Is Hearing Ringing in Reaction to Certain External Sounds Hyperacusis?

I have tinnitus from going to live concerts without ear protection and listening to headphones at a loud volume. Stupidly, I continued using headphones up until about last week when I realized that it was only going to get worse if I continued.

However, when I did use headphones the mid-high ends of the songs would cause a whirring sound against the instruments. Especially the brass section (trumpet, sax) and sometimes the electric guitar if it was loud enough.

I work in a kitchen and sounds like the blender can sometimes cause a high frequency beep against the sound. Clattering dishes are somewhat piercing.

All of the symptoms I'm describing are very mild and do not affect my day-to-day life. The extent of it is/was mild headaches after extended headphone use and anxiety over the conditions.

I thought the ringing against sounds was a normal part of tinnitus, but now I'm afraid that it might actually be minor hyperacusis. What does this sound like (pun intended)?

 

HI @weab00

My advice to you is to stop using headphones even at low volume. From what you describe you also have hyperacusis but this can improve over time and also the tinnitus. Please click on the link below and read my post to another member. Also click on the links on that page and read my articles that give information on noise induced tinnitus and hyperacusis and how to treat them.

All the best
Michael

 

That sounds like hyperacusis feedback. It may be a beep against the sound, or not hearing the actual sound but only a loud beep.

 

It always starts with minor hyperacusis and minor tinnitus. Trust me, you don't want severe tinnitus and hyperacusis.

Protect your ears in loud environments and try to avoid using headphones.

 

Could be hyperacusis or a warning sign for it. But to me it sounds like diplacusis. There are a few different kinds of diplacusis.

 

Does diplacusis ever improve or go away? I experience the tonal reaction listening to music which is unbearable. Planning on seeing a specialist soon, not sure if this is hyperacusis. Thanks