Worsened sensory challenges

Many of us can relate to what you're going through. It's all too real even though it's "in your head" in the sense that your brain's sensory-processing capacity is overwhelmed, likely due at least in part to some combination of neuroinflammation and the cell-danger response.

I too had pre-existing sensory sensitivities that were comparatively manageable but went into out-of-control overdrive 6 years ago after COVID. For me, doing a brain-retraining program called DNRS helped, though I think there are better ones out there and I recommend exploring your options. Ditto for the passage of time and avoidance of triggering situations (not always possible, so expect occasional serious and long-lasting setbacks). Medications/supplements that decrease neuroinflammation have been important for me, as has calming the cell-danger response through daily practices such as ujjayi pranayama, the Rosenberg Basic Exercise, various essential oils (high-quality EOs aren't triggering for me the way other scents can be), etc. Photobiomodulation (red/near-infrared light aimed at each ear canal) has significantly decreased my neuroinflammation.

I'm sorry you've lost your music. There are likely many things you can do to help yourself heal from this so that it can be part of your life again, and I wish you well as you navigate this. If it's any comfort, I was able to make it through Chicago's annual horrendously loud 4-day-long parade of fighter-jet squadrons directly over my building without freaking out last summer for the first time since 2019, so there is hope for you too!

I carry custom molded earplug...they allow me to tolerate more sound than I could before and can block out about 50% of the noise. I had them created by a hearing aid company...so an audiologist should be able to make them for you.

i wonder if all of us are suffering from the same problem .
our neurological systems have gone haywire.
but each of us in our own way.
help is hard to find and i wonder if any exists.

I am still recovering from a year of Long Covid and am puzzled by some symptoms I still have in the sensory category you are speaking of . I get overheated so easily and evidently this is some kind of body temperature irregularlity. My hearing has been affected and I can't tolerate high voices or violins etc, I have the phelgm in the throat constantly plus runny eyes and nose. Bright light is blinding and I don't dare step outside without strong sun glasses. Since the horrible brain fog and fatigue have slowly improved the symptoms above are just annoying and not debilitating . I also question are these Long Covid symptoms or something else. What a confusing and frustrating experience this is!

I wasn't ill or weak physically before covid.Thoughts were clear.Appetite fine.2020,it all changed..72 now.pretty much have recovered,but not all the way.Able to function.Some brain interference sometimes.Not too bad.Long road so far.Lots of vitamins targeted for cell growth and histamine control.Now starting treadmill again.Feel decent most of the time.It's mainly my thinking now.Resetting.Could be just time...and maybe NONE of that stuff helped.IDK.But doing good now...pretty stable.God Bless all...

I’m glad to know that I am not alone. Thought I was losing my mind. Heightened sensory issues is a weird one. Interestingly, as many of you have already indicated, it was a bit of an issue prior to Covid. Post Covid has really ramp things up. I can’t stand loud noises or repetitive sounds. I get extremely agitated. If I can’t remove myself from the situation, it becomes the only thing I can focus on. It is extremely distracting to say the least. I purchased ‘Calm’ earplugs meant for neurodivergent individuals. They do help somewhat. I must try the red light therapy mentioned above.
So thanks for sharing.