Extreme Hyperacusis and Tinnitus Have Improved Over the Past 2.5 Years

[jjflyman]

@DeepUniverse
You rock! This is a great post thread and your message is very positive and helpful
You are correct, it takes time and lots of it. I am nearly 2 years into my recovery and my T has faded 90%+ and H is totally gone (although loud sharp noises still hurt)
Sometimes it can take years

 

[Lane]

I am nearly 2 years into my recovery and my T has faded 90%+

@jjflyman, wow, congratulations--so good to hear! Yesterday was one of the better days I've had in the five months since I got tinnitus--today was as bad as ever. But I try to take encouragement that yesterday was no fluke, and I'm on a positive trajectory. Your testimonial helps keep hope alive. -- Thanks!​

 

[jjflyman]

@jjflyman, wow, congratulations--so good to hear! Yesterday was one of the better days I've had in the five months since I got tinnitus--today was as bad as ever. But I try to take encouragement that yesterday was no fluke, and I'm on a positive trajectory. Your testimonial helps keep hope alive. -- Thanks!​

Thanks
Actually, this is my second time with really bad T (both times from acoustic trauma). The first time 12 years ago was screaming loud and I was suicidal, I thought my life was over, but it faded to zero in about 2 years.

 

[DeepUniverse]

@DeepUniverse
You rock! This is a great post thread and your message is very positive and helpful
You are correct, it takes time and lots of it. I am nearly 2 years into my recovery and my T has faded 90%+ and H is totally gone (although loud sharp noises still hurt)
Sometimes it can take years

Hello jjflyman,

I am so happy for your recovery. Yes, (loud) high-frequency noises are the most critical for persons suffered for hyperacusis. The good news is that almost in all cases the hyperacusis is gradually annihilated. Of course, the patients should never be exposed to loud sounds again. This is especially important in case when the main causes for hyperacusis/tinnitus were loud sound or acoustic trauma.

Best regards!

 

[DeepUniverse]

Hello,

Two very good signs for people with tinnitus are:
- when tinnitus after a long period of time (after weeks, months or even years) of constant intensity turns into changing perception of volume (i.e., the loudness of tinnitus changes over time),
- when the ringing from time to time turns into hissing.

These two signs are often the precursors of gradual recovery.

Best!

 

[Tony Phylactou]

Hello Tony,

I didn't undergo any special therapy. I didn't do any magical diet, however, I eat healthy and fresh food. Fast food and carbonated sweet drinks are not on my menu. I also reduced the intake of white sugar and salty food. I drink alcohol very rarely, perhaps one or two glasses of wine per month on average.

At the beginning of hyperacusis/tinnitus, I occasionally took magnesium, zinc, CBD drops and some other supplements, but I didn't notice any significant effect. To be honest, a small initial improvement of hyperacusis has been noticed at a time when I tried CBD drops. However, I can't confirm that the improvement was due to the CBD intake. It is perfectly possible that these two events randomly coincided. In the last 18 months I didn't take any supplements at all.

One of the best things you can do for reduction of hyperacusis and tinnitus is to visiting forest as frequently as possible. If possible do light exercises, for example walking, tai-chi or some other body-based techniques. Contrary, hard body exercises increase the level of adrenaline in the body which consequently increases tinnitus and hyperacusis.

I also removed TV set from my bedroom. Watching horror films late in the night, stressful sport events or dramatic (breaking) news make hyperacusis and tinnitus worse. High quality of sleep is one of the most important issues in the way to recovery from hyperacusis/tinnitus. Your bedroom should be as dark as possible. If possible remove all electronic devices from your bedroom including a cell phone.

Extensive usage of cell phone makes tinitus/hyperacusis worse.

In the past few months, I've been listening to cricket-like sounds and some other sounds (e.g., bird song, water sound) that you can find on web pages (just about 5-10 minutes per day on average). Do not force yourself to listen any of these sounds if you don't like them and/or they aggravate your hyperacusis/tinnitus. Interestingly, I couldn't tolerate the very same sounds at the beginning, i.e., in the first 18 months of hyperacusis/tinnitus. Now, these sounds are pleasant to me, even as a kind of healing therapy.

