Diane, looks like Russ has just added a new forum that describes this problem of noise. It has a name - "Hyperacusis". Check out the link to it http://herballure.com/ubbthreads/sh...er=255138&Main=255138#Post255138

Looks like it "may" be have a relation to mercury toxicity. Russ has suffered it when mercury toxic. Hopefully you'll find some relief in knowing you're not alone in experiencing this.