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Noise sensitivity (Hyperacusis)

Hyperacusis or noise sensitivity is when the daily sounds feel much louder than they should; some treatments can be beneficial. If you believe you have hyperacusis, visit a doctor.

Hyperacusis symptoms

Symptoms of noise sensitivity can differ. 

Mild signs can consist of:

  • Familiar sounds seem to be overly loud
  • The loudness of your voice
  • Feeling uneasy in your ears
  • Headaches
  • Having trouble concentrating

Severe signs may include:

  • Discomfort upon hearing loud noises
  • An ear-popping sensation when exposed to loud noises
  • Anxiety
  • Bad sleep
  • Fatigue
  • Aversion to social situations

Children who experience discomfort from hyperacusis may weep or shout.

    Hyperacusis symptoms

    Causes for noise sensitivity

    • High exposure to noise
    • Head trauma
    • Viral illnesses
    • Face- or jaw-surgery
    • Some medicines
    • Autoimmune illnesses
    • Disorder of the temporomandibular joint
    • Autism
    • Emotional tension

    Treatments for Noise sensitivity 

    If another ailment, such as a migraine, a head injury, or Lyme disease, is the root of the hyperacusis.

    If there is no actual cause, you might take medication to help. You become less sensitive to everyday noises.

    Treatment could be:

    • Sound therapy to help you re-acclimate to background noise. White noise earplugs may be required.
    • Using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can alter your perspective on your hyperacusis and decrease anxiety

    Tinnitus retraining therapy makes use of a gadget like a hearing aid. Your brain can hear the noise and tinnitus because of the device’s low-intensity sound. 

    Due to its ability to lessen hearing sensitivity, the procedure is gets applied to hyperacusis.

    Preventing noise sensitivity 

    Taking care of noise sensitivity is the most excellent method to prevent it. Wearing earplugs or avoiding noisy environments is not advised. These techniques may make you more sensitive to sound and possibly make it more severe. Exposure to familiar sounds is critical to restoring normal hearing sensitivity.

    The exception is restricting noise temporarily, like during a concert. Otherwise, it’s advisable to refrain from using earplugs frequently.

    Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
    Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022