Hi Melissa,
You explained yourself fine and I think this "mechanical" sound is very typical with an AN. I have it and it's extremely hard for someone else who has not experience it to understand how you hear. I've even said "electronic" tone, as "mechanical". It's not tinnitus, as I have that also. I think the mechanical must have to do with the hearing nerve being pressed and this is just how noises are perceived. It's so weird, and annoying, and sometimes like you I just need quiet. It's tiring. It also varies as to intensity. Tinnitus is more like noises that vary. My tinnitues is similar to TV static. Pretty soft actually, and I don't normally notice it during the day. Even at night when I try to sleep it's just a soft constant static, so it doesn't stop me from resting. I didn't have it in my AN ear until after my CK treatment so that's sort of a bummer.
I've also experienced something called Hyperacusis. Things get abnormally loud. I only had that for a weekend, then a low dose steroids got rid of it and I haven't had it since.
HOpe that helps a bit. Tisha
