KAREN Cook used to cherish the sound of her children's laughter. Now, it's unbearable torture. 7 Karen has to wear headphones to drown out the sounds around her Credit: Jam Press 7 The mum with her husband Nick and two children before being diagnosed with hyperacusis Credit: Jam Press The 49-year-old has a rare ear condition and shuts herself away from her family as she simply can't bear their noise.
She even wears headphones to drown out any hint at their existence. Karen said: "I missed being a mum, a wife and enjoying family life, but I couldn’t take the torture it brought me anymore." Working as a former cabin crew member, she often experienced the sensation of pressure in her ears.
But one day, they never "popped" back to normal. Since then, she’s suffered from a continuous ringing, as well as a constant burning sensation, where the sounds of her family send her into a spiral of anger. Now, Karen is sharing her harrowing battle to raise awareness of severe pain hyperacusis - where everyday sounds trigger utter agony.
"Each time my kids would laugh or talk, I’d be filled with severe pain,” Karen, from Merseyside, said. Most read in Health 'NOT VERY NICE' BBC commentator blasted for 'slagging Scotland' on live TV BARGAIN Celtic 'offered former Man Utd and Real Madrid target' - and could get him for free HIRST CLASS Premier League striker set to switch national allegiance to play for Scotland FIND JAY Mum of missing Jay Slater shares tragic new statement after two w.
