White Noise Generator

 
White noise generators (c) Kristen Bailey 2009

Not, no the title of The Fall's latest album - it's the latest accessory for the CFS/ME patient-about-town.

One of the symptoms of my ME is that my hearing has become over-sensitive. This is called hyperacusis, and while not everyone with ME has it, it is recognised as a common symptom. For me, it means that putting crockery or cutlery away makes me wince with pain, and other high-pitched noises such as kids' voices or someone speaking through a mike (eg my pastor when he's preaching) can really go through me.

I also have tinnitus -a constant high-pitched whistle which only really bothers me at night, and occasionally a low beeping noise (I only realised this was coming from me after I'd been round my flat turning off every electrical appliance in an effort to track down and silence it!).

I will be wearing these little fellas for at least eight hours every day for four months. The narrow part goes into my ear and emits a low hissing noise, which I'm finding quite soothing. The little dial enables me to turn the noise up when in noisy environments - the idea being that if I can just hear it in the background at all times, then my misfiring brain will be retrained to accept the everyday high-pitched noises it is currently railing against!

* SONG OF THE DAY: Slade - Cum On Feel The Noize *

Also:
British Tinnitus Association: Getting the Best from Sound Therapy
British Tinnitus Association: Hyperacusis and other forms of Sound Tolerance
RNID: Tinnitus forums

Comments

[Camilla]

That's really interesting- i've noticed recently that I find it really painful if i'm in the bank or post office and they call the number out for the next person free, I also find it really painful sometimes when i'm on the train and they make the announcements- must be something to do with the amplified sound, although music still seems to be ok.