Anyone tried at home auditory integration therapy CD's/methods for hyperacusis or auditory hypersensitivity?

Question

I have hyperacusis as a result of sensory issues (no autism or anything, just genetics), and I really want to be able to enjoy things like my boyfriend's concerts, church services, movies in theaters, etc. As mentioned in another question, I have a massive neurological-based spasm/grimace (loss of muscle control) that occurs for just a few seconds when I'm around loud noise until I brace myself. This makes it hard for me to have much of a social life as a teenager.

I'm trying aroma therapy and pressure/massage therapy, but I'm seriously considering something like the Ease CD's. Does anyone have any experience with any AIT things you can do at home? I'd really like opinions before I invest my limited funds into this.

Most of the 'cures' for being hypersensitive to loud noises are very expensive and will undo themselves if you're exposed to loud sounds! Isn't that the point of curing myself-- to be around them? Anyone have any ideas?

Before anyone suggests it, I cannot wear earplugs-- they make me dizzy and actually amplify the part of the sound that hurts me. I think it's certain vibrations and pitches that cause the problem.

Also, I can listen to music very very loud on earphones (most of the time), so training myself to receive loud noises will not work as a therapy. It is not the loudness of the noise (though that is painful, I can deal with it)-- it's the spasming that comes with certain-pitched loud noises.

I've looked into Berard AIT but don't have the money... and as I said, it doesn't look like it will actually allow me to have a life even if I successfully complete it.

No hyperacusis gene to my knowledge. Others in my family have a lot of hypersensitivity to clothes, smells, etc., but I'm the only one with hyperacusis.

I do have SID, or at least some form of it, but insurance covers nothing because I'm 'too old'. I eat almost completely organic-- no food colorings, very few preservatives, very little white flour and simple sugars. I take acidophilus and cranberry extract supplements, and I think 80% of my food is 'fortified' with Omega 3 fatty acid and/or olive oil.

Answer 1

If money were not a factor, I would say to try Berard, or Tomatis, because what I have heard and read indicate that they are helpful for many people! My son had lots of sensory issues (sounds-and, like you, it seemed to be certain tones and pitches, rather than volume-touch,smell, etc.), but he also had PDD-NOS, which is a form of autism. He improved as he got older. I think that some of the PT things (like "brushing", "putting hands in warm water, then cold water", etc.) helped, and I think that some of the dietary and nutritional things helped. [ I wonder if you would see any improvement if you eliminated food colorings and preservatives, had food allergy testing done, and added probiotics (such as acidophilus), and essential fatty acids (such as flaxseed oil, or fish oil) to your diet?]Google "Sensory Integration Disorder", and you may find some helpful info. The book "The Out of Sync Child at Play" has lots of games for younger kids with sensory issues. Good luck!

Answer 2

Member since: July 24, 2007
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Carol E
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If money were not a factor, I would say to try Berard, or Tomatis, because what I have heard and read indicate that they are helpful for many people! My son had lots of sensory issues (sounds-and, like you, it seemed to be certain tones and pitches, rather than volume-touch,smell, etc.), but he also had PDD-NOS, which is a form of autism. He improved as he got older. I think that some of the PT things (like "brushing", "putting hands in warm water, then cold water", etc.) helped, and I think that some of the dietary and nutritional things helped. [ I wonder if you would see any improvement if you eliminated food colorings and preservatives, had food allergy testing done, and added probiotics (such as acidophilus), and essential fatty acids (such as flaxseed oil, or fish oil) to your diet?]Google "Sensory Integration Disorder", and you may find some helpful info. The book "The Out of Sync Child at Play" has lots of games for younger kids with sensory issues.

Answer 3

Regarding genetics, I need to ask, "Is there a hyperacusis gene of which I am unaware?"

I have some ideas with which I have been successful. After you answe my question I willl gladly answer your.