"Texan Cancer Survivor Undergoes Experimental Brain Surgery to Deafen Himself"
David Vance, a cancer survivor, and Andrew Johnston both suffer from pain hyperacusis, a rare hearing disorder causing extreme sensitivity to noise. Vance's condition was exacerbated by chemotherapy and radiation treatments, while Johnston's was triggered by exposure to loud noise at a football game. Vance lives an isolated life, wearing ear plugs and muffs when leaving the house, while Johnston underwent experimental brain surgery in an attempt to deafen himself. Both men face daily excruciating pain and limited treatment options for their condition.