HOW I COPE WITH HYPERACUSIS
FIRST OFF, WHAT IS HYPERACUSIS?
Hyperacusis is a condition where everyday sounds feel much louder, more uncomfortable, or even painful because the brain processes sound abnormally. Medically, it’s defined as a heightened sensitivity to normal environmental sounds due to disruptions in how the auditory system functions. It’s often linked to causes like noise exposure, head injuries, certain medications, tinnitus, hearing loss, or migraines. For those with hyperacusis, simple noises like rustling paper or closing doors can feel overwhelming, making daily life challenging. While treatments like sound therapy can help, the experience varies widely from person to person.
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Disclaimer: This blog article and the following suggestions are based on my personal experiences and journey with partial hearing loss, tinnitus, and hyperacusis. It is always important to consult a medical professional for informed recommendations and to determine the most suitable treatment for your unique circumstances or specific situation.
i’m addressing Your Common Questions About Living with Hyperacusis
Almost daily, I receive questions about my experience with hyperacusis, and I'd like to address some of the most common ones:
How can you live a normal life while dealing with hyperacusis?
Do your ears still hurt?
How do you manage sound outdoors?
How do you handle loud sounds when attending concerts?
What type of earplugs do you wear daily?
The simple truth to all these questions is that I’m on an ongoing journey of learning how to manage this condition. It's important to emphasize the word "manage" because it reminds me that it’s a continuous learning process, not a final destination. I’m here, still navigating each situation to the best of my ability, and I want you to know that you’re not alone in your struggles. Progress can indeed be made.
I’ve personally undergone a transformation. I went from feeling alone, hopeless, and isolated while enduring excruciating earaches to a point where I now experience almost no pain and significantly less discomfort. This shows that improvements are possible, and I’m here to share my journey and support yours.
For those new to my blog, here’s some background: My tinnitus and hyperacusis journey began in August 2017 when I experienced Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL). You can read the full story here.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Click to send an email.
how High-Pitched Sounds Became My Worst Enemy
I always carry earplugs with me because I never know when I’ll encounter a loud environment. By "loud environment," I don’t mean a club or concert, but everyday places like a crowded restaurant with poor acoustics or a delivery truck pulling up the driveway. Noise pollution is no joke, and while most people adapt to it, those of us with hyperacusis find ourselves in increasingly uncomfortable situations.
While the worst days of my experience with hyperacusis are behind me, I still struggle to process certain sound frequencies. In the early days of experiencing tinnitus and hyperacusis, I was completely isolated, homebound, and unable to tolerate regular sounds. Hyperacusis isn’t just about loudness—it’s also about the brain’s inability to filter or modulate certain sounds.
At first, I couldn’t tolerate many high-frequency sounds, which caused severe pain in my right ear. What’s particularly interesting is why high-pitched sounds are so problematic for people with hyperacusis.
For those with hyperacusis, the brain’s heightened sensitivity to high-pitched sounds is a real challenge. Certain frequencies—like the shriek of a teapot or a squeaky door—can feel amplified to the point of discomfort. What might seem perfectly ordinary to others can feel like an unbearable assault on the ears.
This sensitivity can turn everyday tasks into nerve-wracking ordeals. Even something as simple as taking a shower becomes daunting. The sound of the water whistling feels almost unbearable, especially when combined with dizziness, nausea, and unsteadiness due to a disrupted vestibular balance. Showers can become intimidating, and activities like answering the phone, switching on the blender, or running the dishwasher can feel like preparing for an auditory storm.
If you’ve experienced the challenges of debilitating hyperacusis, you know exactly what I mean. Everyday sounds that most people don’t even notice can startle and discomfort those of us with hyperacusis. It’s that constant feeling of being on edge.
As I mentioned earlier, what might seem ordinary to others can be genuinely distressing for us. This can lead to a whirlwind of emotions, from frustration and stress to anxiety. And the trouble doesn’t end there. Even after exposure to a painful sound, the discomfort tends to linger, especially if that annoying noise decides to make a return. It becomes a never-ending cycle, testing patience and resilience.
The good news, however, is that progress is possible. I can still hear the “whistling” from the showerhead today, but it no longer causes pain. I can now handle daily activities—and even vacuuming—without turning it into a noisy nightmare.
How I Feel Nowadays
I've come a long way since my sudden hearing loss in 2017, and I'm grateful for the progress I've made. I now feel like I can live a more normal life with greater freedom. However, despite the relief I've found over the years, I still face challenges when it comes to tolerating and processing sound.
Here are some of the sounds I'm still sensitive to:
High-pitched voices
Car tires screeching
Chairs being dragged
Babies crying and children’s loud voices (this one is still difficult!)
Car honks
Loud toilet flushing and industrial air hand driers in public restrooms
The noise from some household electrical appliances, and so on.
I realize that these sounds might be minor annoyances for most people, but for me, they remain a daily challenge.
But here’s the encouraging part: you’re not alone in this journey. Many individuals with hyperacusis have made significant progress in managing and improving their condition. While it’s not an instant fix, treatments and strategies, such as Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT,) Sound Therapy, desensitization techniques, counseling and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are available and can significantly reduce discomfort, helping you regain a better quality of life. Keep seeking support and solutions, and always remember that there’s hope for a more comfortable auditory experience ahead.
HYPERACUSIS, MISOPHONIA, OR BOTH?
