Hyperacusis Treatment in London
Hyperacusis is a disorder that affects loudness perception. People with hyperacusis typically exhibit an oversensitivity to various sounds, finding many to be painfully loud. The condition is found in both children and adults, affecting approximately 1 in 50,000 individuals. As of this writing, there is no cure for hyperacusis but there are a variety of treatment options that can mitigate some of the more odious symptoms. If you are afflicted with hyperacusis Harley Street AVM offer expert hyperacusis treatment in Harley Street, London.
About Audiovestibular Medicine (AVM)
There are numerous potential causes for hyperacusis, including but not limited to:
Repeated exposure to loud noises: Data suggests people exposed to loud noises for prolonged periods of time are more susceptible to developing hyperacusis. That includes musicians, fans of loud music and construction workers.
A sudden extremely loud noise: People who have survived bombings, been close to explosions and those who were in close proximity to gunshots sometimes develop hyperacusis.
Damage to the facial nerve: It is believed that damage to the facial nerve that controls the stapedius muscle can cause hyperacusis. The stapedius muscle is tasked with regulating sound intensity.
Nearly 90% of people with hyperacusis also report experiencing tinnitus.
Hyperacusis Diagnosis
The first step in hyperacusis treatment in Harley Street, London is accurate diagnosis. The experts at Harley Street AVM will typically base their diagnosis on:
- Your personal history: Have you spent long hours listening to loud music in clubs, or do you work in a profession that exposes you to loud noises?
- An ear exam: Our experts conduct a thorough ear exam looking for structural abnormalities inside the ear that might cause your hyperacusis.
- A hearing test: We often perform a hearing test or hearing tests including measures of inner ear hair cell function in order to determine if there is an underlying hearing loss..
Hyperacusis Treatment in Harley Street, London
Hyperacusis can have a significant negative impact on a person’s quality of life if left untreated. If you believe you suffer from hyperacusis contact the experts at Harley Street AVM to arrange an appointment by calling 020 3480 9630, filling out the contact form on our site or by writing to us at: info@harleyavm.com.
Testimonials
What People are Saying
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hyperacusis?
Hyperacusis is a rare hearing disorder characterised by increased sensitivity to everyday sounds that may seem uncomfortably loud. This noise sensitivity can lead to significant distress, ear pain, and social isolation if left untreated.
What are the symptoms of hyperacusis?
Symptoms of hyperacusis include discomfort from loud sounds or specific sounds and, a lowered loudness discomfort level. Many patients also report physical symptoms such as headaches and dizziness in noisy environments.
What causes hyperacusis?
Hyperacusis may develop after prolonged periods of noise exposure to loud music, sudden loud noises, or due to conditions like Bell’s palsy, Lyme disease, or Ramsay Hunt syndrome. Damage to the facial nerve controlling the stapedius muscle or the inner ear can also contribute to loudness perception issues.
How is hyperacusis diagnosed?
A hyperacusis diagnosis at our Harley Street clinic involves reviewing your medical history, a detailed ear examination, and hearing tests to assess your auditory system and sound intensity perception. This helps us provide an accurate differential diagnosis to guide your treatment plan.
What treatment options are available for hyperacusis?
While there is currently no definitive cure for hyperacusis, we offer a range of treatment options to manage hyperacusis symptoms effectively. These include sound therapy using white noise, tinnitus retraining therapy, and relaxation techniques to reduce noise sensitivity and discomfort.
Can treatment significantly improve my quality of life?
Yes, treatment can significantly improve your comfort with sounds and help you manage hyperacusis in everyday noises and environments. Many patients experience significant improvements in their ability to tolerate noise and reduce significant distress with effective treatment.
Is tinnitus linked with hyperacusis?
Nearly 90% of people with hyperacusis also report tinnitus. Managing tinnitus and hyperacusis together can help in reducing discomfort and improving your hearing experience.
Why choose Harley Street AVM for hyperacusis treatment?
Our hyperacusis treatment at Harley Street combines medical expertise with a personalised treatment plan to address your specific hyperacusis symptoms and hearing needs. We utilise the latest treatment methods to help you achieve a sustainable reduction in sensitivity to loud sounds and noises.
Can hyperacusis affect children as well as adults?
Yes, hyperacusis can affect people of all ages, including children. It may impact their ability to tolerate everyday sounds and lead to significant distress if left untreated. Our Harley Street team offers gentle hearing tests and assessments for hyperacusis symptoms in children to support early treatment and improve comfort.
What coping strategies can help manage hyperacusis?
Alongside medical treatment options, we may recommend coping strategies such as gradual sound exposure, relaxation techniques, and lifestyle adjustments to reduce anxiety around noise. We also provide sound therapy using white noise to help your auditory system adjust to everyday noises and noisy environments safely.
Our Associations
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is a public body of the Department of Health and Social Care established to regulate and inspect health and social care services in England.
CQC registration is a marker for standards of care. It is a mandatory requirement of all organisations which provide vestibular care or diagnostics.
Harley Street Audiovestibular Clinic is fully registered and compliant with all the stringent CQC requirements, ensuring you care is in the best possible hands.
