Hyperacusis: Therapeutic Walking how it helps me

I'm happy to say with spring here my therapeutic walking has begun. I've been out twice now and I'm looking forward to pushing my limits against hyperacusis and taking back my life.

After starting my therapeutic walking treatment in April of 2014, I was able to go outside three times without any protection last year. This year, I aiming to triple that amount.

I've already gone for two therapeutic walks this year both with just my earplugs. It takes time to get used to sounds being some sounds can be quite painful especially after the cold winter months. So it is important to first get used to the sounds with using just earplugs. I recommend going out in short burst and extending your walks as each individual is able to do so comfortably.

For me, winter is the worst season for my severe hyperacusis and tinnitus. The barometric pressure changes really does a number on my ears. The sound alone from the power lines in the winter time are so painful that they can cause me sudden onset of deafness and nausea.

Each person with hyperacusis is not necessarily affected by the some sounds so each case study is different with this disorder/disability.
I thought I'd share with all of you this photo I took during my first walk. It helps me to be doing something when I go out that way it distracts me from the discomfort, pain and balance issues I might get from my hyperacusis and vertigo depending on how much a certain sound might affect me.

I consider myself one of the lucky ones with hyperacusis as I have always been a self-motivated individual, independent and hard working. These are characteristics which are very important to progress in one's fight against this unfamiliar condition to the world.

I've communicated with so many different people like myself with hyperacusis and one thing is certain you must first decide if you're going to be a victim in all this or fight back.

Usually people with low self-esteem, a passive personality or issues with depression and those who socialize a lot have the hardest time adjusting, accepting and fighting back against this condition. People with tinnitus and hyperacusis tend to suddenly live a more secluded lifestyle in a way of making the world more comfortable to their needs.

For myself, I find being around a lot of people discomforting, painful and even confusing as all the secondary sounds feel like they are all trying to get in my ears at the same time. It can also be difficult for me to talk with someone with that ringing in my ears from the tinnitus so constant.

While my first two therapeutic walks weren't great both times spiking my tinnitus, the discomfort and pain were acceptable for that hour. However, it does take my ears, at least, three days to settle back down. During this time, I might feel off balance, nauseated, loss of appetite, and be more sensitive to what I call annoying sounds like a tapping of a pencil, water running even a person's voice.

That's why it's so important to practice patience and self-control. Breathing techniques are a big help and so is meditation and tai chi.

I hope you found this article helpful and informative.