With respect to those in this forum that believe there is such a thing called "reactive tinnitus", you will go on believing in this regardless of what I, or other people with many years experience in tinnitus and hyperacusis say that there is no such thing. It was a term made up in tinnnitus forums by people in distress with over sensitivity to their auditory system. In most cases (but not all) this over sensitivity to sound is caused by exposure to loud noise.
Whether one likes it or not, there are only two ways hyperacusis or so-called "reactive tinnitus" can improve. The first is naturally without treatment meaning the condition improves over time. One can use sound therapy at home and slowly introduce themselves to normal everyday sounds to help desensitise the auditory system. When necessary "noise reducing" earplugs should be used but I stress they shouldn't be overused. I have covered this in my post: Hyperacusis, As I see it. The second method is having professional treatment with a Hearing Therapist or Audiologist, that is trained in the treatment and management of tinnitus and hyperacusis. Sound therapy is used in the form of wearing two white noise generators to desensitise the auditory system and is backed up with regular counselling. This treatment is called TRT.
Some clinics practice a new treatment called TDT (Tinnitus Desensitisation Therapy) In my opinion this is a simplified version of TRT called by another name but with an important element removed which is regular counselling. Hyperacusis is not only a physical problem but often a psychological one too and for this reason counselling may be needed to address the fear and negative thinking that is often associated with tinnitus and hyperacusis.
Just read the many posts in this forum and on tinnitus talk chat, from people that are in distress and unknowingly keep negativity at the forefront of their mind and thus, rarely make improvement unless this mindset is changed. They find themselves in an ideal environment with like-minded people and feel a real sense of camaraderie and true concord. Forums and other social media platforms are perfect places for this. Some people believe wearing ear protection will help the problem but unfortunately it doesn't and often makes it worse. I have covered this in many posts on my started threads.
On the contrary
@threefirefour I don't believe that I am narrow-minded. The advice that I give in this forum is based on many years experience with tinnitus, hyperacusis and counselling people with these conditions. No two people will experience them the same and therefore, my advice should be viewed as a guide and for information. Each person will have to address his or her tinnitus and hyperacusis in the way they think best. These conditions can take many months to improve and up to two years for some to habituate. This has to be backed up with positive thinking, as a negative mindset will delay or prevent the habituation process. There are posts on my "started threads" advising how one can start to acquire positive thinking. It is something that is often overlooked but vitally important if one wants to improve their quality of life.
Those that believe that there is a condition called "Reactive tinnitus" I will mention the following. Although tinnitus, hyperacusis and reactive tinnitus can improve with time and without treatment. In more severe cases one will have to seek the help of the healthcare professionals that I've mentioned above, as this isn't the field for an ENT doctor. ENT doctors treat the ear medically or surgically and any underlying medical problem associated with it. I believe the majority do this well. They are not counsellors or practice tinnitus and hyperacusis treatment and management with patients.
Michael