Tinnitus Talk Support Forum

If everyday stuff like that never impacts your hearing any further, then you'll need to remind yourself that everything's fine and try to relax, since stress and anxiety will just make it worse.

Read my post: Hyperacusis as I see It. You have to try and work towards using your earplugs less. Being dependent on them can cause phonophobia.
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/hyperacusis-as-i-see-it.19174/

Sometimes for me is hard to know for certain noises if it is my hyperacusis or photophobia or my general anxiety

Anxiety is the biggest factor in all this. It pre dates my T by about a decade or more. When I feel good I can handle my T better and don't notice distortions ect. Unfortunately it hits me out of the blue and I don't always think straight and go to panic mode. Pills don't help me and a posative mind-set only works for so long.

@Michael Leigh definitely working on using them less. Its being around others who don't really understand what I'm going through who think loud noises aren't a problem.

Hi, phonophobia sucks….overcoming it is a long process. What worked for me was to first find sounds that you find comforting. You'll naturally build positive associations with those sounds. Your confidence will slowly grow and you start to get less and less fearful of sounds.You might be annoyed by some legit bad sounds, but it won't ruin your day anymore.

But harmful noise should always warrant ear protection. A proper balance is way to go.

You are right, people that don't have tinnitus and hyperacusis are unable to understand. Therefore, try to focus on what you're doing. It takes time so be patient and you will succeed. Read my posts on my started threads of positivity and inspiration. Print and refer to them often, this will reinforce positive thinking.

@ZFire and @Michael Leigh thanks for the words of encouragement. It will take a while for me to learn the good and the bad that comes with this condition( second time). I know I will have better days and some not so good ones but I'll learn.... hopefully :).

To get over the initial fear, I found strategic use of Valium useful.