For a Hyperacusis Sufferer a Trip to The Store = Possible Severe Vertigo

March 14, 2014

I don't think there is ever an "I feel great day" for a hyperacusis sufferer. The demands of everyday outings can be a challenge; I found this out on March 14, 2014, when I went to the store with my daughter. We were only there to pick up a few things, items over looked during a normal shopping trip.

I try not to over protect myself from sounds, as the theory is to "gradually" introduce myself back to the everyday sounds, which are discomforting, painful and yes even some debilitating. It was a warmer day than most, I was taking caution by wear my earplugs but not my winchester hearing protection, which I wear mainly when traveling, in large groups or in situations with multiple sounds or extreme sound.

That day I was feeling slightly dizzy from vertigo, but having it happen was becoming a daily thing, which I had been struggling to get use too. At that point it was more of a slight off balance feeling than anything else. We quickly got the items needs needed and proceeded to the check-out, once there I feel the nausea take hold as a wind chime or two sounded.

I took a deep breath, tried to relax myself knowing it would soon be over and I'd be home in the comfort of my "controlled environment". Suddenly a family came up behind us in line as we were checking out. The parents were of sorts, and the older children who should have known better decided to play with ALL the wind chimes.

It was rather instantaneous, that the nausea flared up, room started to spin and I started to grow disoriented. Though as hard as I tried to block it out the sound over welcomed me and I soon felt myself falling. I grabbed a hold of the counter and the last words I remember saying was, “You really shouldn't have those there."

Once home I immediately went in to lay down. There was no use going to my family doctor, they had no experience with hyperacusis nor any of the specialists in my area so a trip to the ER would have even been of no use to me. I laid down and had to wait for the vertigo to subside.

Six hours later I was sitting up still quite off balance and disoriented. It was then that I noticed a difference in my right ear. I had experienced hearing loss. My vertigo continued for days, sitting at the computer to work was not an option for just trying to type made the room start to spin.

My ears had become even more sensitive to phone use, as the pain was just too much. It's the 25 of March and the vertigo has not subsided.