How Can I Know If I Really Have Hyperacusis?

[Thierry]

I always thought I just had tinnitus (probably noise induced) and it would change throughout the days (or parts of a same day) for no reason at all, as if it was like, normal ("Ok, today it's ok." "Shit, today it's so annoying" "Hooray, today it's ok again") but recently I found out about hyperacusis and I'm wondering if this change of pattern may be this problem itself manifestating.

After this finding, I noticed how most of the time it seems that some sounds I hear, like ambient noises (chairs screeching, doors opening, etc) my mouse click, etc, would make my tinnitus change from its very low, bearable volume, to a higher one, for a short period of time, like, literally a second.

I feel no pain at all, and most of the time it doesn't really bother me, and I visualize it as if there was a graphic equalizer and by this quick second, the waves would like hit a peak and normalize again, you now? (it's like: *there goes my bearable T* then...*PEEP!* *there goes my bearable T again...*) That's what I imagine whenever it happens. This also happens when I'm listening music either through earbuds or speakers, but as I said, it doesn't cause pain, and it's not everytime that it changes my tinnitus for a longer time, even thought sometimes it does. Ah, it also happens when I'm chewing, or swallowing (I'm deliberately swallowing nothing here just to make it happen).

 

[Taylorslay]

I always thought I just had tinnitus (probably noise induced) and it would change throughout the days (or parts of a same day) for no reason at all, as if it was like, normal ("Ok, today it's ok." "Shit, today it's so annoying" "Hooray, today it's ok again") but recently I found out about hyperacusis and I'm wondering if this change of pattern may be this problem itself manifestating.

After this finding, I noticed how most of the time it seems that some sounds I hear, like ambient noises (chairs screeching, doors opening, etc) my mouse click, etc, would make my tinnitus change from its very low, bearable volume, to a higher one, for a short period of time, like, literally a second.

I feel no pain at all, and most of the time it doesn't really bother me, and I visualize it as if there was a graphic equalizer and by this quick second, the waves would like hit a peak and normalize again, you now? (it's like: *there goes my bearable T* then...*PEEP!* *there goes my bearable T again...*) That's what I imagine whenever it happens. This also happens when I'm listening music either through earbuds or speakers, but as I said, it doesn't cause pain, and it's not everytime that it changes my tinnitus for a longer time, even thought sometimes it does. Ah, it also happens when I'm chewing, or swallowing (I'm deliberately swallowing nothing here just to make it happen).

I have hyperacusis myself. What you are describing sounds a little like fleeting T. However it could be the mildest case of hyperacusis. Usually people with hyperacusis experience the world louder to the point its discomforting or even painful. Hyperacusis does spike T temporarily. Which could explain many peoples "reactive Tinnitus".

If you want my honest opinion, don't worry yourself. Unless you experience actual discomfort or pain. Hyperacusis is like a walk in the park. Tinnitus is already bothersome enough to many. It is important you don't stress yourself about it even more by adding hyperacusis to the mix. Adding more stress and anxiety can spike Tinnitus and even hyperacusis. Just relax and ignore your T. I ignore mine when I hear it. Doesn't bother me one bit even when I take notice to it. Because I've stopped reacting to it negatively. And I've moved on with my life, even with a wee ring.

 

[Joel Waterman]

Yeah, I have hyperacusis really bad and what you're describing doesn't sound like it. Although, like taylorslay said, it could be a milder form of it.

In order to prevent hyperacusis, just avoid unsafe volume levels like loud concerts (or wear hearing protection when around them) and don't turn your headphones or speakers up too loud. Also, never let a doctor/nurse syringue your ears (flushing them with water), as this can cause hyperacusis and worsen tinnitus. I worsened my tinnitus/hyperacusis really badly by flushing my ears with water, and many others have as well. It's not safe, even though some doctors don't realize how unsafe it is.

It sounds like your problem is pretty mild, so I wouldn't worry about it too much. Just take reasonable precautions where loud volume levels are concerned, 'cause prevention is always better than having to deal with it once it's there. Be sure not to overuse hearing protection if you try it though. I made that mistake, and it made my ears more sensitive. Only use hearing protection around dangerously loud volume levels.

I'm not an expert, and only speak from my experience and what I've read, so good research and examining what lots of sources say is always a good idea.

Best of wishes!

 

[Tony Phylactou]

I have hyperacusis myself. What you are describing sounds a little like fleeting T. However it could be the mildest case of hyperacusis. Usually people with hyperacusis experience the world louder to the point its discomforting or even painful. Hyperacusis does spike T temporarily. Which could explain many peoples "reactive Tinnitus".

If you want my honest opinion, don't worry yourself. Unless you experience actual discomfort or pain. Hyperacusis is like a walk in the park. Tinnitus is already bothersome enough to many. It is important you don't stress yourself about it even more by adding hyperacusis to the mix. Adding more stress and anxiety can spike Tinnitus and even hyperacusis. Just relax and ignore your T. I ignore mine when I hear it. Doesn't bother me one bit even when I take notice to it. Because I've stopped reacting to it negatively. And I've moved on with my life, even with a wee ring.

Loud noises make me feel very uncomfortable and scary without any pain . Is that Hyperacusis or phonophobia@ Does anybody know?
Even people talking loud in cafeterias make me uncomfortablle .

 

[Taylorslay]

Loud noises make me feel very uncomfortable and scary without any pain . Is that Hyperacusis or phonophobia@ Does anybody know?
Even people talking loud in cafeterias make me uncomfortablle .

If it doesn't accompany pain, disyoetion or amplified loud sounds then it is likely phonophobia.