Can Hearing Aids Regulate or Limit Sound for Hyperacusis Sufferer?

[HiThere]

I have had tinnitus all my life with the ringing being a constant tone at approx 1750hz. I also suffer from Hyperacusis which affects me to a greater degree under stress. When I go to a movie, which is rare, I always wear ear plugs.

I did see an audiologist about a year ago and my tinnitus and hyperacusis were both confirmed during my hearing tests. The audiologist said desensitization is the best form of treatment and that I should be exposed gradually to louder and louder sounds.

My issue is that louder sounds make my tinnitus worse for a time. If I am subject to a loud environment, I will pay for it with much louder ringing for days afterward.

I believe there are ear devices that hunters wear that instantly cut out very loud sounds like gunshots, etc.

Are there hearing aid devices or masking devices that are able to be customized in setting a decibel threshold where any sound above the set threshold would not be amplified?

I may be unique in my tinnitus experience from many other sufferers for a few reasons: 1) I've had it all of my life. 2) While it bothers me, I would rather be aware of the ringing than to be continually prone to loud sounds beyond my control. It may sound weird, but even though sticking my fingers, cotton, earplugs in my ears amplifies my ringing and makes the ringing impossible to be masked, the sound of my breathing calms me. If I had some sort of hearing device where loud sounds could never get above a certain decibel level, it would be a dream come true. Serene armor for my pysche. Does any such thing exist? I've thought about wearing flesh colored earplugs around, but haven't.

Chris

 

[HiThere]

Also, for what it's worth, my hyperacusis appears to be genetic. My mother has the same issue with loud sounds and my maternal grandfather we believe had sound sensitivity as well based on his behavior. Thankfully, my wife understands that I'm not making up my condition and is sensitive to it.

For me, it's as though my ears are wired to all the nerves in my body. Loud sounds and loud environments affect me neurologically in a way akin to receiving an electric shock. How peaceful my life would be if the loud sounds were kept at bay.

 

[HiThere]

I have had tinnitus all my life with the ringing being a constant tone at approx 1750hz.

Chris

Correction to what I wrote here. My tinnitus is constant at or around 7500 hz

 

[Bobby B]

Maybe look into phototherapy - if inner ear damage is a suspected cause

THE COCHLEAR DYSFUNCTION OF HYPERACUSIS: A WAY TO IMPROVE THE COCHLEAR HOMEOSTASIS BY LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY,

http://hyperacusisresearch.co.uk/ESW/Files/The_Abstract_Book.pdf

http://www.researchposters.com/Posters/AAOHNSF/AAO2014/SP327.pdf