White noise generator & hyperacusis users?

[bournville]

Hi There is so much generic advice out there about the use of white noise generators to assist with reducing hyperacusis.

Has anybody here had success decreasing loudness hyperacusis using white noise generators?

I’m looking for actual user experience please.

Thanks

[TinnitusUKPat Partner]

Hi Bournville

Just jumping into this thread to suggest to anyone experiencing this issue that our monthly support group for people with hyperacusis, misophonia and other sound sensitivity difficulties is happening tonight between 7pm and 8:30pm:

eventbrite.com/e/tinnitus-s...

[bournville in reply to TinnitusUKPat]

Thanks Pat

[daverussell]

I have hearing aids with masking for my Tinnitus (otherwise I don't get on with them due to Hyperacusis). They are NHS aids and programmed to match my tinnitus.

I found they help my Hyperacusis. When I'm working in the office and I need to switch off, if I wear ear defender or noise cancelling headphones.

I did start to become too dependent on them, so I only wear them if I have a arduous (or boring) task and need to completely switch off.

[bournville in reply to daverussell]

Hi Dave thanks for the reply just trying to unravel a few points if ok 👍

You say that you have NHS white noise generators (WNG) but can’t use them due to hyperacusis - can you explain what happens in more detail please?

You also said top of para 2 that you found they help your hyperacusis - assume you mean the noise cancelling headphones not the WNG?

Thanks - it’s hard to find people with hyperacusis experience so forgive me drilling down for more detail. It’s v helpful.

[daverussell in reply to bournville]

Yeah, sorry - it's early.

1. They are NHS hearing aids with a masking program. I only use the masking (WNG) program as using them for there primary purpose just makes things really loud, and we just don't need that :).

2. If I wear the hearing aids with the WNG program then wear ear defenders over the top it prevents noise distractions.

We're all here to share our experiences and help as much as we can. I'm mostly habituated to my Tinnitus, but Hyperacusis is still relatively new to me.

[Jamdonut in reply to daverussell]

Hi Dave. Thanks for this. Is your H better. Could you go to a quite cafe without any plugs?

[daverussell in reply to Jamdonut]

I rarely use my earplugs. I've quit teaching and now have a job in an office where I can wear earplugs or put on headphones if needed - but I try to avoid using them. I wasn't able to do this in the classroom, which was especially debilitating as the acoustics in the classroom are terrible (for the likes of us). The new job has taken away the stress which overall has allowed me to manage my hyperacusis. It's now lesser of a problem than I previously perceived it to be, and I'm able to try to come more accustom to it. So a cafe is ok. The problem is mainly caused by multidirectional sound, so it often depends where I'm sitting in relation to others, I try to choose a place where I'm going to be less effected. E.g. a corner.

[Crazylady6]

I have an app ReSound and this has lots of different noise/masking options. Lots of people talk about white noise but there are many different ‘colour noises’ The app also allows you to set up everyday noises and play around with different noise backgrounds. I haven’t fully got the hang of it all yet and it seems that over the last 18months my sensitivities have changed many times so I keep having to change the settings.

However, recently, I’ve noticed that whilst the soundscapes help with the T when I switch it off my hyperacusis is much worse. I am guessing it’s because my brain is adjusting to the change in sounds. I am using the app less at the moment, just to see if it helps with the H.