More About Hyperacusis

There is no cure for hyperacusis, and no escape. I have a millionaire rock star friend acquaintance, who has it. He has tried everything, and he can’t get rid of it. Some pop stars that have hyperacusis are Pete Townsend, Eric Johnson, John Densmore, and Neil Young. Classical musicians include Beethoven, and at one time principal cellist of the Minnesota Orchestra, Janet Horvath.

Hyperacusis has been a prominent part of my life for over twenty years. I say that it has improved somewhat, and it has. But really it is that I have learned to adapt, so that to some extent I can do what I want to do, and what I love to do. My composing is the least affected, because that is with virtual instruments, and I can turn the volume down. I used to have my orchestra good and loud at 3am, now it is whisper quiet at any hour. And I used to enjoy playing my guitar through my amp at, I confess, quite a loud volume. It was fun to hear that powerful sound pouring out of the amp. I can turn that down too, but the malady has pretty much ended my guitar playing. Sitar is a daily challenge. Certain pitches are more painful, and the amount of pain varies daily. In Indian classical music, there is a main tonic note that sounds constantly, in my case it is C# an octave up. Guess what note is the most painful?

Hyperacusis can be caused not only from attendance at a single loud rock concert (100-130 db); or a symphony concert (forte is 120 to 140 db); or a sudden loud sound such as a gunshot (140-170 db); and also from length of exposure. Sitar requires long hours of practice. I for periods of time spent perhaps fourteen hours a day composing, constantly hearing the music as I did so. My horn teacher was famous for playing at massive volume, and I imitated that heroic style (I haven’t played horn since the 80s in NY). And it is embarrassing to confess, my guitar was loud. So between the sitar, composing, horn, my virtual orchestra, and my guitar, I wore my ears out.

A couple years ago I wrote my piece, The Triumph of Truth & Time, for Trumpet & Organ, and it was played by the University of Minnesota Trumpet Ensemble in the Basilica of Minneapolis. The ensemble had I believe ten trumpets, but in that huge, resonant space I was OK, it didn’t hurt. Then it was played at Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, and in that smaller church, even wearing custom made earplugs with gun muffs on top of that, I couldn’t stand it, and I had to listen from outside. For years I could not go into any restaurant. The sound of people talking, especially women having a good time and laughing, combined with the sound of silverware and plates, was unendurable. I learned it is best not to wear earplugs all the time. Now, with discretion, I can go into restaurants at quieter times of day. Now when someone is speaking too loud for me, I immediately request that they speak softer. I do that a lot.

Oof da.

But, it seems better now and to feel that it is better is cheering!