A Clear Guide to Hyperacusis

A Diagnostic Approach to Hyperacusis

Finding normal sounds painfully loud can be distressing, but hyperacusis commonly reflects increased sound sensitivity rather than serious disease. We recommend urgent audiovestibular assessment if symptoms begin suddenly, worsen rapidly, follow a head injury, or occur with new hearing loss, neurological symptoms, or significant balance disturbance.

Enquire

Insurance Accepted

We ensure you have access to our quality care services as we accept insurance plans to cover your healthcare costs.

Altered Sound Tolerance

An Overview of Hyperacusis

Hyperacusis describes an abnormal sensitivity to everyday sounds, where ordinary noise feels uncomfortably loud or even painful. The issue lies in how sound is processed and regulated, not in sound volume itself. People may react strongly to clattering dishes, traffic, or voices, despite normal hearing thresholds and typical hearing test results alone.

Hyperacusis often develops alongside stress, migraine, tinnitus, head injury, or following periods of sound exposure, but causes vary. The brain’s sound gain may increase, amplifying signals unnecessarily. Although distressing, it is usually not dangerous. Accurate identification matters to distinguish hyperacusis from anxiety, hearing loss, or other auditory conditions that can mimic similar symptoms.

More About Us

Pinpointing the Cause

Diagnosing Hyperacusis

When to Get Checked

You should get assessed if sound sensitivity appears suddenly, worsens quickly, or begins after a head injury, infection, or significant illness. In addition, persistent discomfort triggered by everyday sounds, especially when new or escalating, warrants audiovestibular review.

You should seek urgent assessment if hyperacusis occurs with sudden hearing loss, severe ear pain, ongoing dizziness, facial weakness, neurological symptoms, or marked imbalance. Early evaluation helps clarify causes, exclude uncommon conditions, and guide appropriate, safe management.

How We Assess Hyperacusis

At Harley Audiovestibular Clinic, assessment begins with unhurried time spent with a senior audiovestibular consultant. We explore sound triggers, tolerance levels, variability, and daily impact, alongside tinnitus, migraine, balance symptoms, sleep, and stress. We review medical history, medications, noise exposure, and recent illness or injury to understand how sound regulation may have changed.

From this consultation, we plan tailored investigations where needed. These may include detailed hearing assessment, loudness discomfort measures, middle-ear analysis, and tests of sound processing. We use findings to exclude alternative explanations, clarify mechanisms, and agree on a proportionate management plan with clear guidance and, as appropriate, follow-up for each individual.