What is hyperacusis?

Hyperacusis is a condition where the individual experiences an increased sensitivity to certain sounds. It can make ordinary sounds excessively loud or even painful which is obviously very irritating for the sufferer. The underlying cause of hyperacusis is still not fully understood but it is thought to involve changes in the way the brain processes sound. Unfortunately, there is no cure but there are ways that the effects can be lessened.

The role of Tinnitus

It is important to note that hyperacusis is not the same as tinnitus. Tinnitus is the perception of sound when there isn’t actually any sound. Tinnitus can become a symptom of hyperacusis but it is not the cause.

How does the brain process sound?

The brain processes sound in a number of ways and distinguishes between different pitches and volumes, identifies the location the sound is coming from, and deciphers the meaning of words. The brain uses it’s knowledge of the world to process the context of the sound; this means when you hear a dog bark, your brain understands that a dog is making the noise and not a cat even when you cannot see the animal.

The causes of Hyperacusis

Whilst the underlying cause of hyperacusis isn’t fully understood, there are a few possible causes that have been established:

• Damage to the ear caused by infection, injury or noise
• Problems with the inner ear, such as Meniere’s disease
• Neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis or autism
• Psychological conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder or anxiety disorders

Symptoms of Hyperacusis

There are a large range of symptoms associated with hyperacusis and it depends on the severity of the condition as to what symptoms the individual suffers with. Some of the more common symptoms are:

• An increased sensitivity to certain sounds
• Feeling that a sound is too loud, irritating or painful
• Difficulty tolerating everyday noises, such as voices, laughter, traffic or household appliances
• Needing to wear earplugs or headphones for protection from noise
• Withdrawing from social situations in order to avoid exposure to loud noise

Treatments for Hyperacusis

As we already stated, there is no cure currently but there are treatments that can help to lessen its effects. The options available for treatment depend on the cause of the individual’s hyperacusis. In some cases, the cause cannot be identified in which case treatment will focus on managing the symptoms. Hearing aids can be used as an effective solution as they are equipped with reduction features that can help to soften the sounds that cause discomfort. Any of the main hearing aid types can be used for this treatment:

• Behind the ear (BTE)
• In the ear (ITE)
• In the canal (ITC)
• Completely in canal (CIC)
• Invisible in canal (IIC)

Hearing aids are the most commonly prescribed course of treatment for hyperacusis sufferer’s but there are additional treatments available to people:

• Sound therapy – this involves listening to low-volume sounds that are specifically tailored to help relieve the symptoms
• Counselling or therapy – psychological conditions, such as PTSD or anxiety disorders can worsen symptoms so counselling or therapy can be helpful in managing these conditions
• Medication – there are certain medications that people can take to help treat hyperacusis, including anti-anxiety drugs and antidepressants
• Surgery – in very rare cases, surgery may be necessary to treat the underlying cause

If you have any concerns that you or a loved one is struggling with hyperacusis, it’s so important to see your GP or an Audiologist as soon as possible so that treatment can be started.

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