I May Have Hyperacusis. What should I do?

[MightHaveHyperacusis]

Hi! So, straight to the point. I think I may have hyperacusis.

I am overly sensitive to certain sounds like dogs barking, motorcycles revving, babies crying, loud conversations, loud TV shows, shopping carts moving, people eating. Sometimes it seems like a normal annoyance but sometimes I can't even function. I'll have an anxiety attack and burst into tears.

I haven't had a brain injury recently or anything that would prompt hyperacusis. I don't have tinnitus. My mom says I have been this way since I was a toddler. She even worried if I was autistic.

I do have Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I'm wondering if it could be that.

I think I may have it. Does anything suggest otherwise? If I do have it, what the heck should I do? Go to a doctor? What would a doctor do? What type of doctor should I go to? Is this self-diagnosable?

It doesn't impact my life heavily, most of the time just annoying. I really don't want to go to therapy but I would be willing to get hearing aids.

[Gwynydd]

I sympathise. I have always wanted a quiet room to sleep in. I used to put a ticking clock in the wardrobe years ago and when we had a ceiling fan I was so glad it was quiet. I avoid places where you may encounter screaming children. I have other problems with Pulsatile Tinnitus which comes and goes and a very sick husband so I don't worry too much about being sensitive to sound. I manage it. You may need to talk to your GP if this causes anxiety and I believe counselling could be beneficial. I wish you well and hope you find help.

[ShakeelaBTA]

Hello and welcome to the British Tinnitus Association forum.

Do feel free to ask any questions, I hope that you find this a helpful and supportive place to help you manage your tinnitus.

We have some resources that you might like to check out in addition to our home here:

tinnitus.org.uk (information and support details)

takeontinnitus.co.uk (free tinnitus management programme)

Helpline 0800 018 0527 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm) (outside the UK you can call [phone])

Kind regards

Shakeela