Hyperacusis

Hyperacusis is a hearing disorder characterised by an increased sensitivity to everyday sounds, where normal noises are perceived as unusually loud, uncomfortable, or even painful. People with hyperacusis often find ordinary sounds unbearable that others might barely notice or consider normal.

Understanding the Condition

• An average person can comfortably hear sounds between 0 and 100 decibels
• Someone with hyperacusis might experience pain or distress with sounds as low as 50 decibels (equivalent to normal conversation)

Common Triggers

Everyday sounds that can cause distress include:

• Kitchen appliance noises
• Traffic sounds
• Social gathering chatter
• Music at normal volumes
• Children's voices
• Running water
• Workplace equipment

Symptoms

When exposed to triggering sounds, individuals may experience:

• Physical pain in the ears
• The feeling of fullness in the ears
• Anxiety and distress
• Dizziness
• Heart palpitations
• Social isolation to avoid sounds

Causes

Hyperacusis can develop from various factors:

• Exposure to loud noise
• Head injury or trauma
• Certain medications
• Medical conditions like Bell's palsy or Lyme disease
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
• Some autoimmune conditions

Treatment Options

Treatment typically involves a multi-faceted approach:

Sound Therapy: A gradual process of retraining the auditory system to accept everyday sounds, often using pink or white noise.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps manage anxiety and stress responses associated with sound sensitivity.

Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT): Combines counselling and sound therapy to help the brain reclassify sounds as neutral rather than threatening.

Living with Hyperacusis

Management strategies often include:

• Using ear protection selectively (overuse can worsen the condition)
• Gradually increasing exposure to sounds under professional guidance
• Working with an audiologist to develop coping strategies
• Making necessary environmental modifications

Impact on Daily Life

Hyperacusis can significantly affect:

• Work performance
• Social relationships
• Mental health
• The overall quality of life

If you suspect you have hyperacusis, it's essential to consult an audiologist for proper diagnosis and treatment. With appropriate management and support, many people with hyperacusis can improve their sound tolerance and quality of life.