Most important healing strategy: Please do not expose yourself to any loud sound (concerts, clubbing, loud parties, fireworks etc.). The loud sound causes an extremely bad impact (stress) to the harmony of the central nervous system. Ear plugs should become your standard personal equipment.

Best

Very informative thanks

 

[Tony Phylactou]

Hello EDogg,

At the onset of my tinnitus/hyperacusis I had feeling of fullness in my both ears (fullness was not permanent but it lasted occasionally during the first three months after onset). I also had pain in my ears, but luckily, the pain was not permanent but occurred only when the sound exceeded my loudness discomfort level (LDL). The sound I perceived was distorted. This happened very easily because my LDL was 30 db back then. When the too-loud-sound-for-me stopped, my ear pain disappeared. That is why I needed to wear ear plugs practical in every activity including washing my hands and typing on the keyboard.

Back then I had also a huge problem during eating some kind of foods (e.g., salad, toast, walnuts), because the sound has been transferred from my teeth to jaw bones and then to my ears. Also cleaning my teeth was a huge problem in the first couple of months due to the high pitched sound produced by friction between toothbrush and teeth. Now, I can tolerate sounds up to 75-90 db (the level depends on frequency of sound).

In the beginning, I had very reactive tinnitus, i.e., every sound, especially high pitched sound, aggravated my tinnitus terribly. I still have reactive tinnitus, but the level of reactivity is now much lower than in the beginning. It seems that as hyperacusis improves, the level of reactivity decreases.

If your current state is such that you can't tolerate the sound generators, please do not force yourself to listen to these sounds. Alternatively, you can test different sounds you can find in many places on the www. If you can not tolerate some sounds at the moment (i.e., pink sound, white sound, cricked-like sound, water sound), this does not mean that you will not be able to listen to these very the same sounds in the future (please see my above post).

The official medicine still does not know precisely the underlaying fundamentals of tinnitus/hyperacusis, and that is why the tinnitus sufferers are often left to themselves.

That is why many tinnitus/hyperacusis sufferers are mistakenly convinced that these symptoms are permanent. I would like to point out that over the months or years, a vast majority of the patients dramatically improve the quality of life (i.e., either the tinnitus/hyperacusis disappears completely or it reduces to a level where it has no significant impact to everyday life).

Best regards!

Excellent info thanks

 

[DeepUniverse]

Many people ask me how long does it take to recover from hyperacusis.

It is very difficult to answer this question, because there are:

1. A large amount of different reasons to develop hyperacusis,
2. Many different intensities and types of hyperacusis.

In addition, each person responds different to hyperacusis.

In the worst case, it may take years for the body to recover from severe hyperacusis. However, the most important is that even extreme hyperacusis (i.e., with the LDL as low as 30 db) slowly reduces over time.

 

[ozgeA]

I hope you all have full recovery in time... profoundly.... @DeepUniverse

 

[Tony Phylactou]

Hello Tony,

I didn't undergo any special therapy. I didn't do any magical diet, however, I eat healthy and fresh food. Fast food and carbonated sweet drinks are not on my menu. I also reduced the intake of white sugar and salty food. I drink alcohol very rarely, perhaps one or two glasses of wine per month on average.

At the beginning of hyperacusis/tinnitus, I occasionally took magnesium, zinc, CBD drops and some other supplements, but I didn't notice any significant effect. To be honest, a small initial improvement of hyperacusis has been noticed at a time when I tried CBD drops. However, I can't confirm that the improvement was due to the CBD intake. It is perfectly possible that these two events randomly coincided. In the last 18 months I didn't take any supplements at all.

One of the best things you can do for reduction of hyperacusis and tinnitus is to visiting forest as frequently as possible. If possible do light exercises, for example walking, tai-chi or some other body-based techniques. Contrary, hard body exercises increase the level of adrenaline in the body which consequently increases tinnitus and hyperacusis.

I also removed TV set from my bedroom. Watching horror films late in the night, stressful sport events or dramatic (breaking) news make hyperacusis and tinnitus worse. High quality of sleep is one of the most important issues in the way to recovery from hyperacusis/tinnitus. Your bedroom should be as dark as possible. If possible remove all electronic devices from your bedroom including a cell phone.

Extensive usage of cell phone makes tinitus/hyperacusis worse.

