Hyperacusis, As I See It

Your Audiologist seems to know what she is doing and advise that you follow her advice. Engage yourself in doing positive things and you will improve. Be patient and give it time.

All the best
Michael

 

Lol I do not know how I’m just reading this but yeah 5 weeks, then recovery? That’s not even hyperacusis lmfaooooo, that’s like a little inflammation in the ears. You are right because TRT most likely only works for the mild people or the people what respond well to noise. For us long term sufferers it’s a whole different story. My first time getting hyperacusis it took 18 months before I got much better but I still never fully recovered. Now I’m even worse because of a deadlifting incident and car accident; now my LDLs have been around 50-60 for 6 months. The more silence for us, the better. All of us hyperacusis veterans know that.

 

@Brian Newman, I agree with you, mine is 5 months old and zero improvements although I try to protect outside (maximum dB for me is in the car, 70-80 dB, but always wear protection) but not overprotect in home and during outside walks.
Zero improvements, almost constant burning pain and low LDLs (60 dB), even my own voice hurts.

Sorry for your setback, it's stupid that you got this from gym and, nightmare usually returns with stronger force.

 

Hi @Michael Leigh I just had a quick question

I find myself in this situation right now, I've completely acclimatized to my tinnitus but I'm still looking to iron out what could be described as reactive tinnitus, hyperacusis, dysacusis, sound distortion, etc. I just wanted to make sure of this: when you say that two white noise generators should be used, does this mean I should just buy two of the same kind and put them both on at the same volume (presumably on opposite sides of the bed)? I assume this is what you meant, I just wanted to make sure there wasn't something I was missing; sorry if it's a dumb question.

 

Hi @Brock WS.

Use one sound machine placed by your bedside at night for sound enrichment. They usually play white noise and nature sounds. Keep the volume slightly below the tinnitus.

White noise generators are small specialist devices that attach to the ear and emit white noise into it. They help to treat tinnitus and hyperacusis. There are two types: In-ear. These are small and fit into the entrance of the ear canal. Behind the ear (BTE). These look just like hearing aids but emit only white noise. Dual purpose hearing aids with white noise fitted into the same unit are also available.

White noise generators should be used under the guidance of an audiologist or hearing therapist that specialises in tinnitus and hyperacusis management, as counselling is usually required for best results. Saying that counselling may not always be necessary but is something I strongly advise. Tinnitus and hyperacusis can cause a lot of stress so needs to be managed. Once this is brought under control it usually has a positive impact on the patient. They will learn to no longer fear the tinnitus. It will gradually be pushed into the background making its perception less. The white noise will help to desensitize the auditory system so it becomes less sensitive to sound.

Michael

 

Sorry to bother again, Michael, but I had just one more question; this has been a confusion of mine in prior attempts I've made at sound enrichment. Would you recommend using a certain sound even if it comes out distorted/mixed with the tinnitus (potentially what people mean when they say they have "reactive tinnitus", though I'm not sure). For instance, if nature sounds and running water produce a distorted whistling effect and I start to hear the tinnitus muddled up with them, are they still having a beneficial effect when I sleep at night? Or is the aim to listen something that sounds completely normal/relaxing (which I'm not sure I'll be able to find)? I have gotten pretty used to the effects of the hyperacusis over the years, so falling asleep wouldn't be a problem; I just want to make sure what I'm doing has a positive effect.

Thanks, and thank you for your answer to the first question as well

 

Hi @Brock WS

You can can contact me any time so please do not worry. I want to address the issue of "Reactive tinnitus" that you refer to. I appreciate that some people believe their ears react a certain way to sound and call it reactive tinnitus. However, in opinion such a thing does not exist. Tinnitus can react to a sound or certain sounds but most people affected by this, are those that have tinnitus caused by exposure to loud noise also known as noise induced tinnitus. This is one of the most common causes of the condition and typically, it is using any type of headphones including earbuds, Airpods or headset at too loud a volume often without realizing it. Other forms of loud noise exposure can do the same.

