Is This Hyperacusis or Reactive Tinnitus?

Recently when I hear certain sounds like traffic noise, bird chirping, toilet flushing, certain music etc. there's a whistling triggered that goes with the sounds. It's like a mix of the sound + a "beep beep beep beeeeep be be be beeeep beep beep ..." over the sound. It's crazy. I don't feel any pain but it's really devastating.

Is that hyperacusis? Please help.

 

Hyperacusis comes in different levels of severity so pain isn't always experienced. Your ears and auditory system could just be a little hypersensitive. You haven't mentioned if you have suffered a noise trauma? Possibly from headphone use or other loud sounds? Please click on the links below and read the articles: Hyperacusis, as I see it - Tinnitus, A Personal View

Michael
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-a-personal-view.18668/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/hyperacusis-as-i-see-it.19174/

 

I think it is reactive T. Hyperacusis just makes you feel uncomfortable upon hearing loud sounds.

 

Despite there being new information regarding "reactive tinnitus" and possible treatment which is different from treating standard hyperacusis. I don't believe it and think it's another way to extract money out of people that are in distress with hyperacusis. I believe there is no such thing as "reactive tinnitus" It was a term made up in tinnitus forums, and some in the medical field have decided to jump on the bandwagon. In my opinion, reactive tinnitus is Hyperacusis and "sound enrichment" should be used to treat it. In more severe cases white noise generators under the guidance of a Hearing Therapist or Audiologist should be used.

Michael

 

There is no reliable TRT in Greece.

 

Follow some of the advice that I have written in my articles in the links I have given you. Start using a "sound machine" at night by your bedside. If you are able to get a referral to a Hearing Therapist or Audiologist then do that. But start using sound enrichment. Read the articles.

Michael

 

@vermillion
A lot can be achieved with self help for Tinnitus and hyperacusis but it takes time. I can send my articles to you in PDF format if you wish as it will make printing and reading easier. Just supply your email in PM
Best of luck
Michael

 

I think the "reactive tinnitus" term that people is used to describe the occasion when after the sound exposure your T goes up and keeps whining for a long time (hours). I mean not "instantly" reacting to the sound as described by @vermillion when they hear "be bee be beep" alongside the sound source (the beeps last from less than second to a few seconds).

 

so what is it?

 

I don't know.. I have that beeping too

 

I hear you @3riow and you have given a good account of it. Less than two weeks ago, a forum member supplied a link to a paper that has been written up by ENT doctors that belong to top tinnitus clinic. You wouldn't believe, they are now saying "Reactive tinnitus" separate problem from ordinary hyperaucusis. The length of the document is at least 2 sides of an A4 paper. I don't believe it. Your account sounds more plausible and thank you. I believe this can be treated using sound enrichment.

Michael

 

Really? Woww!!! Could you link the paper please?

 

This sounds like what is sometimes referred to as "hearing distortion" on this forum. This started about two months after my initial noise exposure, and I still experience it. It's improved somewhat since then (I'm almost six months in now), but I still occasionally have bad days (like today).

I'm not a medical professional, but as far as this forum's terminology is concerned, I agree with this.

 

@vermillion, I think it's just a really annoying form of tinnitus mixed with hyperacusis. None of my doctors use the term reactive tinnitus, but they do say that hyperacusis and tinnitus. Mine is similar to yours. When I go outside the tinnitus just gets louder, though mine is usually a dental drill, crickets or static hiss. Right now I am indoors and people are mowing the lawn which is triggering a high pitched buzz. To deal with it I've turned on the Zen chimes on my hearing aid, which seems to help a little (though it's still there and completely annoying). I am sorry you are dealing with this.

 

I believe this is the link: https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/12/01/when-everyday-noise-is-unbearable

 

Thank youuu!!!!

 

for how long?

 

I don't hear distorted sounds. I hear the actual sounds but it's mixed with this shit!

 

I surrender. I don't know what to do anymore. I mean if this thing keeps worsening, i don't know how i can persevere living.

 

From October 2016 but it has gotten a lot better!!! Yet I still hear the wind beeping

 

That gives me hope. Eventually it will subside? My ENT told me that this may be hyperacusis from overprotection.

 

Yea took a long time to get better but I can listen to music again Don't lose hope!!!

 

I'm sorry. I am really devestated.

 

It's good if you don't have pain though, really!

 

Well one think that i figured out with tinnitus is that what is not there today can be there tomorrow.

 

Mine has gotten better too, though I still have it when I've been around loud noises

 

Really? Nice to hear when did yours start mate

 

Last August. Gonna be a year soon...

 

You mean it reacts only to loud noises? I have this whistles for example when i listen the tv of the neighbour. And i perceive the whistle as it really comes from that tv. I mean from far. Is this familiar to you? So how would you say is your life after a year?

 

No it is present on soft sound also. What I meant is that now it only activated when I've been around loud noises for a while. Like if all days I've been in a busy place or I listened to music I'll have it till the end of the day. Life is better but still sucks.