Hyperacusis is a sound sensitivity condition where everyday noises are perceived as excessively loud or painful, even though their actual volume has not changed. It occurs when the brain’s sound-processing system becomes overly reactive. While there is no cure, sound therapy, lifestyle changes, and guided desensitisation can help manage symptoms effectively over time.
Hyperacusis Explained: Why Everyday Sounds Can Hurt and How to Manage It
Hyperacusis can make everyday sounds you normally wouldn’t think twice about sound uncomfortably loud or even painful. The reason is that hyperacusis alters how the brain interprets sounds. With hyperacusis, the sounds are not actually louder than they used to be, they simply seem louder.
A Closer Look at Hyperacusis
With hyperacusis, the internal volume controls of the brain become overly reactive. Exactly why this happens is not completely understood, but there is evidence that exposure to extreme noises, ear injuries, stress and certain medical conditions can contribute to the onset of this condition.
Once the brain’s volume control becomes miscalibrated, it begins to amplify sound signals with no apparent logic behind the increase. In some cases, these sound signals may reach the brain’s pain centre, creating significant discomfort. The pain may also be accompanied by a sense of pressure in the ear, which can exacerbate the situation.
Common symptoms of hyperacusis include:
- Ordinary sounds and noises become amplified.
- The patient often feels auditory discomfort in crowded environments.
- A sharp or stabbing pain in the ears.
- Fatigue brought on by dealing with the amplified sounds.
Treating Hyperacusis
As of this writing, there is no cure for hyperacusis, but there are therapies that have proven themselves effective in managing symptoms. These include various sound therapies, lifestyle adjustments and desensitisation over time. These therapies may include sound enrichment, whereby a gentle background noise is introduced into the patient’s environment in order to establish a baseline noise level that the auditory system can engage with.
Common Symptom Management Recommendations:
- Avoid completely silent environments.
- Opt instead for situations and environments with more or less steady baseline noise levels.
- Adopt stress relief techniques to reduce the reactivity of the nervous system.
- Avoid using ear protection unless absolutely necessary.
- Follow the recommendations of your Harley Street AVM audiologist.
With a patient, diligent approach and a Harley Street Audiologist on your side, it is likely that your hyperacusis will become more manageable over time.
