Hyperacusis is a condition where tolerance to sound is reduced.
Symptoms
People with hyperacusis may find normal everyday sounds, such as paper rustling, background conversation or the doorbell ringing, excessively loud, uncomfortable, or even painful. Hyperacusis can affect one or both ears.
Hyperacusis affects people differently. For some people, it doesn’t affect them too much. For others, hyperacusis can cause distress and have an impact on their day-to-day life, making them want to avoid noisy places.
Causes
The cause of hyperacusis is uncertain. It may start suddenly or come on more gradually. For some people, hyperacusis can start after being exposed to loud noise. For others, there is no clear trigger. Hyperacusis can sometimes also be linked to other medical conditions, such as migraines, or autism. Hyperacusis has also been linked to tinnitus (hearing noises that are not caused by an outside source).
Treatment
Some people with hyperacusis may try to avoid everyday sounds due to the discomfort they experience. However, wearing hearing protection for sounds that aren’t loud, or avoiding these sounds, can be unhelpful in the long term and may further reduce tolerance to sound. Hearing protection should still be worn when you’re around loud sounds that can damage your hearing.
If you have sensitivity to sounds you can visit your GP, who may be able to refer you to a specialist. If there is an underlying cause, then treating this may improve the hyperacusis. If no specific cause is found, then specialists may be able to offer treatment to help reduce your sensitivity to sound.
Treatments may include sound therapy, to help you get used to sounds, or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT is a form of talking therapy that can be used to help you manage your hyperacusis. Some people find that relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises can help.