a new ? about auditory direction - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

Pens'nChalk · 10-25-2009, 05:25 PM

I have noticed that my ability to figure out where a sound is coming from is off - I hear a sound and think it's upstairs, when my husband tells me it's outside ... if someone behind me calls to me, I look to the side, or ahead ...

I don't have a cold when this happens - it's pretty consistent now. A few years ago, when I did have a cold, the sound in my left ear was a second or two behind my right ... like an immediate echo. That hasn't happened again.

And I do sometimes wake in the night and think I hear music playing downstairs, or a low murmur of conversation, as though an old movie on television is playing ... but when I get up to check, there is nothing.

Just wondering whether anyone else with MS has had odd hearing issues?

MSNik · 10-25-2009, 07:11 PM

Hi Pens...I dont have what you describe, but I have noticed that noise, and sounds bother me! The radio being on, drives me nuts- and I used to listen to music all the time.....loud noises, like fireworks, gun shots (my husband is a target shooter) or even a car backfiring, send me over the edge. I hear things outside the house, like dogs barking or a truck starting down the street and I get really aggitated. My family says I have superhearing- but its not a good thing...its driving me nuts! Ive had my ears tested and all they tell me is my hearing is "fine", whatever fine means...

So I can sort of understand how your issues would be driving you crazy...Youre not alone...

Nikki

MSJayhawk · 10-25-2009, 08:13 PM

When I am headed for a few bad days, I "hear" sounds in my ears when I lie down. Otherwise my hearing is normal.

Gerri54 · 10-28-2009, 05:18 AM

Hi Nikki, what your describing is called Auditory Processing Disorder. When noise is bothersome this is called Hyperacusis. These processes take place in the Central Nervous Sytem of the brain. My hearing is low normal.

I have found these issues to be worsening, even though I have these disorders since very young in age.

I have been diagnosed 2x by urologist as having MS, but not confirmed by a Neurologist.

Hugs
Gerri