Long-Term Tinnitus and Hyperacusis

[UpDownAround]

I think it was around 1985 when I first started having intermittent tinnitus and it was around 2000 when it became persistent (24/7). It has ebbs and flows where it is more intense, but never goes away. It is exacerbated by arthritis in that every NSAID seems to make it worse.

I have had hyperacusis almost as long, but it was infrequent until about 2005 or so. It is persistent now, but like the tinnitus it has ebbs and flows. Some days only reasonably loud noises hurt/startle me and other days I can't even listen to music loud enough to hear it over road noise.

 

[Michael Leigh]

HI @UpDownAround

I will assume that you have been to ENT over the years about your tinnitus and hyperacusis but have you been recently? If you haven't then I advise you to get a referral to ENT so tests can be carried out on your auditory system. Loud noise exposure is the most common cause of tinnitus. Typically, it is listening to audio through headphones at high volume levels or attending places where loud music is played. If you currently use headphones I advise you to stop and better if you don't use them again until you find out what is causing your tinnitus and hyperacusis. If I were you though I'd never use headphones but it's your choice.

Many things can cause tinnitus so for this reason it's best to be seen at ENT.

Please click on the links below and read my articles that you might find helpful. Try to read them in full and not skim through them.

All the best
Michael

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-a-personal-view.18668/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/hyperacusis-as-i-see-it.19174/

 

[UpDownAround]

Yes, several times with ENTs and audiologists.