Hyperacusis

Hyperacusis is a heightened sensitivity to everyday sounds that most people can tolerate easily. A person suffering from hyperacusis may find sounds like a running dishwasher, a nearby conversation or even the shuffling of papers unpleasantly loud or even painful. For some, the sensitivity is only to certain frequencies or pitches.

Untreated hyperacusis can cause social isolation, phonophobia (fear of sounds) and depression. If you are dealing with this condition, our team at Coastal Sound Audiology can help you manage your symptoms.

How Common Is Hyperacusis?

Hyperacusis is rare, affecting only one in 50,000 people. This number is higher among tinnitus sufferers, affecting about 1 in 1,000 people. Hyperacusis can affect people of any age, and it can occur in one or both ears.

What Are the Causes of Hyperacusis?

It is uncommon for someone to be born with hyperacusis. It is often the result of conditions like:

• Bell’s palsy
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
•  Lyme disease
• Ménière’s disease
• PTSD
• Depression
•  Autism
• Head injury
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome

For those whose hyperacusis is the result of trauma to the head or hearing system, symptoms may go away as the injury heals. Identifying the underlying cause is always the first step in treating hyperacusis.

How Is Hyperacusis Treated?

Some people with hyperacusis may seek relief by wearing earplugs or earmuffs. While this may help in the short term, it decreases the already poor tolerance of noise, increasing sensitivity in the long run.

An effective treatment option is called sound desensitization, where a specialist gradually exposes you to white noise at very low volume, gradually increasing it over time to improve tolerance. This treatment may take six months to a year.

If you suspect you may have hyperacusis, seek an evaluation by an audiologist at Coastal Sound Audiology. A hearing specialist will conduct a full audiologic evaluation, including a hearing test, and take a record of your medical history to accurately diagnose your condition and determine your Loudness Discomfort Levels (LDL). An audiologist can also guide your treatment and counsel you about the latest hearing solutions available.