Tinnitus Talk Support Forum

A major component to reducing hyperacusis, sound sensitivity and general anxiety around noise is to expose yourself to it - but within reason. Obviously don't go to a black metal concert. I still feel somewhat limited, because the world is generally a very loud place. But it's important to train your brain.

@Lurius losing the anxiety towards noise was a big step and I feel much calmer for it. Definitely won't be going to any concerts or anything loud, I've never been to a concert before and T took that chance from me.

So glad to hear! I have pretty severe hyperacusis & noticed yesterday that even taking a shower with a hand-held shower head (with earplugs) raised my sound tolerance right after. So I think there's definitely something to it! It can just be tough finding that 'sweet spot' depending on your current tolerance level, & then of course there's the issue of unexpected truly loud sounds.

@Strawberryblonde So happy for you! I dream about the day I'll say the same :)

It's took me a good year of using them to finally have the courage to forgo them a lot of the time around traffic supermarkets and normal life sounds ect. I still protect with vacuuming/loud things. You'll get there @Samy it'll take a lot of patience and time :)

I am pleased that you are steadily making progress @Strawberryblonde. You may still have little hiccups along your path to habituation. You have a positive mental attitude, so keep focused because you will get there.

I'm working on that too for my H, doing more things at home Without protection. Some days a better than others but in general, I feel exhausted from this illness.

I went downtown today to buy some clothes. My overly sensitive, autistic brain was seriously exhausted after 3 hours with all that noise. Sirens, construction work, infants with colic, traffic etc.... Fuck my life, way too much for me. I need to stay inside for a while now.

3 hrs is a long time to shop, even me who loves shopping would be like "that's it ive had enough" . I tend to shop when it's quiet or go to places with less people on a weekday to make it easier. Take a little break for a while then ease back into and for not as long next time :) @Lurius

@Nadia231 its mentally taxing for sure but for me i had to push through to get back to a place of some normality. ill never be how i was previously but if i can get close enough ill be ok. See how you react too certain situations slowly over time (outside). If things feel like they are slowly getting better use that as a positive reinforcement :)

@Michael Leigh thank you for the kind words Michael, i am getting there slowly but surely the second time around. :)

I know how you feel Strawberryblonede but you will get there. Just keep believing that things will get better.

Did you beeps/bleeps calm down too?

@Benjaminbb they are still there unfortunately but to a lesser degree, either my brain got used to them or they have become internment and lower in volume. It's just become normal for me now.

Awesome <3