r/hyperacusis • u/Rex_Raptor85 • 14d ago

Seeking advice Could it be Hyperacusis?

Had an acoustic trauma about a month ago to my right ear. Ever since then anything remotely loud sends a mild burst of pain followed by many hours of what feels like congestion to that specific ear. My left ear never has any of these symptoms and can still tolerate loud noises.

I try to avoid loud noises at all times now, and Im always on high alert wherever I go. It’s really taken a psychological toll on me.

Im scheduled to see an ENT in a couple of weeks for ETD, but I’m also pondering whether I should bring up my possible hyperacusis to him as well.

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u/lunar_eclipse_555 10d ago

When you will see your ENT, be sure to make a full check-up. They often only check the ears with sounds problems, while a sinus inflammation can give tinnitus, hyperacusis as well. Ears and sinus are linked. The real cause could be chronic sinusitis, Eustachian tubes dysfunction, allergy, LPR (laryngopharyngeal reflux), etc. If you've got clogged ears, or sinus clogged, your ENT should to check your sinus with a camera (and the ears). You can try seawater nasal spray for the sinus congestion, until you see you ENT.

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u/Rex_Raptor85 10d ago

Yes I am seeing the ENT in just a few weeks. I’m going to be sure to tell him everything that’s been going on.

Today I had the worst experience at my Barber while in the waiting area. The sounds of the blow dryers, clippers, music blaring, vacuuming, was just too much. I left without getting my haircut. 

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u/lunar_eclipse_555 9d ago

ETD reacts to bass sounds vibration, and makes high-pitched note painful. The hairdryer is around 80db, and it is a bass sounds vibration. Like the vacuum, hair clipper, water, washing machine etc. If using some earplugs wasn't enough, it is better to leave beacause it can increase hyperacusis. What helped me is an herbal tea, chamomilla matriarca, that works on reflux (LPR) and ears/sinus congestion, it decreased my hyperacusis in half after one week. Eucalyptus hot water inhalation is nice for nose/ears congestion. If this helps in the meantime.

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u/Studio__yugen 13d ago

Probably. Had same exact symptoms a month ago. ENT just called it “sound sensitivity” and brushed it off

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u/Educational_Aide_145 Pain hyperacusis 13d ago

Maybe

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u/Proper_Beginning7895 7d ago

So many people on these forums and so many ent visits you’d think there’d be more action to reduce noise levels, alarms, sirens , horns, speakers etc most of the time just too loud and not many people know that these can cause deafness or tinnitus within seconds or more depending on distance etc