Hyperacusis or having some oversensitivity to sound often but not always accompanies noise induced tinnitus. A person can habituate to tinnitus but if the oversensitivity to sound or hyperacusis does not improve naturally, or is left untreated and professional help is not sought, the oversensitivity to sound (hyperacusis) can become a long term problem. I have addressed this Hyperacusis, As I see it, and in post: The Complexities of Tinnitus and Hyperacusis, in the link below.

Use whatever sound enrichment you feel comfortable with. Nature sounds at night is preferred instead of music as it doesn't usually draw attention to itself. If the sound(s) you are hearing sounds distorted then it's probably due to your auditory system being oversensitive or you could have symptoms for hyperacusis. You could also have ETD. This can cause a person to hear distorted sounds. Using self help to treat oversensitivity to sound or hyperacusis will only help to a certain extent. If self help isn't working my advice is to see an ENT doctor to check your auditory system is working correctly and you don't have (ETD) Eustachian tube dysfunction or something similar that is causing you to hear distorted sounds. I advise you to do this anyway if you haven't been seen by ENT within the last year?

Once you are examined, if your ENT doctor says your auditory system is functioning correctly then you should be referred to an audiologist that specialises in treating hyperacusis or oversensitivity to sound. One of the best treatments is using white noise generators and having regular counselling. I know this treatment can be expensive, but if self help doesn't work no underlying medical problem is found to be causing the distorted sound then I think you need to see an audiologist for treatment.

Hope this helps.
Michael

The Complexities of Tinnitus and Hyperacusis | Tinnitus Talk Support Forum

 

I've definitely got hyperacusis or something adjacent to it (dysacusis is a term that seems to describe what I'm going through, but who knows). I've had hearing tests and examinations done by a neuro-otologist recently so it definitely isn't ETD; it might be a while before I can get TRT done but my plan is definitely to do so eventually. For now I guess I'll just do sound enrichment to the best of my ability; thanks again for your help.

 

Since you are sure that you have hyperacusis and want to try self help, my advice is to do the following. Go to my started threads and print the posts mentioned below. Take your time and read them and refer to them often. They are a form of counselling and will help reinforce positive thinking. I don't know to what extent you are oversensitive. The idea is to slowly introduce yourself to normal everyday sounds so try and do this daily. Don't rush things take your time. Use noise reducing earplugs if you have to as explained in Hyperacusis, As I See It.

You can to a lot to help yourself but be patient and try not to rush things.

Best of luck
Michael.

New to Tinnitus, What to Do? Hyperacusis, As I See it. The Habituation Process, How to Habituate to Tinnitus, Tinnitus and the Negative Mindset, Acquiring a Positive Mindset, Will My Tinnitus Get Worse? Tinnitus, A Personal View, From Darkness to Light.

 

@Michael Leigh, I read many of your posts and they were very informative, I am really glad that you improved and you take the time to help others.

But i wanted to ask you: what kind of hyperacusis did you have? Loudness or pain hyperacusis? Because many people have some pain hyperacusis, but which does not last. For example mine is so severe that I am in constant pain for months, only the night settles a bit. The pain never stops if I am in silence or low volume noises or anything, it's just non-stop.

The sharp burning pain begins at an excruciating level, 9/10, i want to call the ambulance but they cannot help me, because I already take 3 types of pain pills and they do not help. And I am like this for months.

I am asking because your advices seem more suitable to moderate cases of loudness hyperacusis.

Thank you.

 

I am sorry to hear that you are going through such difficulty with hyperacusis at the moment @Taw and hope things improve for you soon.

The advice that I give in this forum is mostly for people that have noise induced tinnitus, with or without hyperacusis because that is what I am familiar with. My advice is not absolute and therefore may not help everyone. No two people can experience tinnitus and hyperacusis the same because we are all different.

In answer to your question, I believe my tinnitus and hyperacusis were the worst they can ever possibly be for someone to experience. The hyperacusis was so severe I was in pain the majority of the time. When in conversation with anyone, I politely asked them to please lower their voice as my ears were in pain when they spoke. It felt like sharp needles piercing deep inside my ears.

