Hello everyone!
First of all, I want to wish you all a happy new year. I hope this year brings you joy, success, and most importantly, good health.
I really hope this is the year Susan Shore's device becomes available.
I am logging in quickly to give you an update since my last message in October 2024. It has now been almost five months since the onset of my hearing problems, including dysacusis.
I am happy to share that my mental state has improved significantly. I have started sophrology sessions, and they help me release anxiety and manage daily stress. These exercises have been incredibly helpful, as I am now much less focused on analyzing every sound around me.
While my dysacusis has not completely resolved, my reactions to distorted sounds have improved. Certain sounds, such as water, rain, wind, my footsteps on grass, traffic (with minor exceptions), driving my car, rubbing my hair, the microwave or refrigerator, and even my own voice, no longer cause distortions. I cannot say if these distortions have completely disappeared, if my brain has adapted, or if it simply pays less attention to them, but I no longer focus on these sounds, and they now seem fine.
The most challenging aspect for me at this stage is digital audio. I have avoided using headphones for almost five months to protect my hearing and maximize the chances of recovery. I still struggle to watch TV or listen to music at a normal volume for extended periods, but I can now enjoy videos and music at low volumes. This was not possible before because the sounds were too distorted and left me feeling depressed.
For instance, I can now listen to five songs without analyzing the audio. I enjoy those moments as much as possible, and when the music ends, I often think, "Wow, that actually sounded pretty good!"
However, living with my parents presents a unique challenge. My father, who is hard of hearing, often turns the television volume up. I struggle with the frequencies coming through my door, both high and low, as they interfere with the nature sounds or low-volume YouTube videos I play. These frequencies sound like echoes in a tube or beeping noises, which is frustrating. I am trying to adapt, but this remains difficult.
Recently, I visited a friend who played a movie at a volume no higher than 70 dB on his home theater system. Unfortunately, sounds like gunfire and voices still triggered beeping sensations for me. Even with ear protection, these beeps persisted, which was discouraging. However, I reminded myself of the progress I have made and resolved not to dwell on setbacks.
Since the onset of this issue in August 2024, I have lost over 10 kilos due to depression. I am now working on eating more to restore my strength, as this journey has taken a toll on my body.
I have also done some experiments with my hearing, which have raised concerns. I notice that I hear less clearly on my right side. Sounds are muffled, and distortions are much more pronounced in my right ear. For example, when I listen to a YouTube video at low volume with my left ear, I can hear voices clearly and follow conversations. However, with my right ear, the voices sound distant, muffled, and distorted.
I suspect that my hearing loss of 40 dB in my right ear is the root cause of my dysacusis. Will I live like this forever? I do not know, but I am determined to do everything possible to improve. I start CBT on January 13, and I hope it will be beneficial.
Take care of yourselves.
First of all, I want to wish you all a happy new year. I hope this year brings you joy, success, and most importantly, good health.
I really hope this is the year Susan Shore's device becomes available.
I am logging in quickly to give you an update since my last message in October 2024. It has now been almost five months since the onset of my hearing problems, including dysacusis.
I am happy to share that my mental state has improved significantly. I have started sophrology sessions, and they help me release anxiety and manage daily stress. These exercises have been incredibly helpful, as I am now much less focused on analyzing every sound around me.
While my dysacusis has not completely resolved, my reactions to distorted sounds have improved. Certain sounds, such as water, rain, wind, my footsteps on grass, traffic (with minor exceptions), driving my car, rubbing my hair, the microwave or refrigerator, and even my own voice, no longer cause distortions. I cannot say if these distortions have completely disappeared, if my brain has adapted, or if it simply pays less attention to them, but I no longer focus on these sounds, and they now seem fine.
The most challenging aspect for me at this stage is digital audio. I have avoided using headphones for almost five months to protect my hearing and maximize the chances of recovery. I still struggle to watch TV or listen to music at a normal volume for extended periods, but I can now enjoy videos and music at low volumes. This was not possible before because the sounds were too distorted and left me feeling depressed.
For instance, I can now listen to five songs without analyzing the audio. I enjoy those moments as much as possible, and when the music ends, I often think, "Wow, that actually sounded pretty good!"
However, living with my parents presents a unique challenge. My father, who is hard of hearing, often turns the television volume up. I struggle with the frequencies coming through my door, both high and low, as they interfere with the nature sounds or low-volume YouTube videos I play. These frequencies sound like echoes in a tube or beeping noises, which is frustrating. I am trying to adapt, but this remains difficult.
Recently, I visited a friend who played a movie at a volume no higher than 70 dB on his home theater system. Unfortunately, sounds like gunfire and voices still triggered beeping sensations for me. Even with ear protection, these beeps persisted, which was discouraging. However, I reminded myself of the progress I have made and resolved not to dwell on setbacks.
Since the onset of this issue in August 2024, I have lost over 10 kilos due to depression. I am now working on eating more to restore my strength, as this journey has taken a toll on my body.
I have also done some experiments with my hearing, which have raised concerns. I notice that I hear less clearly on my right side. Sounds are muffled, and distortions are much more pronounced in my right ear. For example, when I listen to a YouTube video at low volume with my left ear, I can hear voices clearly and follow conversations. However, with my right ear, the voices sound distant, muffled, and distorted.
I suspect that my hearing loss of 40 dB in my right ear is the root cause of my dysacusis. Will I live like this forever? I do not know, but I am determined to do everything possible to improve. I start CBT on January 13, and I hope it will be beneficial.
Take care of yourselves.
