Photo credit: Ketut Subiyanto
by Daniel Fink, MD, Chair, The Quiet Coalition
I developed hyperacusis, a sensitivity to noise that doesn’t bother others, and tinnitus, a ringing in the ears, after a one-time exposure to loud noise 15 years ago on New Year’s Eve. My wife and I were celebrating with friends at a restaurant. As midnight approached, the music was turned up louder and louder. My wife could tell I was uncomfortable and suggested that we leave, but I didn’t want to offend our friends who had organized the dinner.
I wish I had listened to my wife. When we left the restaurant my ears were ringing and in the days that followed, noise really bothered me.
Eight years ago, after reading this article about hyperacusis I decided to see what I could do to make the world a quieter place.
Not much is known about hyperacusis, so I look forward to learning more about it from one of the world’s experts, Prof. Richard Salvi at the University of Buffalo. Prof. Salvi is presenting a webinar sponsored by Hearing Health Foundation entitled “Hyperacusis: When Everyday Sounds Are Too Loud, Annoying, or Even Painful,” on January 23, 2023. You can register for the webinar at this link.
And in this season of giving, I would encourage you to support The Quiet Coalition and also Hearing Health Foundation, as I do.
