It seems like I’ve discovered a new mutation.
I am a young man living with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). I noticed some hearing issues and immediately suspected it might be Usher Syndrome. However, the strange part is that all my audiological tests came back excellent. I spent two years certain that there was a problem—I could feel it—but the tests kept contradicting my intuition. After extensive research, I discovered that I have ADHD. This neurological disorder can affect how the brain processes sound. Here are some of the symptoms I experience: Auditory Distraction: I hear the sound, but I cannot understand what is being said without extraordinary mental effort, especially in noisy environments. Speech Perception: When you speak, you don't hear yourself clearly, and if you speak too fast, your words might come out garbled or unintelligible. Repetition: Constantly asking people to repeat what they just said. Nighttime Clarity: Noticing that you hear better late at night because background noise disappears, allowing the brain to focus without distraction. Does anyone else struggle with this combination of RP and ADHD symptoms?"" aren't about your ears. I am a young man living with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). For two years, I struggled with hearing issues and feared it was Usher Syndrome. However, my audiological tests were consistently perfect. After further research, I discovered I have ADHD, which explained everything through Auditory Processing Disorder (APD). My symptoms include: Auditory Distraction: I can hear sounds clearly, but I struggle to process speech in noisy environments. Speech Monitoring: I find it hard to modulate my own voice, and my speech can become fast or garbled. Need for Repetition: Frequently asking others to repeat themselves because my brain hasn't 'translated' the sound yet. Nighttime Clarity: Hearing feels 'better' at night simply because there is less sensory input to distract my brain. Does anyone else with RP experience this overlap of ADHD sensory processing issues? I’d love to hear your stories.