In the past few months, I've been listening to cricket-like sounds and some other sounds (e.g., bird song, water sound) that you can find on web pages (just about 5-10 minutes per day on average). Do not force yourself to listen any of these sounds if you don't like them and/or they aggravate your hyperacusis/tinnitus. Interestingly, I couldn't tolerate the very same sounds at the beginning, i.e., in the first 18 months of hyperacusis/tinnitus. Now, these sounds are pleasant to me, even as a kind of healing therapy.

Most important healing strategy: Please do not expose yourself to any loud sound (concerts, clubbing, loud parties, fireworks etc.). The loud sound causes an extremely bad impact (stress) to the harmony of the central nervous system. Ear plugs should become your standard personal equipment.

Best

I cannot thank you enough.You are my hero. I will try to follow your advice. Thanks again. This is one of the best threads I have ever read.I will print it and keep it by my bedside.

 

[DeepUniverse]

Hello,

Just a short update after almost three years after onset of tinnitus and hyperacusis.

Hyperacusis slowly decreases, however there are also days when it increases temporarily due to unknown reasons. But in general I made a huge progress in the past two years regarding hyperacusis.

Tinittus is still very loud but it is somehow softer and less intrusive than before two years.

As you can read here

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/thread...ed-over-the-past-2-5-years.29268/#post-345543

I also tried a CBD oil in the past (before 20 months). Before week or so I bought a 5 % CBD oil again. I do not expect any major improvement, but a CBD oil is in most cases useful for the body.

Stay strong and persistent!

 

[Natashasewast]

Thank you! @DeepUniverse for sharing your recovery story in such detail and positivity. It is very much appreciated and has provided me hope. Did you experience chronic ear pain in addition to your hyperacusis and tinnitus?

I ask because I also suffer from very severe H (LDLs in 40s at higher frequencies) and UHF hearing loss, very high pitched, sound reactive tinnitus and bouts of burning ear pain that can last for days. I've been struggling with this for 11 months. Done the whole works, ENT, Audiologist, TRT, etc.. my ears can't tolerate the sound generators and no clinician seems to have an answer to remedy ear pain.

Thanks for your support,
EDogg

Hi EEDog. Sorry to hear of your struggle as it sounds identical to my nightmare. Im curious to know if you since have had any improvement with your H or T?

 

[Juan]

I was exposed to two loud concerts over a period of four days. Yes, I have hearing loss. About -20 db at 3 kHz and 4 kHz, -30 db at 6 kHz, and about -45 db at 8 kHz. I developed tinnitus and hyperacusis immediately after these loud-sound events. My tinnitus is a mix of high pitched sounds from the frequency area where the hearing loss was noticed.

Hi DeepUniverse,

I also had extreme hyperacusis and over time it turnet into hearing loss, very similar to yours, almost idential audiogram. Lately I am having problems to hear well in noisy environments, places with a bit of background noise or reverberation. I am quite worried about it. How do you manage with the hearing loss? Does it affect your daily tasks, work..?

Best regards!

 

[EDogg]

Hi EEDog. Sorry to hear of your struggle as it sounds identical to my nightmare. Im curious to know if you since have had any improvement with your H or T?

Hi @Natashasewast I am sorry to hear of your nightmare too. Thank you for asking about me. It has been about 7 months since the referenced post. I have had better days, where I have little to no pain and reduced H and T, and streaks of setback with pain, worsening hyperacusis and loud piercing tinnitus. I would say, overall, I am about the same as I was at the time of that post and continue to seek out a solution for this nasty ear pain that limits my ability to desensitize to sound. I have met with numerous clinicians, audiologists and researchers and am trying to learn as much as I can and beat this thing. I continue to push myself to work and stay engaged, though it's a serious struggle at times. I think the area where I have most improved is my ability to cope with the symptoms and find work-arounds. I dearly miss my social life and my music and am fighting with all I have to get that back.

I am curious to know more about your story, since you mention you have a similar struggle? Feel free to PM me if you'd rather discuss privately too. Those of us with the trifecta (H, T and otalgia) need to liaise as much as possible and help each other through this. Hope you are recovering!

EDogg

 

[DeepUniverse]

Hi DeepUniverse,

I also had extreme hyperacusis and over time it turnet into hearing loss, very similar to yours, almost idential audiogram. Lately I am having problems to hear well in noisy environments, places with a bit of background noise or reverberation. I am quite worried about it. How do you manage with the hearing loss? Does it affect your daily tasks, work..?

