- Jul 16, 2025
- 1
- Tinnitus Since
- 2024
- Cause of Tinnitus
- noise induced likely. possibly influenced by statins
Hi Everyone,
Here is my story of how I ended up here.
At the end of April 2025, I noticed that I had become very sensitive to sound. In early May, my tinnitus, which had been reactive earlier in the year, became louder. It reached a point where I could not sleep, and the sensitivity was extreme.
It has been determined that I have hyperacusis, along with reactive tinnitus, mainly in my right ear. Although on days like today, it seems like the tinnitus is in my left ear instead, which is very strange. It is especially triggered by high-pitched sounds like fans, air conditioning units, and furnaces. I cannot stay in loud environments such as restaurants or busy supermarkets.
I also experience ear spasms, which I learned is called myoclonus, in my right ear. This often happens after long showers or if I run the faucet for too long.
I used to wear EarPods, mainly for phone calls. There were also times I listened to music at high volumes, especially during stressful periods. I first noticed the reactive tinnitus in March of this year, but at that time, it was not bothersome. I could still sleep and work.
Now, it has been about two and a half months since this started, and I have been unable to work. Since the onset, I have had four audiology tests. One was done at an ENT clinic, along with an MRI to rule out issues such as an acoustic neuroma.
My first hearing test showed a small dip in both ears. The other three tests, including the one done at the ENT clinic, showed no hearing loss. However, one clinic that specializes in tinnitus performed a more detailed evaluation. They tested higher frequencies above 8 kHz and found hearing loss in that range. They also conducted what I believe was an OAE test and said there was damage to the outer cochlea around 6 kHz.
Since early May, my sleep has slightly improved, although there are still some bad nights. The tinnitus tone has changed. I noticed this particularly after I stopped sleeping on my right side, as it seems worse when I do.
All of the professionals I have seen told me not to overprotect my ears, so I only use protection when I know I will be exposed to loud sounds. Doctors have suggested I take an SSRI for anxiety and panic, but I am reluctant because of what I have read.
One interesting thing happened yesterday morning. I woke up to what I remember as my baseline tinnitus. But as soon as I was exposed to some noise, the high-pitched whine returned.
I am really hoping things get better.
I am currently considering sound therapy or TRT for the hyperacusis, although from what I have read here, many people advise against it.
What are your thoughts, everyone?
Here is my story of how I ended up here.
At the end of April 2025, I noticed that I had become very sensitive to sound. In early May, my tinnitus, which had been reactive earlier in the year, became louder. It reached a point where I could not sleep, and the sensitivity was extreme.
It has been determined that I have hyperacusis, along with reactive tinnitus, mainly in my right ear. Although on days like today, it seems like the tinnitus is in my left ear instead, which is very strange. It is especially triggered by high-pitched sounds like fans, air conditioning units, and furnaces. I cannot stay in loud environments such as restaurants or busy supermarkets.
I also experience ear spasms, which I learned is called myoclonus, in my right ear. This often happens after long showers or if I run the faucet for too long.
I used to wear EarPods, mainly for phone calls. There were also times I listened to music at high volumes, especially during stressful periods. I first noticed the reactive tinnitus in March of this year, but at that time, it was not bothersome. I could still sleep and work.
Now, it has been about two and a half months since this started, and I have been unable to work. Since the onset, I have had four audiology tests. One was done at an ENT clinic, along with an MRI to rule out issues such as an acoustic neuroma.
My first hearing test showed a small dip in both ears. The other three tests, including the one done at the ENT clinic, showed no hearing loss. However, one clinic that specializes in tinnitus performed a more detailed evaluation. They tested higher frequencies above 8 kHz and found hearing loss in that range. They also conducted what I believe was an OAE test and said there was damage to the outer cochlea around 6 kHz.
Since early May, my sleep has slightly improved, although there are still some bad nights. The tinnitus tone has changed. I noticed this particularly after I stopped sleeping on my right side, as it seems worse when I do.
All of the professionals I have seen told me not to overprotect my ears, so I only use protection when I know I will be exposed to loud sounds. Doctors have suggested I take an SSRI for anxiety and panic, but I am reluctant because of what I have read.
One interesting thing happened yesterday morning. I woke up to what I remember as my baseline tinnitus. But as soon as I was exposed to some noise, the high-pitched whine returned.
I am really hoping things get better.
I am currently considering sound therapy or TRT for the hyperacusis, although from what I have read here, many people advise against it.
What are your thoughts, everyone?
