Hyperacusis and Reactive Tinnitus — Two Months of Struggle

[Quickrabbit]

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?

 

[Quickrabbit]

@Michael Leigh, any help for me?

 

[billie48]

Welcome to the forum. I truly empathize with your suffering from hyperacusis. Is your tinnitus the result of acoustic trauma? Hyperacusis often follows acoustic trauma and can last anywhere from six months to a year.

I experienced hyperacusis twice, and each time it gradually faded over about eight to twelve months. Most people with hyperacusis caused by acoustic trauma report a similar pattern of recovery.

Try to protect your ears without overprotecting them, as too much isolation from sound can lead to increased sensitivity. Hang in there. Hopefully, things will improve with time. Take care, and may you find relief soon.

Here is my success story with hyperacusis and tinnitus:

From Darkness to Light, How I Recovered from Tinnitus & Hyperacusis

I am one of those who strongly believe that being positive will help us habituate to tinnitus faster. A few years back I was in total darkness of immense sufferings from severe tinnitus & hyperacusis. I have ultra high pitch and loud tinnitus (T) which was soon followed by piercingly hurtful...

www.tinnitustalk.com

 

[Quickrabbit]

@billie48, I pray every night and day that things will improve. It has now been 90 days of this.

The week leading up to waking up with ringing in my ear, I had used a loud tool a few times. By the end of that week, I noticed hyperacusis. Earlier in the year, around February or March, I had noticed tinnitus that seemed reactive, but it did not affect my sleep. I attribute this to listening to loud music with earbuds.

In the months before this event, I had already become more sensitive to sound and stopped listening to music altogether, but it did not bother me to go to louder places like restaurants. Now, that has all changed and I cannot go to loud places anymore.

I am able to go for walks and I am fine, although passing cars can raise the tinnitus, but I do not need earplugs for that. Some days it is barely audible, and other days it is much worse. Restaurants are out of the question, and busy supermarkets are tough to handle, so I wear Loops.

 

[billie48]

Hang in there. Living with hyperacusis takes a lot of patience and hope that it will eventually fade. Try to ignore what it's doing to you right now as much as you can. Time will help, so patience is necessary. You're doing better than I did, because I had to cover my ears with my fingers for passing cars, while you can handle that.

 

[Quickrabbit]

@billie48, it's tough some days. At times, I cover my ear when a car passes, especially when the day feels more sensitive. I've noticed that if I end up sleeping on my right ear, it makes things much worse.

During your recovery, did you notice days when you were more reactive or sensitive to noise?

 

[billie48]

Yes, it is natural during the recovery phase, as the ears are still quite unstable. I later learned to ignore the setback days and tried to maintain a positive outlook, believing that in a year or two, my ears would be more settled and my reaction to the ringing would improve. This mindset has helped stabilize the emotional challenge of living with tinnitus and hyperacusis.

During my first episode with hyperacusis, I was in full panic and felt depressed. When it returned the second time, I was mentally prepared, knowing I just needed time for it to fade. I never felt panic or depression because I trusted it would pass. The second time was much easier, and the hyperacusis faded within a year. I was spared from the mental suffering I experienced during the first episode.

 

[Cats57]

Started with tinnitus 7 weeks ago which appeared to be in one ear. Ringing sound but no hypercusis. In last 2 weeks it has become reactive and makes trips out unbearable. Recently diagnosed with chronic sinusitis and labyrinthitis brought on by virus. Also my head feels like it is in a vice with strange nerve sensations and tinnitus seems to increase as this feeling tightens. GP is going to try amitriptyline as I think the more I stress the worse it gets. Anyone else tried this and did it work?