My gp is referring me to an ENT specialist for treatment of hyperacusis. This has always been a huge problem since my sah. In fact, shopping is off the agenda for this month due to busy crowds and noise. I was sat in a pub (at lunchtime) with a friend having a coffee and the cacophony of sounds proved just too painful to bear. As I was discussing blood results, I enquired whether there was any form of treatment. I have been very lucky in my referrals to specialists since my bleed and have received a lot of input help from the NHS. Will keep you posted on what happens next! Meanwhile, does anyone else suffer hyperacusis?
Hyperacusis - sound sensitivity: My gp is referring... - Headway
Hyperacusis - sound sensitivity
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swedishblue
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Hi 
I have exactly the same issue. Many places are difficult to cope eith. The longer I’ve had it, the more able Ie become to tolerate it (using mindfulness sometimes) , but it really impacts fatigue and can cause all sorts of other issues. I don’t think it’s widely understood. I’ll pm you good luck eith your referral x
Thanks very much Elenor. I have been using wax malleable ones which are uncomfortable.
Will respond to your pm x
Hi there. Haven't been diagnosed with hyperacusis, but I've always been sensitive to noise, always been put down to the hydrocephalus. There are earplugs available that filter noise so you can still hear conversations, which is what I use. Hope you get some solutions from the ENT!
Yes Owl, mine's been caused by hydrocephalus too. The tighter the squeeze to the brain, the more acute the problem. What brand of earplugs do you use?
I don't actually know the brand, I got them years ago for going to gigs. I wouldn't spend more than £10-15 on them, they usually have three graduated circular bits that fit in your ears.
I am far less tolerant of noise than I can ever remember being previously. I have a new shunt which is only six months old, but the old one had probably been affected by infection etc for months prior to that. ' Luckily', if that's the right expression, I have a hydrocephalus clinic appointment tomorrow ( Saturday afternoon? That's a new one!) , so it is on my list of things to bring up, along with numb face and neck, fatigue etc. At least the timing of the raising of the topic has helped me out!
That's an impressive list of issues to raise at your appointment. I'd love to hear how you go, esp with reference to noise sensitivity. Go easy x
Thank you. The grumpiness of old age is favoured as a cause by the better half...may well be right too...almost always is!
Hi Froggie, please read today's comment below. I think you should get some.
Hi
I had it and still do to some degree. However I stumbled across a therapy called Somatic experiencing therapy, which was private treatment. Had sessions once a month for 11 months, and can honestly say it was worth every penny. I'm not saying it will work for everyone, wasn't convinced it would work for me, but stuck with it. I still suffer but my tolerance is a million times better, and I now have a social life again. Good luck with the referral. xx
swedishblue in reply to
that's really interesting! Thanks. Will look in to it. Presently watching Peter Levine's explanation of this form of therapy. It's all related to the Amygdala. xx
From ENT I got a referral to audiology and that was a major game changer for me.
There is no one size fits all solution.
For me it has been filters but there are lots of things available. White noise, pink noise etc.
Hope you find some relief soon.
Thank you for that. Are you dependent on filters now? I was hoping for "sound therapy" as a first approach.
I still need to use them when exposed to certain sounds my brain just can't handle.
They also get used for supermarkets etc. This reduces the overload and allows me to function.
The audiologist ruled out any of the sound therapies on the basis of my specific injury.
My own form of therapy has taken the form of asking (when exposed to any pain causing sound)
Am I dead?
Am I injured?
If the answers are NO I file the noise and label it nothing to worry about.
Things like nearby lawnmowers, as soon as I hear it, the filters go in to prevent the set backs of longer exposure.
hahaha...will try your method of detachment, and question "am i dead!"next time I'm caught out. Although sometimes it does sound and feel as though I've been shot in the head!
Exactly why I ask the question. The physical pain and disorientation are no fun at all.
Hi,
Yes. Living with intolerance to noise is a challenge. I have noticed that my intolerance is compromised further, when feeling tired. Foam ear plugs manage to block out some background noise for me. Enough not to be too distracted. It’s not perfect. But nothing in life is!
Good luck with your ENT consultation.
swedishblue in reply to
Thank you HTS!
in reply to swedishblue
You’re welcome SB! The sesnsory overload issue is all too common.
Since living with this for the past 13 years, I have noticed that it seems to be that my hearing is becoming more sensitive. Or maybe that this world is becoming louder and louder. Probably a combination of both. When sensory overload happens , I breath deeply and remind myself that it will pass.
swedishblue11 in reply to
Hi, please read my update below. Btw, I think your theory about the world becoming louder is I'm afraid sadly true.
It was very interesting to read your post and the replies.
My brain injury was almost four years ago. I have had hyperacusis and sensory overload ever since. It stops me from doing so many things. I can't filter out background noise. This makes going in noisy shops, cafes etc impossible. I can't be around groups of people when they all talk at once. I haven't found any way to socialise, my only social contact is a weekly session at my local Headway, which is a lifesaver. I had to leave my job an cannot work at all now.
Because my brain injury was caused by a surgeon in hospital who then denied that anything had happened, I have had no help or input from the NHS until recently when I found a GP who accepts the injury as real. I am hoping to ask about ENT input.
