Hyperacusis, As I See It

[Yashin]

No.

So I suppose you work for an audiology clinic which offers the TRT service. Are you the director or the Internet marketing manager? Where is the clinic located?

 

[Michael Leigh]

So I suppose you work for an audiology clinic which offers the TRT service. Are you the director or the Internet marketing manager? Where is the clinic located?

You are correct. My tinnitus clinic is located in Brighton, UK. We practice TRT, CBT and offer tinnitus counselling. For those not living in the UK, I can provide tinnitus counselling sessions one to one on Skype. Please PM me for details on pricing for this service.
Thank you
Michael Leigh
Hearing Therapist

 

[GregCA]

You are correct. My tinnitus clinic is located in Brighton, UK. We practice TRT, CBT and offer tinnitus counselling. For those not living in the UK, I can provide tinnitus counselling sessions one to one on Skype. Please PM me for details on pricing for this service.
Thank you
Michael Leigh
Hearing Therapist

Tread carefully... in many jurisdictions it is against the law to misrepresent yourself as a medical practitioner.
If you intended this to be a joke, you may want to clarify...

 

[glynis]

I think there is a little Tomfoolery going on but did make me laugh my dear Michael.....just what I needed to put a smile on my face....ROFLMAO!

 

[Michael Leigh]

I think there is a little Tomfoolery going on but did make me laugh my dear Michael.....just what I needed to put a smile on my face....ROFLMAO!

Glynis, there is no "Tomfoolery" going on here. However, if the person in question tries to contact Michael Leigh's tinnitus clinic in Brighton, then I wish him the best of luck because he's going to need it. As Michael Leigh is a Pseudonym.

 

[cantbelieveit]

Glynis, there is no "Tomfoolery" going on here. However, if the person in question tries to contact Michael Leigh's tinnitus clinic in Brighton, then I wish him the best of luck because he's going to need it. As Michael Leigh is a Pseudonym.

I know who you are. Just as I knew who this person is:

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/thread...acusis-network-forum.18843/page-2#post-221747

(Arguably the most secretive person on all of the various tinnitus boards throughout two decades...).

 

[Sen]

Tread carefully... in many jurisdictions it is against the law to misrepresent yourself as a medical practitioner.
If you intended this to be a joke, you may want to clarify...

He's safe. Tinnitus clinicians are not medical practitioners. Literally anyone can call themselves one and open up shop.

 

[Yashin]

@Michael Leigh

I knew you were a TRT mole.

The TRT therapist character fits you better than the philanthropist one.

 

[victoria9273]

This is a great post. The announcement in the public transport would startle me always but I try to listen to them as consciously and carefully as I could. Fir now, i'm going to wear my earplugs only when I'm playing the upright piano; the loudness scared me little even when I was a child.

I suspect that the condition you are in, whether physical or mental, determines your hyperacusis in fairly a good part. I would hear the exact same beep sound that is too loud and once it's unbearable, it would to tolerable the right next time I hear it. But most of all, removing fears to noise is the most important thing.

 

[UpDownAround]

What about hyperacusis without tinnitus? My son has that. Both he and I have crackling in the left ear, also. We can both make it happen without sound by pushing the tragus around a little. Left ear only, not the right. I do have tinnitus. He does get temporary ringing after exposure to a loud sound like anyone else but does not have tinnitus.

 

[lapidus]

What about hyperacusis without tinnitus? My son has that. Both he and I have crackling in the left ear, also. We can both make it happen without sound by pushing the tragus around a little. Left ear only, not the right. I do have tinnitus. He does get temporary ringing after exposure to a loud sound like anyone else but does not have tinnitus.

TTTS (Tonic Tensor Tympani Syndrome) maybe? But if he do get a temporary ringing after exposure to loud sounds, that indicates some sort of inner ear damage to me and should be taken as a warning sign.

 

[UpDownAround]

TTTS (Tonic Tensor Tympani Syndrome) maybe? But if he do get a temporary ringing after exposure to loud sounds, that indicates some sort of inner ear damage to me and should be taken as a warning sign.

