Hearing Sensitivity (Hyperacusis) to Percussion Instruments

Anyone here who has sensitivity to percussion instruments and got better in time? I know this is hyperacusis, but I'm just worried it will not go away because of the cumulative noise exposure. Percussion instruments seem too loud and don't sound normal like they used to. Feels like frequencies are missing.

Just to mention, I had audiograms, ABR, OAEs and doctors could not find signs of hearing loss and I don't think it's recruitment. I have dysacusis too.

If you have experienced, this please let me know.

Thank you!

 

I don't know how well I would tolerate any of this if I had to quit all music...

I had what I thought was hyperacusis for a couple of weeks early on. But I think my brain was still adjusting to the onslaught of fight or flight response. As long as the volume stays low I tolerate most things... I really like LOFI though because it's relaxing. Maybe give that a try.

 

@BrOKeN_1, low volume doesn't seem to help. As long as there are percussion instruments in songs, I get this really bad sensitivity... I am not able to listen to music due to my dysacusis anyways. Everything sounds like a broken speaker but sometimes I play a part of a song to see if there is any improvement/change.

I am really glad it got better for you and I think you are doing the best thing by keeping music at low volume.

Thank you!

 

Well I’m a drummer and since getting dysacusis, tinnitus and hyperacusis in just 1 ear I’ve had to double protect that ear to even play my once beloved instrument. Before the incident that caused my problems I could play without any protection.

But as far as listening to music, I can handle stuff if it’s low volume or really low in tone --- even percussion instruments. Bass drums and such are easier than cymbals. Also I notice instruments that don’t sustain for long periods are easier to handle.

But most of the time when I want to listen to music which is very rarely now... I’ll just pop an ear plug in my bad ear.

God I can’t imagine having this in both ears...

 

Yes make sure your ears are protected from percussion instruments - just take time to relax, good thoughts when relaxing, ease off on it a while, and see if it settles down...

 

Thank you @one-light. I am resting my ears and stopped using headphones. How long did it take for you to see improvements?

 

I have to cut high frequencies on the eq to listen to music now. Strange thing is, it still sounds like when I used to bump the high frequencies. I imagine my stereo sounds like garbage to everyone else now, but sounds pretty good to me.

 

Well there's some very simple things you do to 'self heal' which is what I specialise in teaching people - which is what I do - I did 6 of these talks to groups of people locally before COVID-19 stopped me, so I'm going online to collages and universities this year, I've got good interest already...

A big part of self healing is to increase your vibes, 'human vibrations', it's a real thing... So with hyperacusis and tinnitus problems - starting today, to help get the body to get back into some harmony, and the head or Ed as I call it - to get it 'back in shape' we might say, go back to basics for a while - as in possibly no headphones as you've already suggested...

I'll write in a bit, ways how to do this, I'm going plant some daffodils wife bought, it's good for Ed - as I overdid it yesterday online and tinnitus was up slightly...

 

@kingsfan, I wish we didn't need to change anything. It's so devastating.

 

Some of the things I teach 'for free' - as in self healing which 'may' help with tinnitus and hyperacusis - to get some balance in our mind-body - is to be aware of thoughts, keep them positive when washing a car or a dish or two, which is good as in basics... a bit less screen time, breathe before we stress online and forget to.

Some pot plants for the rooms, they give off 'good' energy - when having that drink in the afternoon, say to yourself this is my time - as in giving the mind a rest from the fast lane we all get involved in - good thoughts when resting 'not dwelling on what ifs' in thought...

Hope this helps... some calm in our system is what's required when we stress over tinnitus and hyperacusis which we do... Have a good day, positive thoughts carry good energy...

 

@one-light I find your words truly helpful, I appreciate it. It's always good to be reminded to slow down and take a breath. I will remember all your tips. Thank you for your kind words!