PROTECT YOUR EARS

I have been suffering from Tinnitus and Hyperacusis since I experienced my sudden unilateral deafness a few years ago.


If you suffer or have suffered from debilitating Hyperacusis, you’ll find some everyday sounds uncomfortable, painful, or startling when they don’t trouble others. Situations and sounds that most people take for granted are difficult to process by those struggling with Hyperacusis. This may make you feel angry, distressed, and anxious. In addition, you may find that after being exposed to an uncomfortable sound, the discomfort continues for a while and becomes worse if you hear the sound again.


Hyperacusis is associated* with:

  • Ménière’s disease

  • Tinnitus

  • Migraine

  • Some types of depression

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder

  • Multiple sclerosis

  • Post-head-injury syndrome

  • Williams’ syndrome – as many as 90% of people with Williams’ syndrome may have Hyperacusis

  • Lyme disease

  • Conditions that prevent the ear’s normal sound protection mechanism from working, such as Bell’s palsy

  • Autistic spectrum disorders.


I have tried wearing earplugs to block sound; audiologists call these ‘attenuators.’ While these devices may provide temporary relief, they can undo any progress you’re making to adapt to sound in the long term. They can even make Hyperacusis worse. For that reason, I only use them when I am exposed to thunderous sounds for a long time or when I am in very crowded places.

Tinnitus Retraining Therapy was a treatment that proved beneficial for me. More on this coming soon.

*Source: Action on Hearing Loss UK.

Tinnitus, Hearing Loss, HyperacusisNicolle Curetinnitus, hyperacusis, earplugs