I have never heard of anyone being exposed to a loud noise and not get at least temporary ringing. I think that is perfectly normal. There seems to be a physical issue with our left ears which is so similar I think it could be a genetic defect. I am not sure whether this plays into the H or not though. The common symptom from it is that really loud noise like live music or a battle scene at a movie cause us to hear crackling and popping through that ear only even when H isn't flaring up (more sensitive). Even when there is a lull in H (which I have not had in a while, unfortunately) I would still put an earplug in the left ear for events where I expected loud sounds.

He does have some anxiety (enough that he is treated for it), so the TTTS does seem like a possibility.

 

[Alastair]

Hi Michael

Really good to read some of your posts and replies here. Here are some of my own experiences - hope OK.
Have had T since Nov '15 and A gradually appeared 2/3 months later. The T is manageable generally. It was very frightening at first and very loud in the left ear. The NHS ENT have been great but I am on my own now.
The T is a hiss that is much more gentle than the earlier days and can go very low when I feel on top of things.
However, the A is horrible and I fear it when I go out, especially into town( I popped into Brighton to buy walking boots last Saturday and it was tough - buses, taxis etc.) The A makes the T worse, although eventually it calms. So if I hear a banging from a building site, that will set the T off. At the beginning I got 'attacks' from being exposed to certain sounds- this resulted in horrible/loud T for a day/night then it would calm. I think that is better these days.
I fear-
building sites- banging/drilling sounds
High pitched bus brakes
cups and glasses banging together.
T getting worse
I am nervous about going out but make myself. Most of the time everything is fine.

I love quiet walking or mountain biking. I sleep with gentle river/forest/jungle sounds together with a quiet talking book on my laptop at night and during the day. This helps to take the mind off the noise and I can drift off or work etc.
Outside, in the garden I find the T really low sometimes. But I worry about a passing siren or other noise.
Drinking makes it worse, OK if I have 1 small bottle beer or a glass of wine with a meal.
I never go out to the pub/ for a meal - i just find other people too noisy cutting meat on their plates or the banging of beer glasses etc.
I have earplugs that don't have WN but are adjusted to take the top off the transients when I am out but doesn't stop
the sound level. These were adjusted by the audiologist. I find white noise from earplugs in my T ear makes the T worse due to the A! Anyway, thanks for the thread. I don't know if you have any thoughts. I think my life has changed very much since the T and A.

cheers/best wishes
Alastair

 

[Michael Leigh]

Hi @Alastair

It's good to greet a fellow Brightonian! Actually I'm a Londoner born and bred but living in Brighton three years and liking it quite a lot. My hyperacusis has been cured for 18 years and believe me when I say it was severe. So bad conversation with people hurt my ears. I go down to the seafront regularly and the traffic doesn't bother me in the slightest, but I know what mean when you say that you're affected by the noise.

You may need white noise generators to cure your Hyperacusis so try and get a referral ENT/Audiology to see if they can help. Keeping away from everyday sounds isn't the answer. If necessary wear "noise reducing" earplugs for a while, not too often but try to get out in the environment as this will help to desensitise your auditory system.

Best of luck
Michael

 

[Alastair]

Wow what a quick reply, Thank you very much,
I live along the coast in East Dean which is quiet. It is the Hyper A that is a struggle - yes.
I am at the stage where I am scared that being exposed to anything loud will make my T permanently worse.
I know it's mainly a fear really. For example, I love walking over the downs but I plan how to get back to the house without too much road exposure etc. That sort of thing is getting a drag.
I do worry when I go to town - do you think that it is generally safe? I don't mean standing by a road drill but walking past buses and other 'load' noises like a bit of shouting or, someone knocking a nail into something? These worry me. I have been told to NOT to monitor my ears and to try to carry on as normal, but i have been worrying lately.
The ENT dept said I could contact them if anything changed etc.

Perhaps I should try some hearing therapy for this Hyper A - (contact the audio dept).

Thanks Michael for any thoughts. The A is such a strange affliction!

cheers
Alastair

 

[Alastair]

Michael

Do you think the Hyper A can be reduced/sorted?

thanks
Alastair

 

[Michael Leigh]

Do you think the Hyper A can be reduced/sorted?

