Jan L. Mayes - Tinnitus Toolbox Hyperacusis Handbook

Mention of specific companies, organizations, or authorities in this book does not imply endorsements by the author or publisher, nor does mention of specific companies, organizations, or authorities imply they endorse this book, its author, or the publisher.

Content including internet addresses and contact numbers were accurate at the time this book went to press.

Copyright 2019 by Jan L. Mayes.

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any other information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the publisher.

This book is not intended as a replacement for medical, tinnitus or decreased sound tolerance advice from your care providers including medical doctor, otolaryngologist, audiologist, or psychologist. All information in this book is provided for general information purposes only, and does not constitute medical, legal, financial, or other professional advice on any subject matter.

The author and publisher disclaim all liability with the use of this information.

Library & Archives Canada Cataloguing

eBook ISBN: 978-1-77252705-0-8

Paperback ISBN: 978-1-7752705-1-5

Reading level age 14-15 years and older

Flesch Reading Ease = 66

Published by Jan L. Mayes.

Book design by Samantha Mayes.

To my husband for his unwavering love and support.

My daughters for my joy and inspiration.

My colleagues for their wisdom and dedication.

People with tinnitus and hyperacusis for their courage, humour, and perseverance.

I would also like to thank everyone who has given me encouragement, support, and helpful feedback while writing this book including Charlotte Douglas, Andre Lafargue, Brad Mayes, Clarissa Mayes, Gerry Slater, Glynnis Tidball, Anna Van Maanen, and Dennis Wilkinson.

Special thanks to Samantha Mayes, without whom this book would never have been possible.

I dream of a machine

wired

brain to brain

they hear

exactly

what I hear

I dream of a machine

potato head inspired

ears snap off

new snap on

rewired brain

silence

2016 Jan L. Mayes

I think its helpful for people to know the common acronyms used by care providers including audiologists, doctors, and ear specialists. Get familiar with these. It'll help as you read along.

TTinnitus

DSTDecreased Sound Tolerance

HHyperacusis

MMisophonia

PPhonophobia

ENTEar Nose Throat Specialist (Otolaryngologist)

GPFamily Doctor (General Practitioner)

OTCOver-The-Counter

RxPrescription

dBDecibel

EHFExtended High Frequency

HzHertz

kHzKilohertz

PTAPure Tone Average

LDLLoudness Discomfort Level

PSAPPersonal Sound Amplification Product

HAsHearing Aids

HLHearing Loss

HHLHidden Hearing Loss (Noise-Induced)

TTSTemporary Threshold Shift (Noise-Induced)

PTSPermanent Threshold Shift (Noise-Induced)

NIHLNoise-Induced Hearing Loss

HPHearing Protection

WHOWorld Health Organization

ISOInternational Organization for Standardization

ANSIAmerican National Standards Institute

NIOSHNational Institute of Occupational Safety & Health

OSHAOccupational Safety & Health Administration

• Sudden onset tinnitus
• Sudden onset hyperacusis
• Tinnitus in one ear only
• Pulse-like tinnitus
• Drainage, pain, or discomfort in one or both ears
• Better hearing in one ear than the other
• Dizziness (vertigo) or imbalance
• Chronic worry or sadness (anxiety; depression)

Get to emergency services as soon as possible if you have:

• Tinnitus that sounds like voices
• Rapidly worsening tinnitus
• Rapidly worsening hearing loss in one or both ears
• Sudden onset hearing loss
• Thoughts of hurting yourself or suicide

• lifeline.org.au or contact 13 11 14

Canada

• Canada National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Or Text Telephone: 1-800-799-4889
• Association Qubcoise de Prvention du Suicide (French): 1-866-APPELLE
• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
• Or Live Chat counselling at kidshelpphone.ca

United Kingdom

• Contact 116 123

United States

• US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Crisis Text Line 741741