I have severe fatigue too and this joins up with the sensory overload and hyperacusis to cause a hideous combination that leaves me feeling very vulnerable.
It is really good to know I am not alone in this.
Sensory overload impacts my fatigue too. So little calm and peace found beyond the front door. Have read that hyperacusis can be a side effect of CFS as well as hydrocephalus. I know we both suffer similar. I can't do noisy places as it makes me agitated when there's an unnecessary volume of noise. My brain goes in to hyper-alert as if it's under attack. Keep seeing that understanding gp and request a referral immediately. My referral was done by a gp I hadn't seen before, and also, he hadn't read up my notes I don't think. I had no probs convincing him. Good luck!
Thank you! You have had a good amount of replies!
Hi my dear swedishblue, hope you R well, could you please let me know about your referral? ,as I'm also lost a huge amount of Auditive filter, (after my brain Aneurysm Hemorragied! ), and sometimes it's unbearable the noises outdoors. Could you please kindly explains to me what's; "ENT!??,and more details about your specialist please.
Gratefully
Hi Joey, I am well today thanks. ENT stands for Ear, Nose and Throat. I will be seeing an specialised audiologist. Are you in the UK?
Hi swedishblue, thanks for all your kindness, I doleave in London, Fulham, however I can't afford to pay privately. R your specialist on NHS? ,wish you a pleasant day. Gratefully
Hi Joey, yes go and speak to your doctor who will then refer you. Good Luck!
Thanks very much, really appreciate your feedback /kindness, the only problem is to see my GP, nowadays, it's a huge challenge! But thanks, @least I have the knowledge that it can be reffered by NHS. gratefully.
I have it too, along with fatigue, short term memory loss and other things. I had a craniotomy almost 6 years ago that left me with a loss in cognitive function. Let me know how your appointment goes. I have never been properly diagnosed and I didn’t know anything could be done about it w the exception of wearing earplugs.
Another sufferer here... I always had pretty good hearing but after my TBI in 2006 I have what we jokingly call "super power spidey sense" when it comes to hearing....I can't even stand to sit near an open can of soda because the bubbles are too loud and outside or busy indoor environments leave me feeling sick and dizzy...
On the upside (and there has to be a positive to every negative 
) an axe wielding murderer or flesh eating zombie would never be able to creep up on me undetected.
Orchestra earplugs to the rescue. They allow me to block out background noise and allow me to hear a conversation. I would be lost without them and have earplugs in pretty much all handbags and coat/jacket pockets.
A quick update; I have an appointment for the 31st of this month, with the Audiology dept. The quickest referral appointment in history!! Will keep you posted!
That's a speedy bonus! My consultant says the noise intolerance I have should ease, all being well, over the next few months, hopefully, but reminded me of my good fortune in getting away with not having similar issues after my previous shunt revisions. We managed to enjoy a surreal meal out at a dog friendly restaurant in Battersea on Sunday, where, luckily, the noisiest thing was the cocktail shaker being shaken...which Trudie the dog was hypnotised by! Next challenge, noise-wise...Christmas up in Scotland...but even with a house bursting at the seams, peaceful wilderness is a short walk away. Trudie the dog and I will be getting plenty of escapist walks in...whether she likes it, or not!
Hahaha...love your escape ideas in Scotland. You do realise you'll be heading in to arctic weather (winds!) and will need to wear lots of winter woollies, especially on yr head. Where are you heading for in Scotland, the land of my forefathers?!
We are heading for Killin, up the road from Callendar. I'm well used to the weather in those parts, as my other half's family live there, so we're up a few times a year usually and I so I know what to pack!
You'll be fine as the forecast says mild but wet.
A change of scenery will do you good no doubt. Hope you have a good Christmas and a relaxing time.
I had my second appointment with the audiologist at Winchester hospital today. Three weeks before I underwent a hearing test to gauge how acute my sensitivity is. Today, the audiologist took impressions of my ear canals to design filtered ear plugs. She also gave me exercises to try at home;
(i) Listening Exercise - using several sounds (tv, radio, clock) - tuning in and out of each one in turn.
(ii) Lipreading classes online - I cannot remember how this relates, but will post when I do.
(iii) Using a constant sound at home.
I've been given lots of info on the limbic & autonomic system effects with hypercusis, tips on relaxation and mindfulness (Ruby Wax).
I never expected my appointments to arrive in quick succession, its been impressive so far!
Hope you feel that what you learnt will be of benefit to you. Take care K
Today, I collected my filter earplugs from Winchester Hospital. They are unobtrusive, small and comfortable to wear, and reduces decibels by 20. I tested them out immediately in a busy supermarket, and am pleased to report, they are so effective and soothing for sensitive hearing.
Well never say you know everything. I am nine years in, and find that noise has been a constant issue. I nearly lost the plot as an outpatient at the RVI, and only last night I attended a residents meeting, still trying to work out how I can regain 1hr 9 mins 32secs. But I found that even the low rumble of people having their own chat, while the main speaker was talking, was seriously winding me up.
I have had to leave supermarkets in the middle of shopping because the noise just sucks the will to live out of me.
Nine year's, I just thought it was just me. Now thanks to you I can now give the problem a name. HYPERCACUSIS.
Never thought a bad thing could bring such relief. Thank you.
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