I had to self advocate at the dentist after my CI surgery and ensuing hyperacusis. Matter of fact, they let me wait in the car till the dentist is ready for me and call me to come in bc the noise and visual stimuli are all too overwhelming for me now. They also let me use a room in the front of the office that is more private and isolated with less distractions. And only because i forced myself to speak up. And yes i put in an earplug. It doesn’t seem to stop the hygienist from talking to me but nonetheless, i tell her I can’t hear a word she’s saying. It’s been hard, but I’m making progress navigating this “new way” to live. You got this. Wear the plugs:)