Hyperacusis-Tinnitus

[RitaG]

Anyone experiencing hyperacusis-tinnitus? I'm 5 years post treatment (fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy) for a 1.5 cm. I've had high ring tinnitus since 06; I've learned to live with it. After radiation, there's infrequent crackling glass sound & that too I live with. Last October, 2 things happened: 1. hyperacusis to certain frequencies (high/low), & loud volume & 2. a "motor" sound, resembling a very big mosquito in the deaf (right ear) - so loud I can hear it over the shower; it's debilitating. It can last for hours, then dies down, & then comes back when triggered. Certain frequencies cause pain in both ears & certain sounds (running water, plastic bags, & high volume, to name a few) triggers tinnitus in the deaf ear. Crazy thing is.... it started last October and lasted 6 weeks, then came back in spring for 3 weeks. Here it is late summer/early fall & I'm going into week 5. I've seen two ENTs, 1 allergist (no allergies), & I see a specialist Sept 25 who trained out of Univ of MD. The worst part is lack of sleep as the sound is so loud it wakes me. Suffering in Maryland.

[MG]

I am sorry RitaG. That must be awful for you. I am on W&W after 3 years. My Tinnitus is not very loud and have learned to live with it. I may have to get GK or CK done in the future. I  am dreading it because right now I feel almost normal and I know after GK I won't feel the same. I hear about so many side effects from it. I wish the best for you and hope the specialist can help you. Take care.

MG

[MG]

RitaG,
There is a post titled "Tinnitus sound please go away". Check it out because it has lots of info ! Good luck!
MG

[RitaG]

Thank you MG.

[CHD63]

Hi RitaG .....

I, as well, have tinnitus in both ears and hyperacusis in my only hearing ear post surgical removal of my AN.

A couple of things I find have helped me:

1) reduction in the amount of caffeine (never had very much but now limit myself to one cup of coffee in the morning and really watch the chocolate intake)
2) greatly reduced my sodium intake
3) work daily on managing my stress level (not easy sometimes!)
4) when the tinnitus is exceptionally bad, I use under pillow speakers connected to a noise machine on a babbling brook sound (helps me focus away from the screaming)
5) had my audiologist make a custom-fit musician's earplug for my hearing ear that I use when riding in the car or in noisy events (movie theaters/concerts, etc.)
6) keep a set of noise-cancelling headphones handy in the kitchen for wearing when running the blender, etc.

Hope those suggestions will help.  You do not want to wear protective hearing all of the time, because the brain needs to acclimate to the offending sounds.

Thoughts and prayers.
Clarice

[RitaG]

Thank you Clarice -

I keep Bose noise-reduction headphones in my purse; I don't grab all the time, but in situations where it's unbearable - it's a knee-jerk reaction (squeaking wheels on carts in the grocery store is a big one!) When triggered, the right side of my face goes numb (all nerve issues from radiation, my dr told me).

Work is stressful, but I try to stay present, & grateful, which helps put everything back in perspective.

A 1-cup coffee in the morning, & green tea early afternoon, but sometimes have chocolate... so maybe this is an "overload".

The mystery is --- why is it worse in fall & spring? Allergist said I may not be "allergic", but there may be "irritants". I was thinking - oh yes, this whole thing is an "irritant". And the fact that sound therapy, & "specialist" not covered under insurance, & I have to drive a distance ---  BIG irritant! whoops, there went the stress level.  Breathe....

Thank you for taking time to comment, and offer suggestions. We're lucky to have this forum.