Hyperacusis is a little-understood auditory disorder that radically changes the lives of those who suffer from it. In this testimony, Kathy McCain shares her experience after developing hyperacusis at the age of 61, following an MRI scan. Her story reflects the pain, medical misunderstanding, and social isolation caused by this invisible condition.
When did your hyperacusis start? At what age? Can you associate it with something?
Started 61 yrs of age. Began after an enclosed MRI. Burning searing pain all the time. Then multiple T signals and all environmental sounds sounding too loud, including my own voice. Then stinging pain with sounds for about two years which subsided. The hearing is irreversible auditory damage and still have tinnitus, which keep me at home. Have seen many doctors ……no help…NOTHING. I was even told it was emotional.
I was diagnosed with loudness hyperacusis. Very disabling, and the fact that society and medical professionals “don’t get it” makes it even harder.
Kathy McCain
How would you describe your hyperacusis so that people who don’t have hyperacusis can understand it?
At times I still have a crawling stinging sensation in my left ear. My hearing is ABNORMALLY LOUD all the time. It’s like there is a microphone on environmental sound, even people’s voices. I tried sound therapy and made T worse so I stopped. I have been listening to music and tried to get out and about without earplugs for 2 1/2 yrs…..nothing. Sound did NOT go down. It only made my tinnitus WORSE. I HAVE A VERY LIMITED LIFE and I was a busy active person. It has been 10 yrs now.
What symptoms do you have? You feel pain? How would you describe them?
A bit of stinging sensation in my left ear. LOUDNESS H, multiple T signals. At times with certain loud sounds I get a stabbing quick pains in left ear.
What treatments have you tried? Which one has been better for you?
Music, ear generators, not wearing earplugs for 2 1/2 yrs. No significant results. I live a reclusive life and was once active. Take Alprazolam mainly at bedtime and at times when going out.
I can never have an MRI again. I undergo alternative tests, because a closed MRI caused this.
Kathy McCain
Have you tried sound therapy? What do you think about it? Do you know cases that have proven it? What results have they obtained? We ask for sincerity, both for better and for worse.
Yes….no resultsI Some say they see an improvement others no improvement, others say it worsened their hearing and/or T.
What medical tests have you done and with what results? (Audiometry, Magnetic Resonance, etc.)
Hearing test….NO hearing LOSS. My ENT said she is pretty certain that I can hear certain frequencies that MOST PEOPLE CAN NOT HEAR. I was diagnosed with Loudness H. Very debilitating and the fact that society and the medical people don’t “gets it,” makes it that much more difficult. I have lost friends , and I don’t believe my own family really understand.
I can not ever again have an MRI. I have alternate testing done, due to the fact that an enclosed MRI caused this.
How has your life changed since you have hyperacusis?
PROFOUNDLY. I stay in my house most of the time, and try to keep busy. When I do go out I need to wear FOAM ear plugs. I have been taking alprazolam for 10 yrs now. Mainly for sleeping.
Do you have hyperacusis and have you ever felt misunderstood?
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