Do I Have Hyperacusis If I Can't Tolerate Certain External Sounds?

[JohnFox]

In previous posts I have described how I have suffered complete loss of hearing in my right ear along with significant tinnitus. I also described how external sound/noise entering my left (good ear) has a dramatic effect on the intensity of my tinnitus. An example is, I can't tolerate being anywhere near dishes being banged together (washing dishes), or being inside a busy restaurant etc.

I don't have "pain", just a major increase in the level of the tinnitus. So... am I describing hyperacusis?

 

[Contrast]

The definition of loudness hyperacusis is of one when noises sound abnormally loud, is that what you experience?

 

[Kelvin]

@JohnFox
This is exactly what I have.
A poor tolerance for certain sounds that will ramp up your background Tinnitus sounds. Mine just hisses louder...
These trigger sounds are very unique and may be unique to each of us.
My triggers are Dishes, Cutlery, crisp packets and of all things...flushing toilets and running baths
You will find that people will argue for months on what it is and the definition.
Personally I don't think a definition really helps much.
At the end of the day you have a sensitivity and your ears are basically telling you to take care.
For what its worth...I would avoid the things that aggravate you for a while, but DONT get paranoid and avoid these sounds completely.
Just take it easy and if you feel you need to take the edge off use foam earplugs for a short while if you feel uncomfortable. They take the edge off and stop the ramping up.
In time you will find it ( hopefully ) improves. This is very slow and more years than weeks.
Still not 100% sure it actually heals or if you brain just says *you know what I'm going to ignore this"
Hang in there...better days will come, but its a long haul.
Peace
X

 

[Juan]

@JohnFox
This is exactly what I have.
A poor tolerance for certain sounds that will ramp up your background Tinnitus sounds. Mine just hisses louder...
These trigger sounds are very unique and may be unique to each of us.
My triggers are Dishes, Cutlery, crisp packets and of all things...flushing toilets and running baths
You will find that people will argue for months on what it is and the definition.
Personally I don't think a definition really helps much.
At the end of the day you have a sensitivity and your ears are basically telling you to take care.
For what its worth...I would avoid the things that aggravate you for a while, but DONT get paranoid and avoid these sounds completely.
Just take it easy and if you feel you need to take the edge off use foam earplugs for a short while if you feel uncomfortable. They take the edge off and stop the ramping up.
In time you will find it ( hopefully ) improves. This is very slow and more years than weeks.
Still not 100% sure it actually heals or if you brain just says *you know what I'm going to ignore this"
Hang in there...better days will come, but its a long haul.
Peace
X

I dont think accommodation occurs because the brain ignores certain sounds or gets used to them. My feeling is more like something dies, haircells maybe, or change, synapsis maybe, and that changes the way in which sound is conducted or interpreted.

 

[Kelvin]

I dont think accommodation occurs because the brain ignores certain sounds or gets used to them. My feeling is more like something dies, haircells maybe, or change, synapsis maybe, and that changes the way in which sound is conducted or interpreted.

Maybe, Maybe...who knows. Truth is no one knows.
The point I was trying to make to @JohnFox is that 'something' occurs - if your lucky.
I hope you are all lucky because this thing is awful.
Dont give Mr T the attention he craves and he may just fade a little.
Wishing all of you a quiet(er) day sometime soon.
X