Recently Developed Loudness Hyperacusis After Acoustic Trauma — Worsened Tinnitus/Hyperacusis by Methylprednisolone

[delta784]

@delta784, what happened at the barber shop?

I had mild tinnitus and wasn't expecting the barber to use his old hair dryer, which blasted directly into my right ear canal. Afterward, I developed loudness hyperacusis, ear pain, and leakage that lasted for 2–3 weeks. The ENT suggested it might have been an acoustic shock.

Two weeks later, overwhelmed with anxiety and doom-scrolling online, I got scared and decided to try Methylprednisolone in case there was any inflammation. I consulted the ENT, and she mentioned it could be administered via an injection in the arm for better effectiveness. I took two doses of 60 milligrams.

Unfortunately, after the second dose, I developed bilateral tinnitus and several other issues, including noxacusis and visual snow syndrome. My tinnitus went from being a 1/10 to a 7/10. My mild hyperacusis, which likely would have resolved on its own, spiraled into something much worse due to my health anxiety and overreaction.

Now, I feel incredibly depressed. I feel like I damaged my brain, neurotransmitters, or thalamus—whatever it might be. My life has turned completely upside down. I had a precious family and a five-year relationship, and everything was on track. Now, it feels like hell, and I've become suicidal over something that initially seemed mild and manageable.

 

[Jupiterman]

That is certainly a dreadful double-whammy!

First, the old hairdryer incident, followed by your attempt to improve with medication—something that has helped others.

I truly feel for you, brother.

You absolutely did not deserve this.

Let's hold onto hope that these symptoms will calm down over the next few months.

 

[Possum]

I hope you're right about things "getting worse before getting better." I'm about five months in. Initially, I only had a medium-soft buzz with an occasional flute tone, and I was starting to get used to it. However, after three months, I developed two additional sharper, louder tones, all in one ear.

Can I still expect any improvement?

Did something specific happen that caused those two additional tones to appear, or did they start on their own?

 

[delta784]

Did something specific happen that caused those two additional tones to appear, or did they start on their own?

For real, nothing happened.

That is certainly a dreadful double-whammy!

First, the old hairdryer incident, followed by your attempt to improve with medication—something that has helped others.

I truly feel for you, brother.

You absolutely did not deserve this.

Let's hold onto hope that these symptoms will calm down over the next few months.

Thank you, @Jupiterman. I shouldn't have taken that medication, and I blame myself every single day. Living with this condition, along with severe OCD and anxiety, is pure hell. My noxacusis has also worsened. It even flared up after spending time with my girlfriend at home. I don't know what to do anymore—I'm only 29, not even 30.

In the first month, I had moderate tinnitus. By the second month, I developed visual snow syndrome after a panic attack. In the third month, I got noxacusis and reactive symptoms. I've never had a chance to feel stable. I don't enjoy anything anymore, and it feels like I'm losing everything I've ever known.

I was always a very cautious person, even after living with mild tinnitus for years. It was so mild I couldn't even hear it while sleeping. I miss my old self. Even my vision isn't the same anymore. I could have been okay with stable, moderate tinnitus—maybe I would have habituated eventually. But with the added noxacusis and ear pain, it's unbearable.

 

[Fazdoll]

The tones started on their own, and I don't believe I had any noise exposure. I did take a couple of online hearing tests, but I'm not sure if that could have triggered anything.