Hyperacusis is a hearing disorder characterized by a heightened sensitivity to sounds that are typically tolerable to others. A person with this condition may find everyday noises painfully loud, causing discomfort and sometimes pain.
This condition can significantly affect one’s quality of life, making even ordinary activities challenging and overwhelming. Understanding and managing hyperacusis requires a holistic approach that involves identifying triggers, employing sound therapy, and adopting coping strategies to minimize the negative effects of this auditory hypersensitivity.
One of the first things you need to do if you suspect you have hyperacusis is to get a hearing test from an audiologist.
Alabama Hearing Associates has audiologists providing hearing tests in Madison, AL, Huntsville, AL, and The Shoals.
Hyperacusis Signs and Symptoms
Hyperacusis manifests through various signs and symptoms, which vary in severity and presentation among individuals.
Below are some common indicators of hyperacusis to look out for:
- Increased sensitivity to sound: Individuals with hyperacusis experience an amplified perception of everyday sounds, making them seem obnoxiously loud, overwhelming, or even painful.
- Discomfort or pain: Certain sounds that are considered as ordinary or tolerable to others can cause discomfort or physical pain to people with hyperacusis. The pain may be localized in the ears or extend to the neck or head area.
- Reduced sound tolerance: Hyperacusis often leads to a decreased ability to tolerate sounds. Even moderate or low-level noises, such as keys jingling, a running faucet or rustling paper, can become distressing.
- Ear-related symptoms: Some individuals with hyperacusis may also experience other symptoms in the ears, such as tinnitus or ear fullness.
- Physiological and emotional responses: Hyperacusis can evoke emotional and physiological responses, including stress, anxiety, irritability, fatigue, muscle tension, and even avoidance behaviors to escape triggering sounds.
- Negative impact on daily life: The heightened sensitivity to sound can greatly affect daily life, affecting social interactions, making routine activities challenging, and potentially leading to depression or isolation.
It’s important to note that hyperacusis can have differing underlying causes and may exist with other hearing-related conditions, such as hearing loss or tinnitus. Consulting with an audiologist is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of hyperacusis.
Hyperacusis Causes
Hyperacusis can have various underlying causes, and it is often a result of abnormalities or changes in the auditory system.
Some common causes and contributing factors of hyperacusis include:
- Noise-induced hearing loss
- Head injury or trauma
- Ear-related conditions
- Central auditory processing disorders
- Medications
- Genetics
- Stress and psychological factors
It is important to note that the exact cause of hyperacusis may vary from person to person, and sometimes the specific cause may not be identified.
We recommend consulting with an audiologist for an accurate diagnosis. Expert Alabama audiologists at Alabama Hearing Associates can perform comprehensive hearing tests to determine the underlying cause of hyperacusis.
Diagnosing Hyperacusis
Diagnosing hyperacusis requires a comprehensive evaluation by an audiologist. The diagnostic process typically includes the following steps:
- Medical history and symptom assessment
- Physical examination
- Hearing evaluation
- Loudness discomfort levels (LDL) testing
- Questionnaires and psychological assessments
In some cases, additional tests such as auditory brainstem response (ABR), otoacoustic emissions (OAE), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be recommended to check for any underlying conditions or investigate the auditory system in more detail.
It is essential to undergo a thorough evaluation to accurately diagnose hyperacusis and identify any underlying causes.
Hyperacusis Treatment
The treatment of hyperacusis involves a combination of approaches tailored to address the specific needs and severity of symptoms.
Below are some common treatment options for hyperacusis:
1. Sound therapy: This aims to retrain the brain’s response to sound stimuli and desensitize the auditory system. This can be achieved through low-level noise generators, white noise or pink noise, and gradual exposure to sound:
2. Relaxation techniques: Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, yoga, and meditation, can help reduce stress and anxiety associated with hyperacusis.
3. Hearing protection: Using hearing protection in situations where loud noises are anticipated can help prevent overstimulation and protect the ears from further damage.
4. Medications: In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help manage associated symptoms, such as insomnia or anxiety. However, there is no specific medication approved for treating hyperacusis itself.
Audiologists in North Alabama
It’s important to work closely with an audiologist to determine the most appropriate treatment options for individual cases of hyperacusis. Treatment plans are often personalized based on the individual’s symptoms, underlying causes, and their response to different interventions.
Alabama Hearing Associates connects you to expert audiologists in Madison, AL, Huntsville, AL, and The Shoals.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