Best regards!

Hello Juan!

I have similar problems. Background noise impedes good understanding of words and ability to focus on the speach I want to hear. However, this problem doesn't affect too much to my life to much because I can't attend at too loud group events, because of my hypeacusis and tinnitus.

Tinnitus and hyperacusis are much bigger problems than hearing loss in my case. When I speak with a person or two in normal ambient with a very little background noise I barely noticed any problem regarding hearing loos and understanding of words. Therefore, hearing loss itself practically does not affect my daily life.

Good news is that hyperacusis gradually improves (but at the onset on the hyperacusis three years ago I was not able turning the newspaper pages or typing on the computer keyboards without earplugs). Now I can tolerate sound up to 75-90 db (it depends on sound frequency and duration).

Of course, I will never again go to concerts or loud group events. However, this is a low price compared to all the rest of the interesting things I can do in life despite of the fact that I have tinnitus and hyperacusis. Every tinnitus/hyperacusis patient should know that the recovery time can last several weeks, months or even years.

Paradoxically, the vast majority of patients with tinnitus discovered during the recovery that the unbelievable power lies in our bodies and souls on the path to gradually recovery. We would probably never discover some parts of our personality if we didn't get tinnitus. Paradoxically, but it is true.

Stay strong. Best regards!

 

[Juan]

Hello Juan!

I have similar problems. Background noise impedes good understanding of words and ability to focus on the speach I want to hear. However, this problem doesn't affect too much to my life to much because I can't attend at too loud group events, because of my hypeacusis and tinnitus.

Tinnitus and hyperacusis are much bigger problems than hearing loss in my case. When I speak with a person or two in normal ambient with a very little background noise I barely noticed any problem regarding hearing loos and understanding of words. Therefore, hearing loss itself practically does not affect my daily life.

Good news is that hyperacusis gradually improves (but at the onset on the hyperacusis three years ago I was not able turning the newspaper pages or typing on the computer keyboards without earplugs). Now I can tolerate sound up to 75-90 db (it depends on sound frequency and duration).

Of course, I will never again go to concerts or loud group events. However, this is a low price compared to all the rest of the interesting things I can do in life despite of the fact that I have tinnitus and hyperacusis. Every tinnitus/hyperacusis patient should know that the recovery time can last several weeks, months or even years.

Paradoxically, the vast majority of patients with tinnitus discovered during the recovery that the unbelievable power lies in our bodies and souls on the path to gradually recovery. We would probably never discover some parts of our personality if we didn't get tinnitus. Paradoxically, but it is true.

Stay strong. Best regards!

Yeah, it is true that hearing problems reveal new aspects of one's personality.

Lately I have been noticing that listening to music does not make my ears as tired as listening to conversation. Maybe it's because one does not need to find words in jazz or classical music, the brain probably works with different mechanisms.

 

[Tony Phylactou]

The initial cause of my tinnitus was a loud sound that was preceded by a period of a high stress. At the beginning of my tinnitus, I didn't sleep more than one month (just about 1-3 hours a night or even less). I was totally exhausted back then. At this point I thought my life is over. Gradually, over the next 3-10 weeks I developed also extreme hyperacusis with LDL level as low as 30 db. This extreme low LDL lasted more than six months. Almost all sounds were too loud for me, including turning the sheets of paper, typing on the keyboard, and even my own voice was unbearable loud. Ear plugs were my best friends during these horrible months.

After 2.5 years after initial onset, the LDL level improve and is now about 75-90 db (depends on the frequency of the sound). I still have very loud tinnitus lasting 24/7 and I hear my tinnitus almost over all daily sounds including city traffic, TV, and shower. I have still ear plugs in case of heavy street traffic and I am still unable to go to loud restaurants without ear protection. However, now I am in much better space than before 2.5 years. In addition, my tinnitus is somehow softer than it was in the beginning.

For a good night sleep I must take 7.5 mg of mirtazapine along with a small dose of benzos (0.75 mg to 1.5 mg of bromazepam) and about 2.5 mg to 4 mg of Zolpidem. Especially mirtazapine and zolpidem were (and still are) my lifesavers. Now, I take 2-3 times lower doses of tablets than in the beginning.

