Hyperacusis is a term that describes increased sound sensitivity caused by a problem with how the brain perceives noise. It can lead to discomfort and even pain. Below, we review everything you need to know about hyperacusis.
How Common Is Hyperacusis?
This condition is fairly rare, occurring in approximately one in 50,000 people, according to the University of California, San Francisco. It can affect both children and adults.
What Are the Symptoms of Hyperacusis?
Possible symptoms of hyperacusis include:
- Sensitivity to everyday sounds
- Discomfort or pain caused by louder or higher-pitch sounds
- Difficulty tolerating ordinary environments
- Avoidance and isolation
- Phonophobia (fear of noise)
What Are the Causes of Hyperacusis?
Hyperacusis is a condition that develops; it is not one you’re born with. Though in many cases, there is no identifiable cause, it can sometimes be attributed to one of the following conditions or events:
- Head injury
- Exposure to excessive noise
- Ototoxic medications
- Airbag deployment
- Viral infection
- Bell’s palsy
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder
- Lyme disease
It may also be attributed to a neurologic condition such as:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Migraines
- Epilepsy
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Valium dependence
- Tay-Sachs disease
It’s also common among children who have brain injuries, autism and cerebral palsy.
How Is Hyperacusis Diagnosed?
An audiologist will conduct a physical exam and ask about your symptoms and medical history.
Sometimes, an audiologist will administer a hearing test, but these don’t always indicate a person with hyperacusis can hear “better” than others. In fact, people with hyperacusis often have difficulty hearing speech in noisy environments, even if the audiogram (visual representation of your hearing ability) is normal. This is called obscure auditory dysfunction or auditory processing disorder.
What Are the Treatment Options for Hyperacusis?
While there aren’t any specific surgical or medical treatments for hyperacusis, sound therapy has been shown to be effective. This helps retrain the auditory processing center of the brain to accept everyday sounds.
During sound therapy, you’ll wear a noise-generating device on the affected ear(s), which produces white noise that is barely audible. In many cases, sound therapy is effective after about 12 months.
Counseling can also be helpful for people with hyperacusis.
For more information about hyperacusis or to seek treatment with an expert audiologist, call Heuser Hearing Institute today.