Woke up one morning in 2004 with distortion in left ear. Over the course of coming months developed sever hyperacusis and tinnitus. Distortion slowly spreads to both ears. Men's deep voices are the worst.
Gradually improved to full recovery but have been plagued by mysterious bouts of distortion (voices sound like robots and deep voices sound like monsters) that will unpredictably wax and wane. Distortion starts slow then builds worse over weeks or months then gradually improves. In all these years, I'm still perplexed as to the cause.
I have gone years without attacks but have probably had 10 of various degrees over the past 17 years. I recently have been dealing with another one now. Tinnitus is hissing high pitched and everyday sounds (birds chirping, refrigerator running, chime of my car door being open, music) out of tune and very bothersome. Maddening at the worst.
These hearing issues ramp up my sympathetic nervous system. I involuntarily wake up early and am easily started. I'm often nervous and jittery.
I've been to the best ear doctors in the world. Jastreboff, UCLA (Dr Baloh), James Andrews in LA, The House Clinic. No one really can give an answer other that cochlear hydrops but that's very vague in terms of cause and treatment.
I tried everything... Diuretics, TRT, allergy testing, Prednisone, anti-virals, chiropractic, TMJ, even all kinds of supplements and alternative medicine. Probably have spent $100k on treatments but here I am again, afraid of sound, wishing they cut just cut my hearing nerve and give me peace (although I've heard that doesn't make tinnitus go away). The one thing that helps is Klonopin (benzodiazepine) for the hyperacusus. It works great but isn't good for long term use because of my addictive/dependence nature.
I'm a wealth of info if you have questions. I'm here to tell you the body adjusts. You WILL get through this! I can't tell you how many times I've considered suicide at my depths but you just keep going and either you acclimate or improve. Since my symptoms began I've raised a family, traveled and built a career. You're stronger than you know! It's ok to hide in your dark place because you're scared but hope cannot be lost. You're loved. We're all one connected organism and the strength you'll gain and the discovery of how resilient you are will be a gift that this monster will bless you with. Take each day and remember, breath.
Gradually improved to full recovery but have been plagued by mysterious bouts of distortion (voices sound like robots and deep voices sound like monsters) that will unpredictably wax and wane. Distortion starts slow then builds worse over weeks or months then gradually improves. In all these years, I'm still perplexed as to the cause.
I have gone years without attacks but have probably had 10 of various degrees over the past 17 years. I recently have been dealing with another one now. Tinnitus is hissing high pitched and everyday sounds (birds chirping, refrigerator running, chime of my car door being open, music) out of tune and very bothersome. Maddening at the worst.
These hearing issues ramp up my sympathetic nervous system. I involuntarily wake up early and am easily started. I'm often nervous and jittery.
I've been to the best ear doctors in the world. Jastreboff, UCLA (Dr Baloh), James Andrews in LA, The House Clinic. No one really can give an answer other that cochlear hydrops but that's very vague in terms of cause and treatment.
I tried everything... Diuretics, TRT, allergy testing, Prednisone, anti-virals, chiropractic, TMJ, even all kinds of supplements and alternative medicine. Probably have spent $100k on treatments but here I am again, afraid of sound, wishing they cut just cut my hearing nerve and give me peace (although I've heard that doesn't make tinnitus go away). The one thing that helps is Klonopin (benzodiazepine) for the hyperacusus. It works great but isn't good for long term use because of my addictive/dependence nature.
I'm a wealth of info if you have questions. I'm here to tell you the body adjusts. You WILL get through this! I can't tell you how many times I've considered suicide at my depths but you just keep going and either you acclimate or improve. Since my symptoms began I've raised a family, traveled and built a career. You're stronger than you know! It's ok to hide in your dark place because you're scared but hope cannot be lost. You're loved. We're all one connected organism and the strength you'll gain and the discovery of how resilient you are will be a gift that this monster will bless you with. Take each day and remember, breath.
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