Two months in, at around 2am one morning I awoke frightened for my life. My ears were blasting. It felt like a loud whistle screaming out of both my ears. I quickly got dressed and drove to Accident and Emergency at my local hospital. The noise sounded exactly like an old-fashioned kettle that whistles when the water comes to a boil on a gas hob. Go to YouTube and type whistling kettle, then you'll get an idea.

I believe there is only one type of hyperacusis. Whether it is pain or not, it is all hyperacusis, it's just that people have it at different levels of severity. However, the treatment is exactly the same as I have mentioned in my post. Counselling and the wearing of white noise generators to desensitize the auditory system, so it becomes less sensitive to sound.

Have you seen an audiologist that specialises in tinnitus and hyperacusis treatment? This is what is required when tinnitus or hyperacusis is severe. Self help can only do so much.

All the best,
Michael

 

To Michael Leigh:

Is there any scientifically demonstrable evidence that "the wearing of white noise generators (will) desensitize the auditory system, so it becomes less sensitive to sound"?

What should I do if or when my ENT Doctor states that there is no substance to such an assertion?

I have, however, very substantially re-evaluated my opinion of you when you described how you had to rush to the ER Hospital at 2: 00 A.M.

That, as far as I am concerned, comprehensively explains so much of your acting-out behavior.

 

Hi @Michael Leigh, and thank you for the nice words. This is how I feel exactly, more that than, I cannot talk because my voice hurts, I measure it and it's like 60-70 dB. May I ask how long did you had the pain? Weeks, months? Because for me there are months without improvement.

Yes, I went to many audiologists/ENTs who know about it and they always tell me that I am the most severe case that they have seen, because I have non-stop pain.

 

To DaveFromChicago:

I do not agree with everything @Michael Leigh is writing either, but what is this even supposed to mean? I would probably too seek the ER if my tinnitus went from 0-100 hyper-suicidal level, but primarily to get some tranquilizers.

 

Hi @Taw.

This happened 25 years ago when I first developed tinnitus and hyperacusis. I was in a very bad place. For many months the whole of my head felt completely numb. I could hear but if felt like my head was under water, very frightening. I kept this to myself choosing not to tell any member of my family. Back then the Internet was in its infancy and I didn't have a computer. I learnt about tinnitus from books and joined the BTA.

I met a herbalist that knew a lot about noise induced tinnitus. She said my auditory system had suffered severe noise trauma caused by listening to headphones at too high a volume. She advised taking magnesium and Ginkgo Biloba. When I was seen at ENT after 6 months, my hearing tests showed I have very good hearing. The doctor asked if I was taking anything. He said the advice from the herbalist was excellent and said, he advises all his tinnitus patients to take magnesium ad Ginkgo Biloba.

The hyperacusis gradually improved with the help of wearing white noise generators for up to 10 hours a day. Using a sound machine by the bedside for sound enrichment throughout the night until morning. In two years I was completely cured of hyperacusis and it has remained this way. Even after my second noise trauma in 2008. The tinnitus changed to variable and was very severe but the hyperacusis did not return. It took 4 years to habituate for the second time. I still have severe tinnitus at times but I have habituated.

Try and get some regular counselling with an audiologist that specialises in tinnitus and hyperacusis management. To help desensitize your auditory system white noise generators will be probably needed. You will need to introduce these slowly, and counselling is a must.

Please read my post: My Experience with Tinnitus. There I mention what my ENT doctor said, I was the second worst tinnitus patient that she had met. She also said that she would never give up on treating me. Those 4 years were the lowest point of my life.

Take care and hope you get some help soon.

Michael

My Experience with Tinnitus | Tinnitus Talk Support Forum

 

To Stacken77:

Just out of curiosity I went back into Michael Leigh's posting history and read a random sampling (because who on Earth would have the time, motivation or patience to read every one of his 8,276 entries, especially since he has basically said the same thing in every one of them?)