There is a hope and you will be better over time no matter how difficult the initial situation was and no matter what was the initial cause of your tinnitus.

I cannot tolerate noises over 60 dB. People told me I speak loud so today I measured my voice level and it was over 80 dB but somehow it does not bother me. How come? Am I scared of other noises but not my own?

 

[DeepUniverse]

I cannot tolerate noises over 60 dB. People told me I speak loud so today I measured my voice level and it was over 80 dB but somehow it does not bother me. How come? Am I scared of other noises but not my own?

I'm experiencing a very similar issue.

Person with tinnitus (in most cases) much easier tolerates its own voice than the voice(s) of other people, especially in case if the source of these voices is either the crowd of people or the crowd of people and other noises in the shopping centers (e.g., air conditioners, fans, noise of bags, noise of cash-registers). This integrated noise level can be even 10-20 db lower than your own voice, but because integrated noise contains many other frequencies, especially higher than the frequencies of your voice, it is much more uncomfortable than your own voice

 

[Johan_L]

I'm experiencing a very similar issue.

Person with tinnitus (in most cases) much easier tolerates its own voice than the voice(s) of other people, especially in case if the source of these voices is either the crowd of people or the crowd of people and other noises in the shopping centers (e.g., air conditioners, fans, noise of bags, noise of cash-registers). This integrated noise level can be even 10-20 db lower than your own voice, but because integrated noise contains many other frequencies, especially higher than the frequencies of your voice, it is much more uncomfortable than your own voice

Interesting theory. I assumed this was because there is no "surprise" when it comes to your own voice. Even if our brains has difficulty filter many sounds as irrelevant, it can still filter our own voices.

I have also noted that sounds that I make myself are usually slightly easier to tolerate, i.e. if I drop a spoon its not as bad as if somebody else does it (it still hurts though).

 

[Lane]

I have also noted that sounds that I make myself are usually slightly easier to tolerate

Almost bizarrely, I've noticed the same thing. I've thought that it's because I can somehow "brace" myself if I know a painful sound is coming.

 

[Mila9828]

I have hyperacusis (Severe), not sure whether it was caused by the ear tests on Jan 15 (mon), the mon after that (Jan 22) tinnitus turned extreme and remained for 2 week, after week that I got Severe H on R ear (Ear which was most tested) and then Tinnitus on R ear, with Severe Tinnitus on L ear. I am wondering whether my TMj caused the hyperacusis. Something tells me that it was caused by the ear syrnging.

Ear syringing or irrigation can cause H unfortunately, it happened to me but I'm healing!

 

[Emanuel Lourenco]

Hello,

The good news for all tinnitus sufferers is that with time, tinnitus is becoming softer and quieter. In addition, the brain filters the sounds of tinnitus and pushes them into the background (it is less noticeable). Therefore, in most cases the synergetic effects of quieter tinnitus and adaptation improves a quality of life for most patients. In most cases, hyperacusis is resolved much earlier than tinnitus.

Best regards!

Sadly this is not the case for everyone, over the 3 years I've had tinnitus it started from being incredibly low tinnitus and gradually worsened to the point where I can no longer filter it using any means, it is so loud, I feel a constant piercing sensation in my brain. Since I've had tinnitus I have done nothing but being more cautious and cautious with no positive results, I have also tried several times to just carry on with my life as if nothing happened. None of this helped...

Well I am glad that at least it does get better for some people, just wish I was one of them... When all you get is worsening every other month you kinda lose all sense of hope no matter how hard you look for it.

 

[DeepUniverse]

Sadly this is not the case for everyone, over the 3 years I've had tinnitus it started from being incredibly low tinnitus and gradually worsened to the point where I can no longer filter it using any means, it is so loud, I feel a constant piercing sensation in my brain. Since I've had tinnitus I have done nothing but being more cautious and cautious with no positive results, I have also tried several times to just carry on with my life as if nothing happened. None of this helped...

Well I am glad that at least it does get better for some people, just wish I was one of them... When all you get is worsening every other month you kinda lose all sense of hope no matter how hard you look for it.

Hello Emanuel,

Thank you for your post.

