What can be done to help with hyperacusis?

Posted by wayfarer @wayfarer, Mar 10, 2019

Hyperacusis is a rare hearing disorder. Normal sounds are amplified to the point of becoming painful. Have been to 2 ENTs, had a brain MRI, had 5 audiology tests, took prednisone meds, and tried a hearing aid. Nothing helped. Was told to learn to live with it. Does anyone have a helpful suggestion?

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@rivers99

Wayfarer--Yes, the condition of hyperacusis is rare but you are not alone. I would recommend the website of the Hyperacusis Network. I tried to include their link, but this page refused to print it. Once there, read from some of the drop-down menus and then go onto the message board. This website is not selling anything, it's a group of sufferers who pass along information to each other. Also keep in mind that you will see that the consensus for hyperacusis treatment among many audiologists is a bit counter-intuitive. Their approach involves a gradual re-introduction of daily sounds into your life while the brain slowly re-sets itself. I have also suffered from this problem and I know it's maddening, but recovery is possible.

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Rivers99, I appreciate your information. I will certainly see what the Hyperacusis Network has to offer. Thanks, Wayfarer

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@colleenyoung

@mikepa You will be able to add URLs in a few days. There is a brief period where new members can't post links. We do this to deter spammers and keep the community safe. Clearly the links you wanted to post was not spam. Please allow me to post them for you.

- Auditory Gain in Hyperacusis (The Hearing Journal) https://journals.lww.com/thehearingjournal/Fulltext/2019/02000/Auditory_Gain_in_Hyperacusis.8.aspx which also references a couple of other articles at the bottom.
- Hearing Health Foundation https://hearinghealthfoundation.org/

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Colleen, thanks for posting the links from @mikepa. I will check those out for information. Wayfarer

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@wayfarer

Mzhp1988, I know the feeling of being miserable because I have to be so careful now when I go out because of the loudness of ordinary sounds. I have missed many events at our local Performing Arts Center and even church services are painful. Many restaurants as well. I am going to try to learn from others who have the issues. Keep trying. Thanks, Wayfarer

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Thank you for the information, Wayfarer

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@mikepa

Hi @mzhp1988, a member of our HLAA chapter has hyperacusis and tinnitus also. I found an article for him in the Hearing Journal which also references a couple of other articles at the bottom. This Mayo Clinic blog won't let me post a link for some reason. So Google The Hearing Journal and search their site for articles on hyperacusis. I also found reference to hyperacusis in the Hearing Health Foundation's website hhf.org. Go to the site and Search for hyperacusis and tinnitus. They are a non-profit that is doing some great research in various areas, including Meniere's Disease and trying to regenerate hair cells in humans. Good luck with it.

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Thank you for the information, mikepa

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@jamienolson

Hello @wayfarer and @mzhp1988, sorry to hear about your sufferings with hyperacusis. I can't imagine what you go through every day. Have you exasperated all avenues for help- Has Mayo Clinic ENT been an option for consultation for either of you? Have you tried noise canceling headphones?

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Thank you, Jamie. I have been to the Callier Clinic in Houston (years ago) but not Mayo. I will research the headphones.

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@colleenyoung

@mikepa You will be able to add URLs in a few days. There is a brief period where new members can't post links. We do this to deter spammers and keep the community safe. Clearly the links you wanted to post was not spam. Please allow me to post them for you.

- Auditory Gain in Hyperacusis (The Hearing Journal) https://journals.lww.com/thehearingjournal/Fulltext/2019/02000/Auditory_Gain_in_Hyperacusis.8.aspx which also references a couple of other articles at the bottom.
- Hearing Health Foundation https://hearinghealthfoundation.org/

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Thank you, Colleen.

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Does anyone hear their very loud heartbeat in their ears? Constantly,
sounds like the EverReady Battery bunny. Prevents sleep.

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@kittyrushing

Does anyone hear their very loud heartbeat in their ears? Constantly,
sounds like the EverReady Battery bunny. Prevents sleep.

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THIS COULD BE AN EMERGENCY.! Please get it checked out ASAP!

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Hello, @kittyrushing, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Thank you for posting.

How long have you been experiencing thumping in the ear? Have you talked with your primary care provider about your symptoms? Here is a symptom checker chart that Mayo Clinic offers that you may find helpful. https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptom-checker/select-symptom/itt-20009075

I would also like to introduce you to members @goodoldboy68 and @miscy13, who talk about experiencing thumping in the ear as well. You can find that conversation here- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/rapid-thumping-sound-in-left-ear/?pg=3#comment-279068.

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could put little wads of cotton wool when you are in loud situations or the hearing pplugs like in aeroplanes or wear ing a radio to play lovely music to counter the pounding and repetitive noise .I am 90% deaf in left ear and I have hypercussia when it get s to much I leave

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