Hyperacusis and Hearing Aids

[MAC0811]

Do any of you who wear hearing aids to help the tinnitus suffer with hyperacusis too? Only I have both and was worried about trying out hearing aids incase it made the hyperacusis worse?? Much appreciate any feedback, thanks.

[Hel_C]

If I am in a noisy environment (music festivals) I might take my hearing aids out I am considering some of the noise cancelling headphones. Overall I do not find they make my noise sensitivity any worse and in day to day situations my hearing and tinnitus are absolutely fine. I did need to give it time to adjust - coffee machines in cafes sounded so loud it was distracting.

[Jimbob7]

Hi, yep, I have HA's and hyperacusis - as well as the pulsatile T and very, very loud hissing and a bunch of other squeaks, and clicks, etc.

I was worried about this prior to getting them (the HA's) and my Audiologist explained that they will be only boosting the frequncies that I have lost (Mid-high range following a cervical injury). I gave them a go and they are an improvement, no doubt. The hyperacusis is slightly lessened when I'm wearing them. Not by much but definitely so.

I'm not sure how my hyperacusis works but with a full spectrum of hearing frequencies restored by the HA it could be that the 'hyper' is not exagerating other sounds (frequencies) because the brain is getting full range sound from the outside World.

I'm sorry - I'm not explaining very well - I'm having a tough time because of life stuff at the moment but what I'm saying is give them a go and stick with them - say, for a month. Then you can really make the call whether they're proving to be a benefit or a hazzard.

Good luck and let us know how it's going.

[MAC0811 in reply to Jimbob7]

Cheers for the reply Jimbob, no you’ve explained it well enough for me, I get you. Yes I think I will look into this, and I will let you know about my findings.

[Nathalie_007]

Hi, I went to a online tinnitus and sound sensitive group online this week (I don’t have symptoms but my partner does) there was a young girl who is using red noise in her hearing aids when she goes outside and has said it’s been a game changer for her. It was a really great group only small about 5 people chatting about what has worked for them. I would recommend going to one and asking questions yourself (I think they do it monthly) if you visit the tinnitus.org.uk/ you can have a look at the various forums that are available and all are free and you can do from the comfort of your home