Sudden Noise-Induced Trauma with Worsening Tinnitus and Hyperacusis

[Dimanoise]

Exactly 1 week ago, I suffered noise-induced trauma. The next day I felt fine, but it's been downhill since then.

I went to 2 walk-ins on the 2nd and 3rd, but neither they nor I understood how serious this actually is or how bad it could get. So they didn't give me any steroids, although I hope another walk-in tomorrow will. Does it even help when started that late?

Anyway, my symptoms began with a mild headache and muffled hearing in my right ear. I was still okay that day, but the next day I developed louder tinnitus than before, which had previously been very mild.

I thought I could handle it, but the day after that I developed some level of hyperacusis. It was still manageable. I was able to go outside to take care of basic chores, and I even went to the gym that day with my earplugs.

Today has been the worst day so far. I woke up with a new tone or pitch in the middle of my head, almost like it was coming from my forehead. It's been extremely reactive to almost anything I do, even breathing. It feels like I get extremely high-pitched attacks in my head for a split second every 1 to 2 seconds.

I'm now on my 8th day. Is it supposed to get better with time?

I'm only 25 years old. I had already booked a solo trip to Asia for next year, but I guess that's not happening anymore.

Should I still push for steroids and go to a walk-in clinic as soon as possible tomorrow? My ENT appointment is in 6 days. I don't know what to do. If I knew it would get better, I could push through it and wait for better days. But if not, then this feels like hell on Earth.

 

[Nick47]

Hi @Dimanoise, you are in the very early acute stage when things are terribly difficult. With the steroids, it's up to you; however, they rarely help even when taken shortly after for tinnitus. They may help in cases of SSNHL, though usually when taken within 72 hours.

This may be a 6-month job for you, or a 2-year one. No one can tell you this. CBT is touted as the gold standard treatment; unfortunately, however, you should wait a few months to come out of the acute phase before considering this.

 

[billie48]

Welcome to the support forum. Here, many of us have deep empathy for what you're going through, as a lot of members have been exactly where you are now, dealing with a new acoustic trauma followed by hyperacusis. This experience is very common among members here, myself included.

I struggled immensely, like most newcomers with severe tinnitus and hyperacusis. I had to rely on medication to survive relentless anxiety and panic attacks. I never believed I could recover, but today I live a normal, productive, and happy life. I travel often, go fishing, garden, play badminton, and even dance with my wife.

A good life can return. I wrote a success story, From Darkness to Light…, to share some helpful strategies. For brevity, please check the link below. Please don't despair or lose hope. A good life can return. It will take time and patience, but things will definitely improve.

Take good care. God speed your recovery.

From Darkness to Light, How I Recovered from Tinnitus & Hyperacusis

I am one of those who strongly believe that being positive will help us habituate to tinnitus faster. A few years back I was in total darkness of immense sufferings from severe tinnitus & hyperacusis. I have ultra high pitch and loud tinnitus (T) which was soon followed by piercingly hurtful...

www.tinnitustalk.com