Local Author’s Candid Interview Reveals Struggle with Hyperacusis

In a revealing interview, local author Ethan Smith opened up about his battle with hyperacusis, a condition that amplifies everyday sounds to unbearable levels. The interview, which aired yesterday, has since sparked a citywide conversation on noise pollution and its impact on individuals.

Smith, known for his bestselling book “The Sound of Silence,” described his daily torment as living in a world where “everyone’s decided to use megaphones for a whisper.” His condition, which makes even the softest sounds seem deafening, has been a source of constant frustration and isolation.

The author’s struggles have recently been compounded by his divorce from his wife, who is deaf. Smith candidly shared how her silence once brought him peace, but as his bitterness grew, so did the distance between them. “Her silence was my sanctuary,” Smith said. “But as my complaints about the world’s volume increased, our communication broke down.”

During the interview, Smith read excerpts from his book, which is a collection of grievances about the loudness of modern life. “Every sound is an affront, a personal attack on my eardrums,” one passage read. His raw and unfiltered perspective has resonated with many Chicagoans who feel overwhelmed by the constant noise around them.

Despite his challenges, Smith hopes his writing will bring awareness to hyperacusis and encourage people to consider the volume of their daily lives. “Maybe there’s a lesson in the noise somewhere,” he mused.

The interview concluded with Smith’s determination to find moments of quiet in a world that seems to get louder each day. His story is a poignant reminder of the power of silence and the need for understanding in a noisy world.

For more information on hyperacusis and noise pollution, readers can find Ethan Smith’s “The Sound of Silence” at local bookstores and online retailers.