Hi @Alastair

I live in Patcham on the Hollingbury border. The views across to the Downs is quite something and the Chattri Memorial is in clear sight. I parked the car on the Kings Road yesterday, and crossed over to Brunswick Square and had no problems with the traffic noise. I was heading towards WHSmith and the traffic on Western Road didn't affect me in the slightest.

You need to be out in the environment and to be exposed to normal everyday sounds. As your auditory system is sensitive at the moment you could start by using "noise reducing" earplugs that have "filters" in. I don't recommend foam earplugs. Just use the noise reducing plugs for a while to get your ears and auditory system used to everyday sounds in the environment. One of the main problems that people have with tinnitus and hyperacusis in "negativity" The more negativity is reinforced the problem either stays the same or becomes worse. Please click on the links below and read my posts that will help give you an idea of what I mean.

Michael
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/is-positivity-important.23150/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/inspiration.22894/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/can-tinnitus-counselling-help.22366/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/can-tinnitus-counselling-help.22366/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/from-darkness-into-light.22234/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-and-mental-health.21978/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/the-habituation-process.20767/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/ear-protection.12216/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/positivity-and-tinnitus.12060/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-a-personal-view.18668/

 

[Alastair]

Hi Michael
Thanks again for your reply. I am determined not to get too negative.
Thanks for the links - I will have a read.
I am going out on the mountain bike in a minute with the plugs given to me by the ENT. Not sure if they are 'noise reducing' as such. They are not foam but hearing aid type. Could they be the noise reducing ones you mention? i know they tame transients slightly and use batteries.
What kind of thing would you recommend?
Anyway, thanks again.
The South Downs is a stunning area for the views, fresh air and exercise etc.

cheers

Alastair

 

[Michael Leigh]

I am going out on the mountain bike in a minute with the plugs given to me by the ENT. Not sure if they are 'noise reducing' as such. They are not foam but hearing aid type. Could they be the noise reducing ones you mention? i know they tame transients slightly and use batteries.

I am not familiar with the type of earplugs that you mention. I have never heard of earplugs that have batteries. Are you sure they are not white noise generators? If they look like conventional hearing aids they could be white noise generators. Please click on the link below to see "noise reducing" earplugs that have filters in. They are available in different attenuation sizes. I would use 18 decibels plugs whenever the need arises. Some people use 25db.

Best of luck
Michael

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_s...gs&sprefix=alpine+,aps,173&crid=2UR6ZJZ8S77G4

 

[Alastair]

Hi Michael
Thanks for your reply/link.
Have ordered some filtered plugs, so will keep them with me on walks, going into town etc and will
put them in when going past building sites and so on.
That for me is the challenge- the sudden noise created by the banging of a hammer on wood/metal, beer glasses, plates and crockery banged together, Church bells, etc etc. This makes my T pretty bad and creates a spike for a while. So far it settles down after a period (couple of hours to couple of days). My fear is that it won't settle down at some stage in the future.

The ear aids from ENT dept are made by Siemens and do generate white noise, but I have had this turned off as it seemed to make my T in the left ear worse. There is a compressor setting that will dampen transient spikes although this doesn't make sounds quieter in general.

Thanks again
cheers
Alastair

 

[Michael Leigh]

The ear aids from ENT dept are made by Siemens and do generate white noise, but I have had this turned off as it seemed to make my T in the left ear worse. There is a compressor setting that will dampen transient spikes although this doesn't make sounds quieter in general.

Hi @Alastair

If I were you then I would continue to use the white noise generators as this will help "desensitise" your auditory system in time. This is what is needed, as your auditory system is hypersensitive. The following is what I would do so please understand I'm not telling you to do this. I have been using white noise generators for many years. They cured my hyperacusis completely in 2 years, and used them as part of TRT.

In the morning I would put them on and set the level below the tinnitus.
I would start off by wearing them for 1hr or 2hs. Then take them off for the same length of time.
I would then slowly build up the wearing time over 3 weeks longer if needed but always keeping the volume slightly below the tinnitus. The WNG should never masked the tinnitus.