I was genuinely shocked to learn that he had reacted with an utterly-uncalled-for, snarling vituperation when anyone would even dare to question any portion of his commentary.

In fact, he had in many instances gone out of his way to insult and pick fights with an astonishing number of posters who I liked and respected.

Such posters ended up calling him "a waste of space", "a weird flat-earther", etc.

Someone even said (very insightfully) that even if Jastroboff proclaimed that TRT was worthless, Michael Leigh would nonetheless fight vengefully with anyone who brought this up.

Many of these posters were never heard from again, and I even wondered if they felt that such wantonly acerbic, inexcusably provoking replies were part of the reason for leaving this Forum.

He did this to me when all I did was quote him about how my emotional state never had the slightest effect on my tinnitus (not that I have really taken any of this personally).

 

@Michael Leigh, thank you for the detailed post, but it did not answer my questions regarding pain at all.

I will repeat it: How long did you had the pain? Weeks, months? How did the pain long last in a day? Did you have pain even sitting in silence?

I also have loudness hyperacusis and tinnitus, but I really don't care about those because they are piece of cakes compared to the stabbing non-stop pain.

 

I had the pain for many months and gradually it improved over 2 years until completely cured. It has remained this way for over 20 years. I also had the pain when there was silence but I tried to avoid quiet rooms as I read books on tinnitus and hyperacusis at the time, that mentioned it's not a good idea to be in quiet rooms and surrounds especially at night, so used a sound machine at low volume.

My advice is to see an audiologist that specialises in tinnitus and hyperacusis management.

Michael

 

That is because I think it is. I have never ever heard of one single pain hyperacusis case that has been resolved purely through sound enrichment, or gradual exposure to sound.

Some people, and the whole medical establishment for that matter, lump them together under the one term "hyperacusis", but to me there's a big difference between supposed "stabbing, lingering ear pain" and merely increased perceived volume over a set of frequencies.

I think some loudness hyperacusis cases (not all) can be treated with gradual exposure to sound, as this forum is filled with such testimonies, but pain hyperacusis seems like another beast entirely.

I haven't had any experience with pain hyperacusis, everything sounds just much louder, but if I were you, I'd definitely continue to seek out silence to not worsen it further.

I know you're struggling a lot, and do know that I sincerely wish you well,
Stacken

 

I'd like to know what you mean by it as well, @DaveFromChicago. There is nothing wrong with seeking help when you are distressed. It isn't 'acting out.'

 

I knew his comments were fake because I have had very severe true hyperacusis and he could not describe it.

He would be trying to copy paste bits from here and there but lacks the real experience, so cannot provide the details any sufferer would know out of personal experience.

 

Because there must be a physical injury, that produces pain hyperacusis and that injury cannot be fixed.

 

I have a coworker who swears that TRT alleviated his pain hyperacusis. He still struggles occasional pain but his setbacks are more rare and shorter to bounce back from. It has taken him years to get here.

I on the other hand have undoubtedly got worse with noise. Originally, I thought I was improving with sound but in retrospect I believe it was causing further damage and it was just delayed until the noise damage settles in.

There's just so much variance with this awful abomination. Anecdotally, it really seems sound assists the loudness variant far more than the pain version.

I also think the line of questioning of symptoms is fruitful too often pain is subjective and may not be articulated correctly and we end up having people with different symptoms claim improvement or lack thereof.

For future readers:

My right ear has pain to certain sounds irrespective of frequency and is a stabbing pain that resolves when the stimulus is removed. I originally had a warm (not burning it did not hurt) sensation followed by a cool menthol one but this has seemed to have alleviated I have not felt this in months. Most odd about this sensation was that unlike the stabbing pain this felt closer to the ear canal whereas the former is really deep inside.

Left ear is totally different. Sound that triggers the pain is often delayed and is accompanied by a tingling sensation through my jaw. The tingling is just annoying and not really an issue compared to the pain. It seems to be frequency sensitive, although slamming doors will set it off the worst pain I ever felt was a high pitched train whistle. My left ear immediately tightened almost like a muscle and felt like someone gave me a paper cut that severed something deep in my ear this lasted 3 days with occasional nerve tingling and pain in silence.

