Hyperacusis is an abnormal sensitivity or intolerance to certain everyday sounds, in which others can tolerate. This may also be accompanied by a heightened sense of volume and physical discomfort in response to the sounds.

Symptoms may include

• Avoidance of sound
• Aural discomfort: pain, blockage, fullness
• Tinnitus
• Panic, distress, and anxiety

Hyperacusis is typically an anxiety/fear-driven response to everyday sounds. Sounds appear unnaturally louder in perception. This is often due to the development of a subconscious perceived ‘threat’ to specific, ordinary sounds. Those who suffer from hyperacusis have developed a negative emotional label towards certain sounds, resulting in abnormal behaviours. This may come about with anxiety of aggravating pre-existing aural symptoms such as tinnitus or hearing loss.

In certain cases, hyperacusis may be a symptom of a larger pathology in play. Examples of these include Bell’s Palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, a head/brain lesion, William’s syndrome, Addison’s disease and Lyme disease.

A full diagnostic audiological assessment with Loudness Discomfort Levels (LDL) can confirm the presence of hyperacusis and can quantify its severity. A thorough health history, physical examination and laboratory testing may also be required to exclude any major pathology.

At AudioHearing, our team of qualified clinicians can:

• Perform a detailed history to thoroughly understand each client’s medical timeline
• Correctly identify hyperacusis via diagnostic testing
• Provide counseling to break the anxiety/fear response to sounds
• Tailor hearing aids to effectively dampen sounds
  –  Progressively reintroduce sounds as they habituate to them
• Direct the patients to any relevant medical professionals if necessary