How to Describe Hyperacusis to My Boss?

Hey everyone,

I hope you're (coping) well.

I had to ask my boss for an adjustment of my workplace because I work close to a busy street and during summer my office mate requires an open window for airflow because it gets quite hot in the room (I tolerate the heat better).

My boss wasn't very open to adjusting because he seemingly thinks that my hyperacusis is just a matter of attitude and I am totally overreacting because it's not even summer yet (I thought to discuss this early so there's no pressure involved). Sure there is phonophobia but I also have hyperacusis so I can't just expose myself to noise (muffs aren't enough to let me work focused with all the noise).

So, has anybody found a way to make another understand what the problem is with hyperacusis? The problem is that the noise regularly exceeds my uncomfortable limit, but not necessarily my pain limit. And of course I have anxiety when there's just the possibility of a loud noise happening. But it's not like I can just stop the phonophobia.

Any suggestions?

 

You have had tinnitus and hyperacusis for quite a while. Since you haven't mentioned the tinnitus to be a problem I will assume that you have habituated and only the hyperacusis is affecting you? If this is the case, my advice is to consider seeking professional help by seeing an Audiologist that specialises in tinnitus and hyperacusis treatment. You could try some of my self help advice in my article: Hyperacusis, As I See It, in the link below. If hyperacusis isn't treated it will linger causing recurring spikes in the tinnitus and the possibility of developing other psychological problems manifesting themselves in my article: The Complexities of Tinnitus and Hyperacusis, in the link below.

Rearranging your work area may provide you some relief but this is not a long term solution. I once had very severe and painful hyperacusis, so I know how debilitating this condition can be. It was successfully treated using white noise generators as part of TRT for two years and has been completely cured for over 20 years. Contrary to what some people believe, hyperacusis can be reduced to very low levels with treatment or self help and in many cases completely cured.

Your boss fails to understand how severe hyperacusis and tinnitus can be having never experienced these conditions. Unfortunately this mindset is not uncommon even among family members of those affected by tinnitus and hyperacusis. You could try using noise reducing earplugs whilst at work, and I recommend you follow my advice in Hyperacusis, As I See It, on how to use them, so not to become too dependent on hearing protection. The overuse of earplugs risks lowering the loudness threshold of the of auditory system, which will make it more sensitive to sound.

All the best
Michael

Hyperacusis, As I See It | Tinnitus Talk Support Forum
The Complexities of Tinnitus and Hyperacusis | Tinnitus Talk Support Forum

 

“I quit”.

 

Like having a black eye from sound.

 

That's probably a good decision. If I am not able to continue with 100% home office after COVID-19, I probably will consider the same myself.

How should an ordinary person understand what it means to have hyperacusis when even most ENTs have only a rough idea of that.

 

Pain when sounds exceed a certain decibel level.

 

I tried that, but didn't really work (even though that seems like an easy explanation).

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. It seems there is no easier way than Juans explanation but if that doesnt work...

 

Try and describe it to him as simply as possible.

"Due to damage to my auditory system / nerves, loud sounds are overwhelming and can cause me pain. This is a medical condition called hyperacusis. Can we make a reasonable accommodation for me to work in a quieter area for the summer time?"

Bring a doctor's note if necessary to drive home to him that this is a very real medical condition.