Struggling with Noxacusis After Head Injury: Pain, Fear, and Unsure Where to Go or What to Do

[jul.fri]

A month ago, I believe I developed noxacusis, about two months after a head injury. I now have severe loudness and pain hyperacusis, along with tinnitus. At first, I brushed it off as a strange and temporary symptom of the injury. However, during the past week, things have escalated.

When even dishes clattering and some whispers started to hurt, I finally looked it up and discovered what was happening. Then I was exposed twice to my family's four dogs barking. I have been wearing double protection, earmuffs and earplugs, for the past two days, but every day something still triggers a reaction, and my body instinctively startles or panics. I experience intermittent burning and stabbing pain, along with loud tinnitus.

My family doesn't understand, and my dad doesn't believe me. I'm scared to see a doctor because I fear it might make things worse, yet I'm also afraid to stay with my family and risk further harm. I rely on one family member to bring me soft food once a day, but she's already getting tired of it. I understand, none of us signed up for this.

I don't know where to go or what to do. I have no income, but I plan to apply for disability as soon as I can, hoping to get a letter from my doctor confirming my diagnosis to support my claim.

 

[jul.fri]

It seems I've become an extreme case almost overnight. What do I do? Every sound hurts. Accidentally bumping my earmuffs, or even touching a bag while wearing double protection, can trigger pain, burning, or aching.

 

[hey]

I'm sorry for what you're going through. I wish I had some clear advice to give you, but I don't. The main thing I can suggest is to limit the sounds you hear as much as possible. It seems like you're already doing that, so the rest might just take time to see if you improve. It can take a while, so try not to be too hard on yourself. We all know what you're going through and are hoping for the best for you.

 

[MindOverMatter]

A month ago, I believe I developed noxacusis, about two months after a head injury. I now have severe loudness and pain hyperacusis, along with tinnitus. At first, I brushed it off as a strange and temporary symptom of the injury. However, during the past week, things have escalated.

When even dishes clattering and some whispers started to hurt, I finally looked it up and discovered what was happening. Then I was exposed twice to my family's four dogs barking. I have been wearing double protection, earmuffs and earplugs, for the past two days, but every day something still triggers a reaction, and my body instinctively startles or panics. I experience intermittent burning and stabbing pain, along with loud tinnitus.

My family doesn't understand, and my dad doesn't believe me. I'm scared to see a doctor because I fear it might make things worse, yet I'm also afraid to stay with my family and risk further harm. I rely on one family member to bring me soft food once a day, but she's already getting tired of it. I understand, none of us signed up for this.

I don't know where to go or what to do. I have no income, but I plan to apply for disability as soon as I can, hoping to get a letter from my doctor confirming my diagnosis to support my claim.

Sorry to hear about your struggles. You should see a specialist as soon as possible. You mentioned that it all started after a head injury. I assume you've had an MRI of your head and possibly your neck? What other symptoms have you experienced since then?

 

[jul.fri]

Thanks for your reply. Yes, I've had a few CT scans and an MRI since then. I experience all the hyperacusis symptoms and tinnitus, along with muscle spasms throughout my body. I also have vestibular and vertigo issues.