But hearing can change to the better also, the sensitivity and the processing.After the setback due to noise, I couldn't hear my footsteps on the streets for a while,because of pressure and tinnitus and what all other processes happens in the ear. In 2014, it took almost one year to clear up and go back to normal level like after recovered 2003.
Tinnitus Talk Support Forum
Even now, I see some advances in following different dialogs if I am sitting in a café, trying to understand others near by my table. It's overall better, not always, but sometimes
and no, I have no GF now, live alone, but I have many friends who are worried about my condition.
And then there are those situations like this morning, while I stand up and are just depressed and then all goes down further the downward spiral... it's a pure trauma.
Driving with tears in my eyes to work...
Driving with tears in my eyes to work...
@tomytl, But the brain can rewire." How true is this? Is it just a rumor or can it really happen? Since this started in 2003, there must have been times when you were happy, which is nice. "couldn't hear my footsteps." The same thing happened to me and still does, but as I said, it's interesting to describe because it's not like I can't hear my footsteps.
@tomytl, Rather, it's like I can't distinguish them because I hear them along with the other sounds on the street. Especially during my night walks, I could clearly hear my footsteps "pat pat," but now I can't perceive those sounds. I don't think about being with someone or having children while this trouble is with me. If I suddenly decide to end my life one day, I can't leave them halfway.
The theory of reconnecting synapses, or something like that, is just my way of describing it. The problem is, nobody really knows what's happening. In 2003, it was impossible to make music, even quietly. But in 2024, before I made the foolish decision to attend that event, I was producing music again, feeling great, and it sounded good to me, at least on the headphones... and that had been the case since 2010.
That means there is indeed a process in the brain that allows one to compensate for certain deficits. I'm aware that, in my case, if I can't hear 7 or 8 kHz on the left, I simply won't hear it there. But the brain blends it in from the right, and eventually, it's even centered. I can call that a miracle. But honestly, it takes time and energy to get through it all.
You're still young, and that's definitely an advantage. Right now, in the acute phase, especially in the first few months, you're naturally overwhelmed by this reality. Nobody wants this, and it's incredibly hard to accept and endure. But things will change for you too, and surely improve where there's potential.
But yes, being in the acute situation is pure horror, which is why everyone comes to this forum under such pressure. In the moment, it always feels like a one-way street, with every setback feeling the same, because there's always an element of uncertainty involved.
@tomytl, I feel like you're a pretty chill guy, man :) Maybe it's because you live in Switzerland, such a beautiful place, and it gives you peace or something like that. Have you served in the military? Some people in my country suffer from acoustic trauma due to a lack of awareness, and sometimes commanders see you as 'pussy' if you try to protect your ears.
I really hope for us, that our conditions will heavely improve to continue a beautiful live. I was always proud to live a beautiful life with all this struggle and that my condition was more less stable. Now I am afraid of my hearing loss and the disability…I hope of improvement of this pressure and dynamic of perception…
I hope you don't feel anoyed by my messages. I really can feel what you are going thru!
no I never served the military. And I am chilled, as long as I have the peace with my hearing, but no I am mostly depressed and desperated, because I can't believe it hitted me so hard even my hearing protection...
@tomytl, no my friend, why would I be bothered by your messages? Talking to people who can understand me reminds me that I'm not bearing this curse alone, and it lightens my burden a little. It's really unfortunate that this happened to you despite wearing ear protection. I mean, you're doing your best, but still, this trouble doesn't leave you alone.
Yesterday, I was able to confirm just how powerful the brain is. I tested some frequencies, and at 400 Hz, I hear much less on the left than on the right. However, the brain balances it out so well that I even thought the sound was coming more from the right.
I had noise trauma in 2014 with similar symptoms to now. It took 10-18 months for my hearing to fully recover, with constant pressure. I suspect hyperacusis, but I'm unsure if it's TTTS, fluid buildup in the inner ear, or something else. Given that inner ear hair cells are only 1-2 micrometers, it's hard to determine what's happening in vivo.
@tomytl, it's gonna be off topic but have you had this food https://youtu.be/ZLZ0hZ8fn8s?si=2cFv-FP_chHQrfv9 before? I always wanted to try it years ago. As in the video I also had a chance to have it in London. It was really delicious. How is this food called?
But the brain can rewire and compensate some damage.
This takes time. I.e my "hearing ear" became the right ear with less hearing loss. I know it's not perfect but I promise, I was the most happy guy over the years except the setbacks…