Eventually the auditory system will desensitise. I would also use a sound machine by my bedside at night. If I could get counselling with a Hearing Therapist or Audiologist, I would pursue this route.

All the best
Michael

 

[Alastair]

Hi Michael

OK I think I will make an appointment to see the audiologist at the hospital and discuss these ideas.
Anything to get this H A less sensitive. That is what is so challenging.
What kind of sound machine do you use? What sounds have helped you?

cheers
Alastair

 

[Michael Leigh]

OK I think I will make an appointment to see the audiologist at the hospital and discuss these ideas.
Anything to get this H A less sensitive. That is what is so challenging.
What kind of sound machine do you use? What sounds have helped you?

All the information that you need to cure your hyperacusis is in my articles @Alastair: in the links above. Hyperacusis, As I see it and: Tinnitus, A Personal View. Advice on sound machines is there too. The best is Oasis sound machines. They are made for people with tinnitus. Model S-650 is popular. You can buy it over the Internet or contact the British Tinnitus Association.

Michael

 

[Alastair]

Hi Michael,

Will read those articles - thank you.
The Oasis machine looks excellent. Will definitely order it.

Thank you very much.
cheers
Alastair

 

[Rodribs]

Thanks for the advice Michael but I tried WNG with an audiologist for several months last year. It seemed to help at first but then after a while i could no longer tolerate the WNG so stopped the treatment. My H fluctuates but is very reactive to loud/high pitched sounds. I have to keep plugs with me at all times and use muffs in certain situations.

Hi, just for knowledge, you H includes rubbing some fabric, changing pages on a book, extreme sensitivity when touch ears or to put ear plugs, even the sound of slippers rubbing the floor?, please advice. Thank you very much.

 

[Blue28]

Hi, just for knowledge, you H includes rubbing some fabric, changing pages on a book, extreme sensitivity when touch ears or to put ear plugs, even the sound of slippers rubbing the floor?, please advice. Thank you very much.

Hi, my hyperacusis is mostly reactive to high frequency sounds (not necessarily loud sounds) like cutlery on plate, female voices, children's voices, paper rustling, water coming out of a tap etc.

 

[Rodribs]

Ok so then it's a type of hyperacusis, just like what I'm passing through right know, external sounds like being on the street doesn't bother me that much but even bending a plastic sheath that gives us on groceries drives me crazy.

 

[Juan]

I know who you are. Just as I knew who this person is:

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/thread...acusis-network-forum.18843/page-2#post-221747

(Arguably the most secretive person on all of the various tinnitus boards throughout two decades...).

Man, that's scary..

 

[Michael Leigh]

Man, that's scary..

I agree it is scary. Just for the record, I am not the person in that photo that cantbelieveit is referring to. I prefer to remain incognito and use a pseudonym when online....

 

[dpdx]

Hyperacusis, As I See It.

Some members have asked for my opinion on hyperacusis as they are finding it increasingly difficult to live with. They want to know if there is a way of treating this condition so that their life can become a little easier? Or whether it can be completely cured? For a few it has become so distressing they have decided to only leave their homes when it's absolutely necessary. This is because of the fear of making the symptoms worse, by subjecting their ears to the hustle and bustle of everyday road traffic noise and other environmental sounds that we are all familiar with.

Reading some of the posts in this forum, one can easily see that certain people daren't leave their homes without first checking they have their earmuffs and an assortment of earplugs in various degrees of attenuation, in readiness for any potential environment that they happen to find themselves in. The cinema, nightclub, restaurant, or on public transport. If money is no object aspiring to custom made moulded earplugs for some is the way to go. It can bring the added assurance they will be getting the best hearing protection. Whether this is true or not doesn't really matter because it's what the person believes and this helps to give them that peace of mind which is something many of us strive for at one time or another.

The above may seem a little extreme until I tell you one member provoked a lot of discussion here, when he mentioned having the air bag in a car that he had just purchased disabled in case it was deployed in an accident. I suppose the thought of 170 decibels raining down on his auditory system and the possibility of his tinnitus and hyperacusis shooting through the roof was too much too bare and is more important than a potential life saving device. As strange as this might seem, others have discussed doing the same thing elsewhere on the Internet.