 

You are now calling me a charlatan @Juan, well that certainly takes the cake. I assure that I am not. Like tinnitus, hyperacusis comes in different levels of severity and no two people will experience it the same. I have always said, a person should seek professional help if their tinnitus or hyperacusis does not improve with self help. @Taw is experiencing a lot of difficulty with his pain hyperacusis and I suggest he tries this approach. His symptoms may not be curable but they might improve with some treatment. It is better try this than do nothing.

Regarding copy and pasting my posts. @Contrast also thought this until I put him straight and will explain again. I have only copied and pasted once out of all the posts that I have submitted to this forum. The posts in question are on TRT which you will find on my started threads.

The most common cause of tinnitus is exposure to loud noise. Most of the people that attend this forum asking for help with tinnitus, acquired it by exposure to loud noise. Hyperacusis often (but not always) accompanies it. My tinnitus is noise induced and I used to have severe hyperacusis. I write about these conditions and how they can affect a person's mental and emotional wellbeing because I have experience with them. In addition to this I have corresponded with many people that have tinnitus and hyperacusis and also counselled some of them. I still do this: by telephone, email and at the forum.

Copying and pasting text is lazy and for this reason I don't do it. Many of my posts look very similar, because most of the people here have noise induced tinnitus and they tend to ask the same question. I assure you that each post I write, is individually written and not copied and pasted from previous posts.

I like to write and do this at many forums not all pertaining to tinnitus.

Michael

 

Michael, I do not need your explanations. We have already discussed all this before... I stopped reading your TRT bullshit a long time ago.

 

Totally agree with you, I think they are different beasts. The loudness hyperacusis is the brain that has the volume turned up. And the pain one is more likely caused by inflammation and cochlear damage. Also the pain hyperacusis can be categorized in two: just instant pain and pain that lasts for days/weeks/months, like it happens with Tom Maholchic, with me and with others. (I think everyone knows his story or can google it.)

Thanks for the kind words Stacken.

 

I know that you have had it for a long time, but I don't recall if you have pain hyperacusis or not. But I know that you are struggling a lot, too.

Strangely I am not that sensitive to noises as others(can tolerate like 50 dB and sometimes a normal conversation), but the freaking pain is constant.

I am pretty sure that my life won't be the same, because every small mistake I make (like 1 minute drilling at the dentist) took me back a lot. I started to improve a bit 2 months ago, but after the dentist I am a lot worse than before. I don't think I will have the courage to travel by plane or by train or anything above 80 dB anymore, even with triple protection.

I was wondering if I can buy a carrier flight deck worker helmet. Those people tolerate 150 dB daily with those, they protect also from bone conduction.

 

To Juan:

Thanks very much.

I was a Commercial Property Insurance Adjuster for 32 years, and your observation about Michael Leigh's inability to accurately describe hyperacusis is the sort of detail that would have been noticed by any number of skilled Police Detectives I interviewed.

 

I have pain hyperacusis. The pain lingers after sound stops and sometimes I have had pain for weeks after a very brief noise exposure.

Can you post a picture of that helmet?

 

To Juan:

Anyone who has so frequently lashed out with such inexcusably inappropriate invective as has Michael Leigh should be pitied, and he is not worth a further response.

As I mentioned before, he has had this kind of go-around with too-many-to-count previous posters (and I'll bet you could very easily count over 20).

He is quite simply a mean, (and at times) vicious bully, and I feel sorry for anyone who cannot prevent himself from reflexively resorting to this sort of galling behavior.

It is entirely in keeping with this sort of personality that he is oblivious to the harm he does when he claims that his only motive is to help others.

I still admire your quite considerable courage in calling him out for his ignorance regarding hyperacusis (which was quite revelatory), and your refusal to be cowed by his typically overbearing reply.