Sinusitis and Labyrinthitis

Over the easter holidays I got sinusitis and the doctor thought that I also managed to perforate my eardrum.

I experienced double hearing (Diplacusis) for a couple days. In my right ear it felt as though I had a 50% wet/dry frequency shifter on. I couldn’t really tell where sound was coming from. It felt very novel and was strange to experience something that I would associate as ‘synthetic’ naturally .

My hearing was also very muffled for a week or two, was supported by tinnitus, and I couldn’t really hear much. Is was quite disorientating, and in public environments, like lining up in the queue at Boots, I found it strangely calming in a dissociative way.

I found it quite demoralising as listening to music is one of the main ways I emotionally escape and simultaneously connect to myself, but Im thankful to have my hearing back to what it was.

I probably should have applied for a time extension but I didn’t have a doctors note. I guess I also thought the stress of the deadline would motivate me to get more work done.

The purpose of this blog post isn’t just to talk about my holidays.

When searching for what was wrong with my hearing I came across Labyrinthitis.

According to the NHS website :

Labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis are types of inner ear infection that affect your balance. They usually get better on their own within a few weeks.

The most common symptoms of labyrinthitis are:

  • dizziness or feeling that everything around you is spinning (vertigo)
  • feeling unsteady and off balance – you might find it difficult to stay upright or walk in a straight line
  • feeling or being sick
  • hearing loss
  • ringing in your ears (tinnitus)

This has inspired me to try to set the space of my ‘game’ in a labyrinth.

I think it works on multiple levels. the linearity of labyrinths means it will work as a linear experience but will allow the player a degree of control within that frame. works with the free will and determinism that I was exploring.