I am not an expert in this field but do have the experience of living with very severe hyperacusis that was brought on with the onset of my tinnitus twenty years ago due to loud noise exposure. It was so severe; conversation with someone at times caused immense pain. However, it was completely cured in two years with TRT and having counselling with a hearing therapist. I wore white noise generators for 10hrs a day and used a sound machine throughout the night until morning for sound enrichment. My tinnitus had reduced to a very low level.

Some people believe hyperacusis cannot be cured and if treatment such as TRT works then it merely suppresses the condition. In the event of future loud noise exposure it will return and the condition will be worse than before. I believe it's up to the individual to take care of their hearing and not subject themselves to loud noise exposure. However, accidents do happen as in my case. I have previously explained in this forum that my tinnitus increased to very severe levels in 2008 due to noise exposure so won't go over it again. To my surprise the hyperacusis did not return and has remained the same till this day, completely silent.

This summer I went onto the Brighton Pier and into the arcade. The place was a hive of activity and many people were using the slot machines. Music was playing and mixed with loud laughter so everyone seemed to be having a good time. I had my sound level meter and also a sound App on my mobile phone. Just in case things got too uncomfortable I had my noise reducing earplugs with me that reduce sound levels by 18 decibels. This was a test and not something I normally do or recommend anyone else to try.

The sound level in that place remained constant at just over 100 decibels. My ears didn't feel uncomfortable and I felt no pain. I stayed at the venue for 30 minutes and then left.

The next morning my tinnitus was silent and I experienced no symptoms of hyperacusis. I do not believe that it is a good idea for someone with tinnitus or hyperacusis (or both) to wear earplugs or noise-reducing earplugs with filters too often, because it's possible for the auditory system to become hypersensitive. In some cases it could make matters worse and cause a condition called phonophobia. This is literally having a fear of sound.

I used to counsel someone that had phonophobia like symptoms although she wasn't diagnosed. This person had hypercausis that gradually got worse and at every opportunity she kept away from sound. This got so bad going out the front door because of the noise was a problem. Her ears couldn't tolerate the sound of the microwave, dishwasher or the washing machine. She even complained of the sound of rain falling on her conservatory roof that was made of glass. Fortunately she has improved.

There is much discussion on this in the medical field from experts saying that the overuse of hearing protection isn't good and therefore discouraged as it will lower loudness threshold and I completely agree with this. I think if one isn't careful they can become paranoid over sound making their hyperacusis and tinnitus worse and I don't think it's healthy.

I believe the answer is to seek proper treatment. If TRT is unavailable then start using a sound machine by the bedside at night for sound enrichment. This usually helps to desensitise the auditory system. Try going out for long walks and getting used to everyday sounds instead of keeping away from them by staying at home. I don't normally recommend anyone to use white noise generators unless they are under the care of a hearing therapist. However, if your tinnitus is under control and you have habituated but experience hyperacusis, that some call: Reactive tinnitus. Then white noise generators could be the way to go. Two should be used to keep the auditory system in balance and set the volume level low, preferably below the tinnitus. This will help to desensitise the auditory system and treat the hypercusis.

Hearing protection is important and does have its place. If I am going to venues where I believe noise level could become loud then I have my earplugs with me. Night clubs, parties etc. I would always use them at the cinema although I haven't been to one in years. Reading some of the posts on this forum people say those places can be very loud.

When I use my petrol lawn mower or electric power tools for those DIY jobs around the home, I always use my ear defenders. I want to live life and enjoy it. Not to be living in fear of hearing a fire truck or ambulance siren coming towards me and I have to panic and quickly insert earplugs or reach for earmuffs to protect my hearing. I just think this is overkill.

Michael

PS: There is a condition called: vestibular hyperacusis. This is where the sound can cause a person to fall, lose balance or experience dizziness, and will probably require more professional help.

Great article. I ordered a sound system that is about to arrive soon. Living with H is awful