Ear Fatigue and Sensitivity After Talking for Long Periods — Is My Hyperacusis Getting Worse?

[Sodlin]

Hi! I have thought I was imagining it, but every time I hold a longer meeting where I talk for 1 to 2 hours, or when I sit and stream (I am streaming games where I talk), the longer I do it, the more sensitive my ears become. I can literally feel them getting more fatigued the longer I am doing it.

Is this something I need to stop, or is it a "good exercise" for the ears?

I have no idea why this is occurring, since I do not scream or talk loudly, just use a normal speaking voice.

I would appreciate any tips!

 

[ECP]

I do not think it is a good idea to push yourself to the point of ear fatigue if it results in more pain and sensitivity. Once you notice ear fatigue, it is best to stop for the day and then reassess how you are feeling the following morning.

If you choose to approach this as a form of exercise, the same principle applies. Stop when fatigue sets in, and record how many minutes or hours it took to reach that point, as well as the number of decibels you were exposed to, if possible. Then try again on another day, always keeping track of the data, with the goal of gradually increasing the amount of exposure you can comfortably tolerate. The key words are "gradually" and "comfortably." Do not feel that you must force yourself to do this daily or reach a particular goal too quickly, as this may lead to an unnecessary setback.

 

[Sodlin]

I do not think it is a good idea to push yourself to the point of ear fatigue if it results in more pain and sensitivity. Once you notice ear fatigue, it is best to stop for the day and then reassess how you are feeling the following morning.

If you choose to approach this as a form of exercise, the same principle applies. Stop when fatigue sets in, and record how many minutes or hours it took to reach that point, as well as the number of decibels you were exposed to, if possible. Then try again on another day, always keeping track of the data, with the goal of gradually increasing the amount of exposure you can comfortably tolerate. The key words are "gradually" and "comfortably." Do not feel that you must force yourself to do this daily or reach a particular goal too quickly, as this may lead to an unnecessary setback.

Appreciate the response! Since I don't have any friends left after developing problems with my ears, I really enjoy streaming as a way to get some social nourishment and talk to someone.

It's hard to accurately measure the decibels I'm exposed to. When I hold the decibel meter next to my ear while talking normally, it shows around 75 to 80 dB, but it varies a lot. Sometimes I'm very chatty, and other times I don't talk much—it depends a bit on how many people are watching and how active the chat is.

I'll probably keep streaming and just try to be as careful as possible. I was mostly wondering if anyone else has experienced something similar. I've tried talking to "normal people" around me about this, but they usually say, "There's no way talking can give you ear fatigue from something like that," so unfortunately, they don't really understand.

 

[ECP]

I have definitely experienced ear fatigue on my worst days, even just from talking or being talked to. I know many others on the board have said the same in the past, so you are not alone. I wish you well as you continue to experiment with this. It is good to have some kind of social connection in whatever way you can manage it.