Severe Hyperacusis (Can't Even Tolerate Voices), But No Ear Pain

Hi all,

I'm getting really worried. My mild hyperacusis has gone to severe over the last 10 months. It was very much improving in the first 4 months but due to some unfortunate events got worse, but still tolerable. However it got worse again after a dental cleaning 1,5 month ago and it's absolutely unbearable now. Also had mild tinnitus in the head, which has now developed into having a new tone in the left ear which is reactive; so the more noise I'm exposed to, the worse it gets.

What gets me worried is that I can't even tolerate voices now. I went to visit my parents last weekend and the drive there and talking with them afterwards resulted in my head pounding. I can't enjoy it. This really makes me feel miserable. So the weird thing is, I don't get any ear pain at all (knock on wood). For me, the problem manifests itself with pounding and throbbing in my face (especially around eyes and cheekbones) and head which is awful. I have this intense pressure all day long near my temples on the sides of my head, under my hair. My face feels irritated under the skin, there's this constant pulling and tightening. Sometimes also burning under my eyes and sometimes the irritated feeling also makes me a bit nauseous. I'm guessing it has something to do with nerves.

I have a history with TMJ issues. I was just wondering if anybody might have any ideas or insights regarding facial/head problems with hyperacusis. I don't wanna give up but this is absolutely no life. I'm really stressed out at the moment and know I have to deal with that as well. Just don't want to get started on antidepressants with the risk of worsening my hyperacusis, tinnitus and visual snow.

I hope to improve again but I'm so worried I won't because it has never been any worse than this

 

Sorry to hear you’re not doing well. Have you tried a TMJ splint to reduce muscle tension? I’m about to get fitted for one. I also have reactive tinnitus in one ear and pressure near my temple. I understand your pain. Hope things start to improve for you.

 

I have been there, and hyperacusis-wise, it got better over time. The pressure on neck, and all that tightening feelings may be due to pressure derived from trigger points on you neck, shoulders, and maybe back. Go visit a physiotherapist, see if that helps, or to the TMJ doctor if you suspect that may be a cause or contributing factor.

 

I do have this, too. It's not constant but directly related to too much noise exposure for me. It feels like someone presses his fingers on my temples. It has eased a bit since I am protecting myself consequently from too much sound exposure: wearing ear muffs during the day, earplugs when showering and so on.

 

Rest your ears... try to relax... maybe a few beers/ exercise... a sports massage is a good idea... going to try some acupuncture next week myself.... but yeah when voice are painful it’s very distressing... but it does get better with time...

 

I too am reactive to loud voices, its physically painful and increases the tinnitus. I purchased several pairs of good ear plugs and if I try to head off loud voice problems by putting them in before I'm going to be in that situation. Doesn't take it all away, but it helps.
Laura

 

Hi @Emgee, thanks for your reply. Fair point and I’ve had a night guard for 1,5 years now but not an actual splint/orthotic. I’m looking into seeing a TMJ specialist in Germany as we only have conservative therapy here in the Netherlands and I’ve tried this, but unfortunately doesn’t eliminate the jaw issues. I hope you find relief with the splint!

 

Thank you @Juan @xyz @NewLionel @LauraK4 for your insights and suggestions. Going to try to take it slow and one day at a time, trying to calm myself first. Will be sure to wear earplugs when I need them. I send you all hugs and hope in dealing with this awful condition.

 

Just curious, what are your thoughts on TRT?

 

@lauracolle, how are you doing? Has hyperacusis improved for you?

 

I am curious about this too after reading this thread, it's good seeing some threads die off because I think that people's conditions have improved and they have moved on in life.

 

Hi @xyz and sorry for only replying now. I've been battling an outer ear infection the past weeks and the stress about it has put me in sort of a setback concerning my tinnitus and hyperacusis.

I've had some really good improvements of my hyperacusis. There was a moment in August/September where things just changed for the better and it was pretty non-existent (of course I was still super cautious but could pretty much resume life, even though wearing ear plugs outside). It remained quite stable until December or so, when I developed a strange sensitivity towards artificial audio (phone calls, tv - phone calls being the worst). Didn't really have to do with the loudness: the moment a phone call started I just started experiencing facial pain. This is a new symptom for me that I didn't experience earlier on in my hyperacusis. Hasn't resolved until today but made some improvement. However, things started to spiral downwards since that development. So ever since it has been up and down, but nowhere near the steady line I was from September - December unfortunately. Like I said, having the ear infection really stressed me out and I think that's what's responsible for my increased tinnitus and hyperacusis, since there have been no additional noise accidents.

So not really a success story - but I'm not giving up. I made some real improvement and I'm convinced I can do it again. Hope you're doing okay

 

That´s good to hear. Yes, after the ear infection resolves tinnitus and hyperacusis will probably also improve again. 1 hour conference calls gave me last year burning ear pain. This has improved fortunately to some discomfort. Unfortunately I cannot avoid these. For the TV I use subtitles. Overall I would also say my hyperacusis has improved. But until I can handle a noisy restaurant and so even with earplugs this will take many more months.