This Teen Girl’S Hearing Disorder Makes Every Sound Painful For Her | Megyn Kelly Today

In our ongoing series, "Making Sense," we've delved into the quirks and mysteries of the human senses. Today, we bring you a story that's as strange as it is fascinating, a story of a teenager whose life was forever altered by a single sound. Fasten your seatbelts because this is a rollercoaster ride through the world of sound and resilience.

The Days of Normalcy

Two years ago, Cindy Redman was your typical teenager, reveling in the joys of youth. She had a vibrant social life, brimming with friends and adventures. School, the laughter-filled outings with her peers, and the everyday mundane routines painted a portrait of a normal childhood. Her mother, Laurie, fondly recalls those days, reminiscing about her daughter's contagious smile that could light up even the darkest of rooms. Cindy was a living, breathing bundle of joy.

A Deafening Disruption

But then came the fateful fall of 2016, a day that would change Cindy's life forever. While at a friend's house, Cindy was chattering away on her cell phone when she was instructed – not once, but twice – to put it away by the parent of her friend. The response to her disobedience was a shockingly inconsiderate act: an air horn, blasted right into Cindy's face.

The impact was immediate and intense. Cindy described the sensation as a burst in her ear, almost like a pop, followed by a torrent of excruciating pain. The world as she knew it had transformed in an instant.

A Sonic Nightmare

An air horn, when unleashed at close range, can reach ear-piercing decibel levels of up to 130. This is the kind of sonic assault that can result in permanent hearing loss for most. But in Cindy's case, it was something different, something far more tormenting.

"It was like a stabbing or a burning," she recalled. "It felt like lava was being poured into my ears." The pain was so overwhelming that it plunged her into a state of constant panic. Even the faintest of sounds became unbearable, forcing her to plug her ears and seek refuge in the nearest quiet space.

The Search for Answers

Cindy's mother, Laurie, was understandably devastated and determined to find a solution. They embarked on a medical odyssey, visiting countless specialists in the hope of unraveling the mystery behind Cindy's condition. The frustration of leaving the doctor's office without answers was a constant companion.

Finally, after what seemed like an endless quest for answers, an audiology specialist returned with a diagnosis. Cindy had developed a condition that rendered everyday noises almost impossible to tolerate. While it was a relief to know what was afflicting her, the grim reality was that there was no cure in sight.

A Life in Isolation

Cindy's life took a sudden and heartbreaking turn. The incessant torment caused by sounds forced her to wear noise-canceling ear muffs just to navigate her surroundings. She had to abandon conventional schooling and resort to homeschooling, further deepening her sense of isolation.

"She's lonely, very lonely," her mother said. They tried to organize outings and fun activities, but the odds of success were often stacked against them. Cindy's condition cast a perpetual shadow over her life, and her world became a maze of frustration and loneliness.

A Beacon of Hope

Yet, through all the trials and tribulations, Cindy remains determined to forge ahead. Her indomitable spirit led her to create awareness about her condition on YouTube. She shares her story, highlighting the challenges she faces daily.

She remains optimistic about the future, believing that there will eventually be a cure for her condition. Though it may not happen in her lifetime, her hope is unwavering. The strength she exudes in the face of adversity is nothing short of remarkable.

The Sonic Odyssey Continues

Cindy's story is a testament to the unpredictable and often cruel twists that life can take. It's a tale of resilience, the enduring power of hope, and the unbreakable spirit of a young woman determined to make sense of a world that has become a never-ending sonic odyssey.

As we marvel at the mysteries of the human senses, Cindy Redman's story stands as a poignant reminder of the strength that lies within us, waiting to be unleashed when faced with life's most unexpected challenges. In her story, we find the remarkable capacity of the human spirit to persist, even when faced with the most dissonant of circumstances.