I'm so sorry that your condition has not (yet) improved. Please note that virtually every person perceives tinnitus in a different way, and there are as many specific types of tinnitus (and the ways of treatments) as there are tinnitus patients. As I already underlined in my previous posts the best practices for are:

(a) walking in the forest as frequently as possible,
(b) eating of healthy food (low sugar, low salt, low alcohol),
(c) good night sleep in a dark room without cell phones and other electronic devices nearby,
(d) stop watching horror movies, aggressive sport events and noisy-not-important-stressful daily news; consequently, the stress of the central nervous system is also reduced,
(e) reduce using a cell phone as much as possible,
(f) do take a hot shower every night before sleep,
(g) for a good night sleep do not eat at least 4 hours before going to bed,
(h) stop attending noisy parties and events completely (the earplugs should be your everyday equipment in your bag/pocket - they should be used in case of loud noise produced by various means).

Finally, do not afraid to take a small dose of benzos or sleeping pills when the tinnitus temporarily gets worse. However, please consult your doctor before using any drugs.

And the most important fact: each tinnitus sufferer should have at least one person who fully understands the personal distress the tinnitus patient is experiencing.

Please be patient and I am sure that your condition will improve.

Best,
DeepUniverse

 

[Digital Doc]

@DeepUniverse

Lots of good advice. Would add to try melatonin before going to the benzos as far more benign and less addictive. Also stop all noise exposure, not just from parties, including the lawn mower and vacuum cleaner for example.

 

[DeepUniverse]

Dear friends,

It's been over five years since onset of my tinnitus and hyperacusis. Back then, I was convinced that my life was over, as the tinnitus was extremely loud, and my loudness discomfort level (LDL) was extremely low - only around 30 dB. Even my own voice was too loud for me, so I spoke very little at the time. For many months I lived as if I were in hell. Also, typing on the computer keyboard was too loud for my ears and was causing pain. I was on sick leave for a few months at the time.

I'm much, much better now. Of course, I have to live up to some restrictions; the main one being that I can no longer attend loud parties, concerts or any to-loud events. When driving long distances, I use earplugs, also in loud city hustle and bustle. I still have tinnitus, but it is much much softer than in the beginning. I also still have hyperacusis, but it is now in a much milder form. I live an almost normal life.

It is very important for anyone who gets tinnitus not to give up. It can take weeks, months or even years for things to start to improve. Please stay strong and persistent. Don't expect other people to understand your condition. Don't even expect magical help from doctors. But it is important that you have at least one person who will understand you and whom you can trust.

Best wishes to all tinnitus and hyperacusis sufferers. Things will get better.

Best regards!

PS: In my experience, the following simple rules are of vital importance for recovery from tinnitus/hyperacusis:

- at least one hour of walks in the forest at least 3-4 times a week, especially before sleep,
- complete abstinence from loud events and concerts,
- usage of ear plugs in loud environments,
- a healthy diet: low sugar, low salt and low alcohol,
- minimize cell-phone conversations as much as possible,
- take at least 7-8 hours of sleep in a dark room free of electronic devices,
- minimize watching horror movies, daily breaking news and adrenalin sport events.

 

[GBB]

Dear friends,

It's been over five years since onset of my tinnitus and hyperacusis. Back then, I was convinced that my life was over, as the tinnitus was extremely loud, and my loudness discomfort level (LDL) was extremely low - only around 30 dB. Even my own voice was too loud for me, so I spoke very little at the time. For many months I lived as if I were in hell. Also, typing on the computer keyboard was too loud for my ears and was causing pain. I was on sick leave for a few months at the time.

I'm much, much better now. Of course, I have to live up to some restrictions; the main one being that I can no longer attend loud parties, concerts or any to-loud events. When driving long distances, I use earplugs, also in loud city hustle and bustle. I still have tinnitus, but it is much much softer than in the beginning. I also still have hyperacusis, but it is now in a much milder form. I live an almost normal life.

It is very important for anyone who gets tinnitus not to give up. It can take weeks, months or even years for things to start to improve. Please stay strong and persistent. Don't expect other people to understand your condition. Don't even expect magical help from doctors. But it is important that you have at least one person who will understand you and whom you can trust.

Best wishes to all tinnitus and hyperacusis sufferers. Things will get better.

Best regards!

