More and more I'm struggling with noise around me

[Karenwr]

Hi Ive noticed I'm becoming anxious around noise and crowds. I've never liked crowds anyway but it seems to get worse and it's like I'm hearing lots of noises which is causing stress

[Bridie70]

I know that kind of feeling...I'm sure mine is rooted in a fear of making my T worse from loud noise exposure...maybe this is a common anxiety in this situation 😕

[doglover1973]

Hi Karen. I agree with Bridie70 I'm anxious around loud noise in case it makes my T worse. I take my ear muffs wherever I go.

[Bridie70 in reply to doglover1973]

I always try to have a pair of ear plugs in my pocket, even though I don't like the fact they trap in my T noise and make my voice etc sound echoey...

[doglover1973 in reply to Bridie70]

That's the downside. A headful of T just to protect our ears.

[D-w-L2023]

Hyperacusis. I find these days that I don't deal very well with noise. I'm not sure it's anxiety as it feels almost painful. I don't go to loud gigs anymore, I can't play in an electric band anymore and, as a season ticket holder of my local football club, I avoid the area of the ground where the singing is loudest.

Ear plugs are useful but, as Bridie says, I'm more aware of the tinnitus!

[Lefty51]

Hi Karenwr - I have a problem with loud background noise, which makes it difficult to have a conversation in a crowded place. I have an earwax build-up problem as well, which isn't helpful - I guess the increase in my T may be part due to the strain of trying to hold a conversation and part due to the worry of not being able to do so; a bit of a no-win situation! I've been told that a hearing aid would help, and I have an audiology appointment coming up in a few weeks which might (?) shed some light on this - I hope...!

[Karenwr in reply to Lefty51]

I was given a hearing aid for my Tinitis but I'm terrible at wearing it!!!

[Lefty51]

I can't say I'm looking forward to the prospect of wearing a hearing aid, but it will probably be helpful (I'm hoping!) in a noisy social environment when I'm trying to hold a conversation - and not wearing it when I don't need it. Time will tell...!