going to places such as clubs or concerts where loud music is played. Give your ears plenty of time to fully recover at least 12 months perhaps longer. Take things slowly and don't push it.

Take care
Michael

 

I wish I had someone like @Michael Leigh warn me about the dangers of headphones/ear buds 31 years ago. I spent many years as a youngster listening to loud music. I tend to listen to those, that been dealing with issues for a long time and have been trying different things to improve their situation. Michael is one of those people. People are lucky that he comes here to support this forum. He never posts to ask a question, he just comes here like myself and gives back to this community!

 

Thank you again for your advice Michael, maybe I am too enthusiastic, but it makes so much good to my mind to notice such an improvement. Also, I will be sure to not push my luck, I do not go outside often, and when I do, it is never to crazy places like concerts, parties etc...

Just wanted to say that everyday life sounds do not hurt me (streets, cars, shopping centers, TVs etc...)

Now that I am in my house and in a quiet room, I can say that my tinnitus didn't increase. Everything is okay

 

Thank you for your kind words @fishbone they are much appreciated. I regard you as someone that understands tinnitus to the full, and the way it affects a person's mental and emotional wellbeing.

I salute you.
Take care

Michael

 

HI @Blodorn

You are not being too enthusiastic, I understand your pleased and delighted about your tinnitus and that's perfectly okay. Go outside as often as you like. When at home try not to stay is a quiet room. Use "sound enrichment" as I've mentioned in my posts. During the day have some low level music playing in the background. At night use low level nature sounds played from a sound machine or something similar by your bedside. Try to avoid quiet surroundings.

Michael

 

I want to touch on a few stuff that you mentioned. Steroids/pred is no joke. You mention anxiety/stress, well steroids can possibly ramp those up and make you feel horrible. It's possible when we experience trauma. tinnitus might appear and hyperacusis might come along with it. It's normal to have a loud or louder voice bother us when we have sensitive ears. It's been 3 weeks, your ears tell you how things are going at 6months to 1 year point.

Do protect your ears, avoid loud spots and don't over protect it. I highly recommend that you TALK it out and express how you feel about your tinnitus with someone that you TRUST and someone that cares for YOU. This is crucial. I did this 31 years ago and done it through out the years. This forum is amazing, you need to talk to someone face to face.

Meds are not always needed, you can gain strength through talking it out, exercising and trying to remain positive. This is a journey, and just take care of yourself!!!

PS-Yes, anxiety can do a lot to the body and mind. Stress/anxiety at times is much worst than the actual sounds. Try to remain in the NOW and try to control our emotions. You will be ok, you have a forum that will support you

PSS- As @Michael Leigh mentioned do not be a in a room that is quiet. It can possibly make you obsess over the noise. The more you obsesses the more it can mentally drain you and possibly make your ringing more annoying....

 

@Blodorn do you use wired or bluetooth headphones?

 

There are others who show support balance with protecting ears, ear problems and other physical needs such as with posture and other physicals.

 

I used wired headphones but I stopped as soon as @Michael Leigh advised me to stop, even if I didn't notice any spike in 3 weeks after my trauma

 

You can still use headphones. Michael Leigh does not know what he is talking about. He thinks he is some kind of expert with a unique understanding of tinnitus and hearing disorders, but he is not. He's a self-appointed "tinnitus expert."

Don't become afraid of life and doing enjoyable things because of fearmongers like him.

 

Please follow my advice @Blodorn and stop using headphones for now. I would prefer that you do not use them ever again. However, when your tinnitus reduces to a low level; if you still want to use them then follow my advice in the previous post I wrote to you. I visit this forum to help people as I was once helped many years ago in a forum similar to this. I got a lot of support from members with many years experience with "noise induced" tinnitus. Therefore, I advise you not to take any advice from @annV about headphone use and others in this forum, that do no have "noise induced" tinnitus. Their tinnitus was caused by something else. If your tinnitus should get worse (and it can) due to headphones, there will be no-one to help you and you will have to edure the distress alone!

I do not visit this forum to cause trouble with other members but as you can see, I have been disrespected by annV which is not the first time. This person is rude and quite obnoxious and someone I do not wish to correspond with. She uses profanity constantly and has no advice to help anyone cope with tinnitus. A most undesirable person like her side-kick in this forum who I have placed on ignore. @annV will soon be joining this person.

Take care and all the best to you.

Michael

 

Michael: do you have sources for your headphone advice?

 

Also: why not be in a quiet room? I honestly continue to find quiet rooms relaxing. Can I hear my tinnitus in them? Sure. But that doesn't mean that I can't still recognize the peacefulness of the room, it's stillness, it's calm. Every night I take a bath and relax in the quiet, without fans, without electric whirring, without the central air...it's my favourite time, tinnitus or not.

So, I'm curious about your advice re not being in quiet. Is it just because some people who are anxious about their tinnitus find they notice it more, and get more anxious, when it's quiet? If so, perhaps alter your advice slightly, to say: *if* you are anxious about it, can't stop attending to it, then use constant sound enrichment and avoid the quiet. But otherwise...what a shame, if we all have to avoid the quiet forever, no?

Matt

 

The advice that I give regarding headphone use and for people with "Noise induced" tinnitus is based on experience with NIT. Corresponding and counselling people with this condition. There are plenty posts written in this forum, by members that have noticed their tinnitus increase having returned to using headphones and regretted it.

Nothing is written in stone. The advice that I give in this forum is just that "advice" based on experience with noise induced tinnitus. Therefore, it is up to the individual whether they choose to follow it or not. Many Hearing Therapists and Audiologists advise, that the brain will increase its background activity if a person stays in a quiet room which often results in the tinnitus increasing also. Please go to my "Started threads" where you will find posts written on the effects of tinnitus being in a quiet room particularly at night.

As I have said this is advice. If a person finds being in a quiet room does not affect their tinnitus and prefers this, then they should do what they feel is right for them.

Michael

PS: In future if you wish to alert me please right my name as: @Michael Leigh then I will get a PM alert message.

 

So, then your answer is: no, there is no empirical evidence for this?

I think this is where I'm finding myself resisting your advice somewhat. It's not that I don't appreciate the advice. And I know it's well intentioned. But I don't think you really present your advice as 'not written in stone advice' unless pressed. Indeed, over and over [and over, and over] on this site you proscribe this advice as if it's practically gospel, without the nuance that may be appropriate.

For me, like quite a few on this board, and in the empirical literature (e.g. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4757018/), quiet is not the devil, and may even help tone things down. I appreciate that you acknowledge the variability, and allow everyone to make their own choices...but I might suggest just a little more nuance - proactively, instead of retroactively - when you provide your advice on the board.

My two cents.
Matt

 

As I have already said that is entirely up to.

Goodbye and I wish you well.
Michael