Just as hypoacusis, or reduced hearing, can affect a patient’s daily life, so can hyperacusis. That’s why in this article we want to shed some light on this condition, which affects many patients through an extreme sensitivity to everyday sounds — they’re unable to tolerate sound past a certain intensity. It’s often linked to tinnitus and generally affects both ears, although it can also occur in just one. Around half of people who experience this kind of ringing in the ear or ears also have hyperacusis, unable to tolerate everyday sounds, with loud sounds sometimes causing pain or discomfort.
The common cause behind this sound intolerance is usually an inner ear injury, although it can also be linked to ageing or prolonged exposure to loud noise.
We all have a level or threshold beyond which sound starts to hurt, but people with hyperacusis have a much lower threshold, so everyday sounds become painful long before reaching what would be a high threshold for most people.
Hyperacusis also affects children, something that can be common and go unnoticed, just as it does in some adults. It’s important to provide a pleasant environment so they can express themselves easily, as well as offering musical instruments to help them develop and connect with others. The same applies to the sounds of nature.
Symptoms
Hyperacusis has some characteristic symptoms that can be noticed in those affected. In children, the symptoms tend to be quite obvious, and often include:
- Covering their ears
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Tinnitus
- Ear pain
- Unexplained crying
- Dizziness and vertigo, especially with unpleasant sounds
- Headaches
Causes
The causes of hyperacusis aren’t always clear, but some risk factors include:
- Inner ear damage: Acoustic trauma, infections or inner ear diseases can trigger hyperacusis.
- Hearing loss: Paradoxically, pre-existing hearing loss can increase susceptibility to hyperacusis.
- Ageing: The hearing system naturally deteriorates with age, which can contribute to hyperacusis in some cases.
- Prolonged noise exposure: Loud, prolonged noise, such as in industrial jobs or at concerts, can damage the ear and lead to hyperacusis.
Treatment
There are several angles from which hyperacusis can be treated:
- Protecting the ear from noisy environments, but not from environments with everyday, ordinary sound.
- Desensitisation therapy, which trains the brain to build up more tolerance to sounds that feel bothersome.
- Hearing aid fitting, for patients who have hypoacusis alongside tinnitus.
At our hearing centre on Juan Llorens 7, in Valencia, we can help you manage hyperacusis and improve your quality of life. We offer:
- A complete hearing assessment: We’ll carry out a full assessment of your hearing to determine the cause and degree of your hyperacusis.
- The latest technology: We have the most advanced technology available for diagnosing and treating hyperacusis.
- Personalised care: We’ll offer you close, personalised attention so you feel comfortable and confident throughout the whole process.
If you’re experiencing extreme sound sensitivity, book an appointment at our hearing centre in Valencia. We’re here to help you regain control of your hearing and improve your quality of life.
References
Niños con una mayor sensibilidad auditiva: cómo afecta a su vida y desarrollo – El País (Spanish)
