what can be done

[Nc17]

Hey guys, i hope this hasnt happened to anyone. Ever since i was a lil girl i have been scared of balloons, thunder, scary movies. while growing up i would remove myself from places that may have any of the mentioned above. About a year and a half ago, i dont know what came over me but i started to have really bad panic attacks. My "balloon-phobia" went away, however, thunder and i dont get along. I used to see a therapist who said i have PTSD and OCD from checking the weather 39048324059 times an hour. It has gotten so severe that i cant leave my house, lock myself in the closet, blast music in my ear.. cry myself to the point i want to hurt myself. I've tried many doctors and therapist, but they seem to be taking it slow getting no where. i am 22 about to graduate from college and want to start my carreer but this is truly stopping me. IDK what to do with myself anymore.... i wake up constantly to the sound of cars passing by, it even got to the point that i can tell you what type of vehicle passed by just by the noise it made, the wheel noise.... and etc.. i can even hear airplanes when no one cant. I saw an ear specialist who told me i was pretty much growing deaf, which i do have trouble hearing people but once i know its going to thunder my hearing multiplies.... Someone please help i cant keep living like this

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

I'm sorry to hear that you are experiencing all of these.  From the way you describe what you are experiencing, it seems that you have an uncontrolled pathologic phobia along with severe panic attacks.  I suggest you have a formal consultation with a psychologist or a psychiatrist to have these phobias thoroughly evaluated.  Medications may be given to control the symptoms.  You may also be advised to enroll in support groups addressing these condition.  I also suggest you have consult with an ENT specialist to have our ears checked, just to see if there are any anatomic problems.  I hope you can get to the bottom of this soon and be relieved of the problem.  Regards and God bless.

[wishforchange]

Sorry that you are having such a hard time.  I agree you need psychological support and also to have your ears checked probably by an ENT or neuro specialist.  I too have very sensitive hearing, and also hate balloons, loud bangs etc.  If I know that an environment is likely to be too noisy for me I put earplugs in or tissue if nothing else is to hand.  You can still hear through them but they stop the discomfort and shock of loud noises.  Maybe this is something you can try eg when you try to go out, or sleep?  Long term though you do need to learn to cope with what has now become a phobia, and check out organic causes (there may not be any).  We live in an increasingly noisy world and those of us with sensitive ears suffer.  Maybe also learn relaxation and meditation techniques. The noise is not going to get less, so you are the one who has to change.  I hope you deal with this well and I entirely understand how you feel, if that is any help.