Sound Sensitivity

For people with sound sensitivities, everyday noises can become overwhelming. You may struggle with regular conversations, at restaurants or in crowded places. Our team at Coastal Sound Audiology is here to help you understand these conditions and minimize their impacts on your daily life.

Types of Sound Sensitivities

• Hyperacusis: Also known as sound oversensitivity, this condition makes it difficult for individuals to tolerate everyday sounds. Their condition includes a greater sensitivity to most sounds.
• Phonophobia: People experiencing this form of sound sensitivity have a great deal of anxiety or fear of being exposed to “too much sound,” which they perceive as harmful.
• Misophonia: People with this condition react to trigger sounds with annoyance or anger because their fight-or-flight response is activated. Misophonia is sometimes called Selective Sound Sensitivity Syndrome (4S),
• Acoustic Shock: This condition results in symptoms of shock that continue after the sound has stopped. These symptoms include nausea, anxiety, depression, headaches and fatigue.

Connection to the Brain

Neuroimaging studies have found that patients with sound sensitivity exhibit increased activity in regions involved in emotional processing, including the amygdala, hippocampus and anterior cingulate cortex.

Causes of Sound Sensitivity

• Sudden loud noise exposure
• Traumatic events or PTSD
• Long-term noise exposure
• Head and brain injuries
• Headaches or migraines
• Certain autoimmune disorders

Treating Sound Sensitivity

Your provider will work with you to find the techniques that help reduce your symptoms. Options include:

• Sound therapy, which gradually and safely exposes you to louder sounds
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps you manage negative feelings triggered by sounds
• Tinnitus retraining therapy, which combines counseling and acoustic therapy to help you find relief

If sound sensitivity is interfering with your daily life, our team is here to help. Schedule an appointment today to receive your personalized plan for managing sound sensitivities.