PS: In my experience, the following simple rules are of vital importance for recovery from tinnitus/hyperacusis:

- at least one hour of walks in the forest at least 3-4 times a week, especially before sleep,
- complete abstinence from loud events and concerts,
- usage of ear plugs in loud environments,
- a healthy diet: low sugar, low salt and low alcohol,
- minimize cell-phone conversations as much as possible,
- take at least 7-8 hours of sleep in a dark room free of electronic devices,
- minimize watching horror movies, daily breaking news and adrenalin sport events.

Thanks for your 5 year update! If I may, are you regularly using benzos? I am considering using them so appreciate the perspective.

 

[Capstan]

Dear friends,

It's been over five years since onset of my tinnitus and hyperacusis. Back then, I was convinced that my life was over, as the tinnitus was extremely loud, and my loudness discomfort level (LDL) was extremely low - only around 30 dB. Even my own voice was too loud for me, so I spoke very little at the time. For many months I lived as if I were in hell. Also, typing on the computer keyboard was too loud for my ears and was causing pain. I was on sick leave for a few months at the time.

I'm much, much better now. Of course, I have to live up to some restrictions; the main one being that I can no longer attend loud parties, concerts or any to-loud events. When driving long distances, I use earplugs, also in loud city hustle and bustle. I still have tinnitus, but it is much much softer than in the beginning. I also still have hyperacusis, but it is now in a much milder form. I live an almost normal life.

It is very important for anyone who gets tinnitus not to give up. It can take weeks, months or even years for things to start to improve. Please stay strong and persistent. Don't expect other people to understand your condition. Don't even expect magical help from doctors. But it is important that you have at least one person who will understand you and whom you can trust.

Best wishes to all tinnitus and hyperacusis sufferers. Things will get better.

Best regards!

PS: In my experience, the following simple rules are of vital importance for recovery from tinnitus/hyperacusis:

- at least one hour of walks in the forest at least 3-4 times a week, especially before sleep,
- complete abstinence from loud events and concerts,
- usage of ear plugs in loud environments,
- a healthy diet: low sugar, low salt and low alcohol,
- minimize cell-phone conversations as much as possible,
- take at least 7-8 hours of sleep in a dark room free of electronic devices,
- minimize watching horror movies, daily breaking news and adrenalin sport events.

Thank you for coming back and providing updates for us just beginning our journey. I am dealing with both tinnitus and hyperacusis and seen progress but this post helps keep perspective to everyday ups and especially the downs.

 

[DeepUniverse]

Thanks for your 5 year update! If I may, are you regularly using benzos? I am considering using them so appreciate the perspective.

Hello GBB,

I take occasionally a very small dose of Bromazepam (1.5 mg) and/or a very small dose of Mirtazapine (about 7.5 mg or less) before sleep. Insomnia due to tinnitus can be very stressful and only exacerbates tinnitus. However, great care should be taken when taking drugs. Each patient responds to drugs differently. Please consult your doctor.

Best

 

[DeepUniverse]

Thank you for coming back and providing updates for us just beginning our journey. I am dealing with both tinnitus and hyperacusis and seen progress but this post helps keep perspective to everyday ups and especially the downs.

Hello Capstan,

If the hyperacusis is very severe, it is a much bigger problem in the initial stage than tinnitus, regardless of the severity of the tinnitus. The good side of hyperacusis is that, while avoiding dangerous circumstances, it slowly fades away. Sometimes it may takes several years. Of course, there can be many ups and downs during this time.

Best

 

[Lane]

The good side of hyperacusis is that, while avoiding dangerous circumstances, it slowly fades away.

@DeepUniverse -- I believe my hyperacusis had its genesis from a head injury/whiplash at age 15. I also believe the structural shifts it produced eventually led to my hyperacusis becoming more and more problematic as I went into my 30's. When I got tinnitus from a single dose of an ototoxic medication 2 years ago, it made my hyperacusis MUCH worse. In the past couple of years, it's been gradually coming back toward my baseline that I had before the medication incident.

I suspect you're correct about hyperacusis fading away for most people, I think especially for people who had it start with acoustic trauma. It may be true for most other causes of hyperacusis as well. In my case however, I think that early injury that created chronic structural issues is still the primary force behind my continuing hyperacusis, which unfortunately continues to be quite acute--though I feel I've learned to manage it at least fairly well. -- I'm currently looking into using prolotherapy to possibly correct my chronic cervical instability.