Hyperacusis

Hyperacusis is a condition which increases sensitivity to sound, some normal everyday sounds that other people hear ok will cause the sufferer extreme pain and discomfort. The sounds which make a person feel this way varies from person to person it isn’t just certain sounds which cause it but a range of them.

What does the condition feel like?

Having Hyperacusis can be very distressing, it can make you feel anxious, startled and at times it can bring on actual panic attacks, if you suffer from Hyperacusis then you could also suffer from tinnitus. The sufferer can also find that once they have been exposed to a noise which causes them severe distress then the feelings of discomfort can stop with them for a long time afterward.

The anxiety that this causes can be the most distressing symptom of all because if the sufferer is in conditions where they are likely to hear the noise repeatedly then they are forever tense while expecting the sound again.

What causes the condition?

Researchers don’t really know why people have this condition though several factors are thought to be involved in the condition; one of these is that some functions of the hearing system which normally balance sounds may be affected.

Normally when we are in a noisy environment our brain acts as a volume control when filtering noisy situations, this then helps to protect the inner ear. It is thought that when something happens to this mechanism that people develop Hyperacusis.

Is there any treatment?

If you think that you may be suffering from Hyperacusis then you should see your doctor, as not much is known about the condition your doctor may refer you to an ENT specialist. You will then be assessed to try and find the cause of your condition and then be advised on suitable treatment, as well as advising you on any treatment to help with Hyperacusis you may also be advised on obtaining therapy for the symptoms that the disease can bring. Therapy will be given for anxiety, depression, phobia and stress, as these are often the worse symptoms of this condition.

What can I do to help myself?

There are a few things you can do to try and ease the situation for yourself and these include:

• Try not to wear earmuffs or earplugs because while these can ease the situation they can make things worse in the long run.
• However hard it might be try not to avoid situations that cause you discomfort.
• Try to make sure you listen to everyday sounds.
• Avoid completely quiet environments.