Navigating Hearing Changes and Anxiety at 16
I find myself in a state of distress and confusion after an unsettling episode that occurred a few days ago. To give you some context, I’m 16 and have been playing the piano for several years, with the ability to play by ear. I have a knack for listening to a song, identifying its key, and translating that onto the piano effortlessly. Here's what happened. Approximately three weeks ago, I came down with a cold which resulted in clogged ears. For the first time ever, I woke up and noticed something unusual with my hearing. Sounds seemed drastically different—everything hit my ears with a lower tone, as if it were in a different key altogether. For instance, music that normally resonates in C major now felt akin to A minor, weighed down with low frequencies. This situation was terrifying; I recognized immediately that this was not how sounds were supposed to be perceived. My panic escalated to the point where I was trembling and unable to remain still. I sat down at the piano, struck a note, and it resonated unnaturally low. The thought of never being able to play music again gripped me with fear. Even as I share this, the recollection sends shivers through my body, but I feel compelled to express my experience. I rushed to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT) where I struggled to articulate my difficulties. To illustrate what I was going through, I even attempted to demonstrate the difference between the sounds I used to hear and how they appeared to me now using examples from C major and A minor. The doctor seemed somewhat skeptical—probably astonished that a 16-year-old could articulate such a complex issue. Nevertheless, she listened to my concerns and discovered earwax buildup in my ear, which provided a glimmer of hope that my hearing might revert to normal. After that appointment, my hearing improved, though I can’t quite say if it returned completely to its previous state. The variance in how I processed sounds before and after visiting the ENT was monumental. However, now I find myself trapped in a cycle of anxiety, questioning whether my perception has been altered or if the anxiety itself is clouding my hearing. In the days following my visit, it felt like my hearing was on the mend, yet the last four days have resulted in stagnation; the sensations I had about my hearing are still there. While I lead a fairly normal life, moments arise when I doubt my auditory perception. A voice might strike me as being pitched lower than expected, triggering immense panic and distorting the auditory landscape. It perplexes me to find that, although most sounds seem to come through clearly, male voices now appear to resonate at lower frequencies, alongside selected ringtones which now also sound off to me. For instance, I perceive Maluma’s voice as overly deep, while Bebe Rexha sounds as she always has. I wish to dismiss these inconsistencies as irrational fears, yet my experience as a pianist—my acute awareness of musical nuances—complicates this notion. I notice any slight deviation in sound immediately. As for the piano, the instrument still produces the same crisp tones it always has. If that remains unchanged, why, then, do male vocal tracks seem to emanate in a heavier register? This nagging concern is compounded by my anxiety. I’ve never encountered anything like this before. The intensity of my anxiety hit me when I attempted to share my story on Reddit, leading to a panic attack that left me restless through the night, my heart racing incessantly for several days. A reassuring indicator that my hearing might not be as impaired as I fear is my girlfriend—she’s a gifted musician herself. When she visited, I played a track through my speakers and attempted to harmonize with the vocalist, a task she confirmed I executed well; she assured me that I matched the key perfectly, attributing my doubts to mere paranoia. Despite this, I still feel that Juice WRLD's voice strikes me as being unnaturally low. Upon conducting various listening tests, I have concluded that what I perceive as lowered sounds is strikingly close—degree-wise—to normal hearing, almost to the tune of 96-98%. Thus, I felt the need to share my experience as I navigate this challenging period. I’m uncertain about my next steps—should I seek another evaluation or attempt to embrace this shift? Acceptance feels out of reach, as my mind continually resists. I would greatly appreciate any insights on managing this situation moving forward.
Answers (1)
2/4/2026, 6:01:08 PM
OpenHealth AI
Your experience of hearing changes and heightened anxiety is understandably distressing, especially as a musician deeply attuned to sound. Hearing alterations following a cold, combined with anxiety about the changes, can create a challenging mental loop. Let’s break down your situation and outline some actionable steps.
Main Points
- Your recent experiences of distorted hearing could stem from earwax buildup and the residual effects of your cold.
- Anxiety can amplify your perception of these changes, leading to further distress.
- It’s important to focus on managing both your hearing concerns and your anxiety.
Explanation
After a cold, common issues include fluid buildup or earwax impacting sound quality. While you’ve had some improvement, lingering distortions may be exacerbated by anxiety, particularly since you are acutely aware of music and sound. This awareness can lead to a cycle where anxiety makes you hypervigilant about your hearing, leading to increased distress.
The good news is your ability to still play the piano well and your girlfriend’s feedback suggest that your overall auditory processing remains intact. However, it’s natural to feel worried about the inconsistencies you're noticing.
Next Steps
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a journal detailing when you notice changes in your hearing perception. Note specific sounds, times, and your emotional state. This can help you see patterns and identify if your anxiety is affecting your perception.
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Relaxation Techniques: Engage in relaxation practices like deep-breathing exercises, meditation, or mindfulness to help alleviate anxiety, especially when you notice distortions. Apps or online resources for guided meditation can be helpful.
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Gradual Exposure: Choose music tracks and listen to them in a calm environment. Gradually expose yourself to a variety of sounds to assess if you perceive them differently and to reinforce your auditory confidence.
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Follow-Up with a Professional: Since the ENT visit indicated some improvement, consider a follow-up appointment to re-evaluate your hearing, particularly if there are consistent concerns. Explain specifically what you are experiencing now, including emotional responses, to give them a clearer picture.
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Seek Support for Anxiety: If your anxiety continues to significantly affect your daily life, consider talking to a mental health professional. They can provide strategies tailored to you, including cognitive-behavioral techniques to address specific fears.
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Connect with Others: You mentioned reaching out to your girlfriend; maintain open dialogues about your feelings. Connecting with other musicians or support groups (even online) can normalize your feelings and provide reassurance.
Remember, recovery can take time, and acknowledging your experience is vital. You’re not alone in this; many musicians have navigated similar challenges. Focus on small steps forward, and gradually you may find more comfort in your auditory experiences.
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