In this section, Óscar shares his real-life testimony about how his hyperacusis began, the symptoms he experienced, the treatments he has followed, and how his life has changed since then. His story may help you if you also suffer from hyperacusis — or help others better understand what it feels like.
When did your hyperacusis start? At what age? Can you associate it with something?
My hearing problems started when I was 33 years old. I could associate it with noise traumas, either accumulated over time or several isolated traumas that led to the injury.
How would you describe your hyperacusis so that people who don’t have it can understand?
It’s a surreal experience. It’s like being thrown into a parallel world where sound doesn’t let you live or connect with your surroundings. Thanks to researching forums and reading testimonies from others with the same condition, I came to understand that things could improve over time. Even though I wouldn’t recover 100%, I might still be able to continue living. It’s not easy to maintain mental balance in that situation.
It’s like being thrown into a parallel world where sound doesn’t let you live or connect with your surroundings
Óscar
What symptoms do you have? Do you feel pain? How would you describe them?
My symptoms have changed over time. They don’t make me suffer as much now. Pain only appears when I encounter loud and very specific noises, with certain frequencies. The distortion and sensitivity to many sounds have decreased considerably.
What treatments have you tried? Which one helped you the most?
I’ve only tried rest, a healthy diet, and taking vitamin supplements.
It’s not easy to maintain mental balance in that situation.
– Óscar
Have you tried sound therapy? What do you think about it? Do you know anyone who has tried it? What results did they get? (We ask for honesty — good or bad)
I haven’t tried it so far. I don’t know if I will in the future. The only thing I’ve experienced is that, after three years, gradually incorporating normal sounds helps stabilize the auditory system and helps the brain get used to the new changes in hearing.
What medical tests have you had, and what were the results? (Audiometry, MRI, etc.)
I’ve only had an audiometry test. I don’t want to risk my progress with an MRI, which isn’t going to solve the problem and might even make it worse.
How has your life changed since developing hyperacusis?
My entire life has changed from how it used to be. Above all, I can no longer do activities that involve noise — things I used to do without fear.
Do you have hyperacusis and have you ever felt misunderstood?
Fill in the following form explaining your case
Let’s make society understand this disease
What do you want to learn about?