In my ongoing recovery journey, I've moved past the excruciating pain initially experienced with the emergence of hyperacusis. However, persistent feelings of anger, anxiety, and discomfort prompt me to consider the possibility of dealing with both mild to moderate hyperacusis and misophonia.
Misophonia is characterized by strong emotional reactions, such as fear, hatred, or annoyance, triggered by specific sounds. This is an aspect I'm actively exploring and seeking a better understanding of.
At this stage in my life, the focus has shifted away from pain and towards sound-induced annoyance. For instance, conversations in cars often bother me due to how sound behaves in confined spaces. When visiting a coffee shop or restaurant, the chatter from nearby tables can be bothersome at times.
In events or amidst large groups of people, I often feel overwhelmed. Simultaneous chit-chat and overlapping conversations mentally drain me, leading to thoughts of leaving. Sometimes, this overwhelming feeling occurs early, leaving me exhausted and irritable. Seeking a quiet space, even a trip to the restroom, becomes necessary to give my ears a break. The idea of returning to that room or event fills me with dread. It's important to note that this doesn't happen in all social gatherings; it seems to depend on the sound frequencies my brain processes at the moment.
Despite making progress and experiencing relief from hyperacusis and tinnitus, social situations remain challenging. While I desire to enjoy and share pleasant moments with family and friends, these gatherings often involve high noise levels and irritation, leaving me feeling uneasy. It's a puzzle I'm learning to handle on a case-by-case basis. Always consult your doctor for personalized guidance.
HOW I TREATED MY HYPERACUSIS
In the early stages of my hearing loss and recovery journey, I was fortunate to have the support of a team of hearing health experts at UHealth, University of Miami. When hearing tests revealed the pain and annoyance I experienced in response to sound, my audiologist recommended trying sound therapy, specifically Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT), to help me cope with both Tinnitus and Hyperacusis.
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) is a therapeutic approach designed to assist individuals in managing and alleviating the symptoms of Tinnitus and Hyperacusis. TRT encompasses two essential components: counseling and sound therapy. Counseling aims to reshape the perception of the condition, helping patients develop a more positive outlook and a better understanding of their condition. Sound therapy involves the use of low-level, neutral sounds to desensitize the auditory system to the perception of Tinnitus and reduce the hypersensitivity associated with Hyperacusis. TRT has effectively improved the quality of life for many individuals by reducing the impact of these auditory disorders and providing a path toward better sound tolerance and relief. Over time, with patience, numerous tests, and adjustments along with TRT, I was able to habituate to the majority of sounds.
TIPS & SUGGESTIONS*
Earplugs:
Whether disposable foam or custom-made (non-disposable, crafted for you by an audiologist), earplugs are a must. I always carry them with me, preparing ziplock bags with pairs of earplugs placed in my purses, backpack, luggage, and my car, ensuring I am always equipped. This practice makes a significant difference.
While wearing earplugs to block sound is an effective way to avoid disruptions, audiologists refer to these as 'attenuators.' Although they provide temporary relief, using them consistently can hinder long-term adaptation to sound and may even exacerbate hyperacusis. I reserve their use for extended exposure to high noise levels, such as in crowded places. Another drawback of earplug use is missing parts of conversations in group settings, leading to anxiety as I make extra efforts to follow the nuances of discussions. In such situations, I've learned to be honest, informing people of my hard-of-hearing condition and kindly asking for repetitions if necessary.
Being Open & Honest:
There is no shame in sharing what you are going through; 99.9% of the time, people are kind and accommodating. They want to help and make you feel comfortable. While occasionally you may need to politely remind them that loud sounds and certain frequencies bother you, they will try to assist by adjusting the music volume or offering to switch seats, among other considerations.
Planning Ahead:
Going to a restaurant? Request a table in a quiet corner and avoid sitting close to the bar or kitchen door.
Attending a concert? Research the venue well in advance to select seats that are best for you. Personally, I prefer having easy access to stairs/hallways for a quick exit when needed. Taking breaks during events to let my ears rest, as the combination of vestibular stimulation and loud sounds can be overwhelming, is a practice I've adopted. I continue to learn what works for me and what to avoid.
Traveling Via Airplane?
I recommend disposable earplugs to alleviate air pressure discomfort and reduce harsh noises. These are usually inexpensive and readily available in pharmacies, grocery stores, and airports.
Light at the end of the tunnel
I trust you've found this information valuable, and I extend my wishes for success and good health in your own journey. Always remember, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
On that note, if you're new around here, welcome to this blog! Or, if you've known me or my story for a while and have been a supporter of my artwork and advocacy work, thank you for accompanying me on this personal journey, uncovering numerous struggles and victories.
Whether you have questions, comments, or personal experiences to contribute regarding managing hyperacusis and tinnitus, your insights and tips can be immensely helpful for others. Your input not only benefits me but also serves as valuable guidance for many others grappling with challenges related to hearing loss and the vestibular system.
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*This blog is a dynamic space where I share personal experiences and information related to various topics, including hyperacusis, tinnitus, and related subjects. Please note that the content may evolve over time based on new experiences and updated information. I encourage you to check back periodically, as I may add or edit posts to reflect the latest developments, discoveries, or insights.
My genuine purpose is to continue helping others who are also struggling. Therefore, your engagement and feedback through comments are always valued as we navigate this evolving vestibular journey together.
I now invite you to share your thoughts in the comments section below ⬇️ Again, your feedback is extremely helpful. Looking forward to hearing from you!
All my best,