Hearing and Sound ~ Tinnitus and Hyperacusis
 

Since my TBI, I have bouts with tinnitus and continuous hyperacusis. I have to sleep with black-noise or background sound~ a fan on, small water fountain or my favorite, a sound machine disk of Loons, crickets and chirping frogs.

I was told that with hyperacusis and tinnitus from a head injury, we hear at 90-95 dB-SPL compared to the average hearing level of around 60 dB-SPL, normal voice level when talking. It's my understanding that OSHA requires hearing protection at 80dB-SPL.

Jets or power plant turbines put out around 100 to 110 dB-SPL.

My hearing has become so acute that sometimes even the sound of birds in the backyard feels like torture.

If I leave the television on low during the day or mellow music, sometimes it seems to help.

Anyone else have tinnitus or hypercusis since your head injury and if so, any remedies that have helped calm the noise?

Oh boy... I feel your pain!!!

It is the most annoying symptom I have! This is the one that even when I'm having a good day, is constant and drives me over the edge!

I've found, like you, that background noise is the best way to drown it out. I've found that a box fan works good inside the house. Outside if your central air is running, the unit provides a gentle hum that has the same effect. My boyfriend's snoring works good at night, lol.

As for the loudness of noises, have you tried ear plugs? I know it amplifies the ringing. However, I've found that if I'm in a loud environment for too long, when I leave all my symptoms including the ringing is intensified. I now use ear plugs when I'm forced to be in loud environments. It seems to really help cut down on overstimulation.

Sorry you are dealing with this, it's the worst. I'm going to an ENT next week to figure out some of my vestibular symptoms and intend on asking about the ringing. If they have any other tips, I'll be sure to post :)

TRT and other tinnitus questions
 

Does PCS-related tinnitus ever go away of its own accord? I'm doubly annoyed because mine didn't start with my head injury; it started two weeks later after I overexerted myself and lifted my nephew a few times. I'm pretty sure I would never have developed this symptom had I taken things more slowly from the outset. I wish someone had said to me on day 1, no lifting of any kind until you feel better!

Also, has anyone had any success with TRT? It seems to be helpful for some people. I'm at the 10-week mark post-injury, and while my other symptoms (primarily headache and general "gross" feeling) seem to have improved somewhat, the tinnitus remains pretty much unchanged. If I have to live with it permanently, I would like to try to adapt as best I can.