Hello, website.

My name Liz. I'm 20 years old, and live outside Philly. I've been on a couple anxiety forum sites in the past, but not for a couple of years. Thought I'd give it another try, now that I have a clearer diagnosis for my crazies.

I have a form of hyperacute hearing, which has been in full swing for about 17 years. I didn't know my issue had a name until very recently, so until then I was insanely confused and frustrated about it. I see a tinnitus doctor now, and I have those little earbud things that play white noise. They actually help a lot. As a little kid, a bigger variety of noises would get to me (fireworks, the brakes on a train, and human noises like applause and loud laughter). My response was to cry, but I don't remember being self conscious or angry about it. As I got older, most of the previous noises didn't bother me anymore. But laughter has always stuck. I have no idea why. The sound of laughter, mostly from a group of people, or from one person who had a loud or shrill laugh, would make me miserable and angry (and still does. on some occasions). As I grew up, my reactions made me feel guilty as well as sad and embarrassed.

What is toughest for me is thinking about how people would view me if I told them about my problem. Average hyperacusis is one thing: people get ticked by sounds of chewing, gum-snapping, or a tapping foot. But I feel like a bad person because I don't like to hear people laugh. It's not the same as wanting people to be unhappy, but I could understand if that's what someone thought of me after seeing my reaction. Every aspect of the issue is crippling. It limits my social interactions, education options, job opportunities, and self esteem.

Anyway, that's my glum intro. Thanks for reading.

Welcome to the board, Anne! Oops, sorry ... I meant to whisper...

I don't think I hear better than anyone else, but things like someone clipping their nails in church really get to me! Or mindlessly clicking a pen. I can't imagine having bionic hearing where everything is full blast!

Do you hear the high-pitched security noises at a jewelry counter? I was once with a lady who said she could hear that.

Seems like I read years and years ago about a child with your condition. The ear doc put the child in a booth with some headphones and cranked up da noise, effectively ruining the hyperacute part of their hearing.

I wonder if something like that would be an option for you?

I hope you'll hang around and let us get to know you better, Anne.

Hello Anne and WELCOME to Neurotalk!

I understand hyperacute hearing... I have had hearing specialists tell me that I hear pitches higher than what dogs hear and low tones that fall off the bottom of the charts. It doesn't bother me and I've never thought to do anything about it.

General Health Conditions & Rare Disorders
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum2.html

You may want to post on the forum above.... someone is bound to come along that can help you.

I sincerely wish you the best.

Abbie

Hi Liz. I know it can be difficult to reach out to others, especially when they don't understand what you are going through. The fact that you are 20 and are mature enough to reach out is great. I have high anxiety as well and it seems like everything that people do irritates me. It's hard when you already have some issues and then guilt gets added on top of it. Hang in there.
Thanks for sharing.

Happy to see you have come to be with us. Just let us know if we can be of any help. There are great and caring friends here to assist you. Our shoulders are here for support in many ways.

Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene

Who would clip their nails in church? Sounds kinda gross
My tinnitus doctor tried the booth thing early on to test the extent of my hyperacusis, but it didn't do much to fix it. My issue doesn't seem to be about general volume, but certain pitches and tones. Shouting usually doesn't bother me though I don't hear the security noise at jewelry counters, but I can hear a ticking clock from rooms away.

Thanks for the welcome!