Hey all,
I am 31 years old with no health issues and no prior symptoms of tinnitus or hearing loss. I attended a concert back in early May and forgot earplugs. The band playing wasn't so bad so I stuck around. But after they finished, the house music was way too loud and people around me were shouting over it. I felt an intense discomfort in my ears and had a small panic attack.
For 1-2 weeks following the concert my ears felt physically sensitive to sound. During this time, I was very anxious worrying about permanent hyperacusis. I never experienced actual pain per se, but I would say it was more like my brain wanted nothing to do with louder than average sounds entering my ears.
During this early period, loud sound and busy sounds (like reality tv) would cause me to feel panic again. Driving on the highway would be too loud and I had to wear earplugs. Some of those issues receded after the first couple weeks, but what I believe is loudness hyperacusis has persisted. I saw an ENT who after running several tests said there was no damage to ears, but did diagnose hyperacusis which he said would clear up in a few weeks. He said I should take Lipoflavonoid supplements which I have, even though they probably have no effect. Still, the hyperacusis has persisted.
About 2 months in I am still struggling with discomfort to loudness. Loud voices are very uncomfortable. Clanging plates and things falling are very sharp. Any startling sound is like nails on a chalkboard. I am unable to listen to music or watch tv without getting ear fatigue. I get the aural fullness feeling frequently (I think it occurs most often after being in a social setting like a party/busy restaurant). When getting a haircut, the razor was far too loud. Lots of things that used to be completely harmless now give me the feeling of being too loud. The thing is, I don't actually hear them louder, but my brain reacts as if they are too loud. I try to wear earplugs when in louder settings, but the occlusion effect makes it difficult to have conversations.
The sensitivity to noise has ebbed and flowed over this time. Sometimes I feel better, sometimes I feel worse. Right now I am feeling worse than ever after an outdoor party with music where I didn't have plugs but tried to hang away from the majority of the noise. I was at a similar party two weeks ago which did not have the same affect.
Luckily, appliances, shower, and running water aren't so bad. I can leave the house, do chores, and work, even socialize to a degree. I have zero symptoms of tinnitus as far as I can tell. No ringing, rumbling or otherwise troublesome sounds that aren't real external sounds. Just very displeasing reactions to noise.
I am feeling many things now: somewhat hopeless and depressed about my predicament. Still worried about this getting worse rather than better. Somewhat optimistic that my case is milder than many on here so it will improve with time. Glad I don't have hearing damage or tinnitus as far as I can tell. But definitely still hyper-focused on my ears and worried about I can and can't do while continuing to try to live my life.
Any advice is welcome.
I am 31 years old with no health issues and no prior symptoms of tinnitus or hearing loss. I attended a concert back in early May and forgot earplugs. The band playing wasn't so bad so I stuck around. But after they finished, the house music was way too loud and people around me were shouting over it. I felt an intense discomfort in my ears and had a small panic attack.
For 1-2 weeks following the concert my ears felt physically sensitive to sound. During this time, I was very anxious worrying about permanent hyperacusis. I never experienced actual pain per se, but I would say it was more like my brain wanted nothing to do with louder than average sounds entering my ears.
During this early period, loud sound and busy sounds (like reality tv) would cause me to feel panic again. Driving on the highway would be too loud and I had to wear earplugs. Some of those issues receded after the first couple weeks, but what I believe is loudness hyperacusis has persisted. I saw an ENT who after running several tests said there was no damage to ears, but did diagnose hyperacusis which he said would clear up in a few weeks. He said I should take Lipoflavonoid supplements which I have, even though they probably have no effect. Still, the hyperacusis has persisted.
About 2 months in I am still struggling with discomfort to loudness. Loud voices are very uncomfortable. Clanging plates and things falling are very sharp. Any startling sound is like nails on a chalkboard. I am unable to listen to music or watch tv without getting ear fatigue. I get the aural fullness feeling frequently (I think it occurs most often after being in a social setting like a party/busy restaurant). When getting a haircut, the razor was far too loud. Lots of things that used to be completely harmless now give me the feeling of being too loud. The thing is, I don't actually hear them louder, but my brain reacts as if they are too loud. I try to wear earplugs when in louder settings, but the occlusion effect makes it difficult to have conversations.
The sensitivity to noise has ebbed and flowed over this time. Sometimes I feel better, sometimes I feel worse. Right now I am feeling worse than ever after an outdoor party with music where I didn't have plugs but tried to hang away from the majority of the noise. I was at a similar party two weeks ago which did not have the same affect.
Luckily, appliances, shower, and running water aren't so bad. I can leave the house, do chores, and work, even socialize to a degree. I have zero symptoms of tinnitus as far as I can tell. No ringing, rumbling or otherwise troublesome sounds that aren't real external sounds. Just very displeasing reactions to noise.
I am feeling many things now: somewhat hopeless and depressed about my predicament. Still worried about this getting worse rather than better. Somewhat optimistic that my case is milder than many on here so it will improve with time. Glad I don't have hearing damage or tinnitus as far as I can tell. But definitely still hyper-focused on my ears and worried about I can and can't do while continuing to try to live my life.
Any advice is welcome.
Member
