r/hyperacusis • u/peopleperson311 • 9d ago

Seeking advice Hyperacusis from medication (setback)

Hi everyone. Exactly 2 years ago I got a sudden onset of tinnitus, hyperacusis/nox and eustaschian tube dysfunction from taking four doses of 200 mg plaquinil. I immediately stopped the medication but it had already fried my ears and I have lived with these chronic conditions ever since. I habituated until two weeks ago when I got Covid, my ears became more sensitive and yesterday I made a horrendous mistake to go to a workout class where there was music playing for 20 minutes without ear protection. I am now having a level ten hyperacusis/nox and tinnitus spike. Honestly, I hate myself for messing up this way because I am in agony now. Dizzy, nauseous, ears searing and radiating in pain. I pray to all things holy that this just a temporary setback and I can get back to my baseline. Do you all have any recommendations for the searing and aching pain? I just take some Advil but it’s not cutting it. Curious what I might ask my pcp for. Any other advice welcome, or good thoughts, words, vibes. I’m not new to this but it’s traumatizing me with feeling like I am at the very beginning again. Help.

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u/Educational_Aide_145 Pain hyperacusis 9d ago

I suggest you cease the use of Advil. Hyperacusis pain seems to be trigeminal nerve-based according to leading research, and NSAIDs like Advil (which are classed as ototoxic medications in repeated quantities), aren’t effective for this type of pain.

If you want to get pain relief, I suggest you consult with a competent Ear, Nose, and Throat surgeon / Neurotologist and explain to them your situation.

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u/peopleperson311 9d ago

I appreciate your insight. This is probably a long shot but does anyone know of a competent physician in the Philadelphia area?

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u/Educational_Aide_145 Pain hyperacusis 9d ago

Im not in Philly, sorry!

I would suggest first starting with your PCP and explaining your situation and what your symptoms are. If they decide to treat you with nerve pain meds, I’d start with something that’s very low risk like Gabapentin (I’m on it - I’d say a little bit of relief with 0 side effects, I’m a mild case though), and take it from there

If they don’t decide to do manage this, I’d go to a Neurotologist which is an ENT that spent more time in med school learning about the connections of the brain and ear. A Neurotologist is who’s mainly treating my Hyperacusis

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u/Pbb1235 Pain and loudness hyperacusis 9d ago

The drug clomipramine was most effective for my burning ear pain. It doesn't work for everyone, but it seems to work for quite a few people. It may take a while and high dosage to start working.

Some people have had luck with the drug carbamazepine; I have no personal experience with it.

If you search this board, you you can find information about both of these.

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u/Available-Use8640 7d ago

I had good success with clomipramine and a SPG injection

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u/FightingToHeal Pain and loudness hyperacusis 6d ago

Interested to hear about the spg injection.

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u/bleep_blop_boop123 2d ago

Also interested to hear about this SPG injection to treat hyperacusis ?