Due to an uncommon hearing condition known as hyperacusis, an individual may recognize everyday sounds as unusually or uncomfortable and loud. One or both ears may be affected by the problem. It might happen immediately in some situations or slowly grow over time in others.
Physical signs of hyperacusis can include neck or jaw pain as well as ear, jaw, or ear pain. They might also go through psychological anguish that affects their relationships, careers, and general well-being.
In this article, we define hyperacusis and discuss its signs, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and methods of treatment. We also guide when to consult a hearing aid specialist regarding hearing problems.
What is Hyperacusis?
You are probably experiencing hyperacusis if you have an extremely low threshold for sound. Hyperacusis is defined by ENT professionals as an abnormal sensitivity to regular sounds those results in excruciating pain and discomfort.
Because hyperacusis interferes with your job, relationships, and mental tranquility, it can significantly lower your quality of life.
Even routine tasks like driving, socializing, and watching TV can be quite difficult when you have hyperacusis.
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Types of Hyperacusis
There are mainly two types of hyperacusis:
The most prevalent form of hyperacusis that can hurt your ears and leave you intolerable to common frequencies is cochlear hyperacusis.
Because of particular specific noises, vestibular hyperacusis results in dizziness and imbalance.
You may experience stress, anxiety, and depression as a result of either of these two types of hyperacusis. To guarantee the ailment is correctly treated, it is always a best practice to speak with an audiology professional to schedule a hearing test.
Symptoms of Hyperacusis
Depending on the nature and degree of the disorder, the symptoms of hyperacusis might vary.
Any one or both ears may be affected by hyperacusis, which can also lead to irritation or pain in the neck, jaw, or ears. The illness may also cause mental anguish in those who have it.
Additional symptoms of hyperacusis include the following:
- Insomnia
- Having trouble concentrating
- Inability to carry out employment duties
- Issues in relationships
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Social exclusion
- Discomfort upon hearing loud noises
- An ear-exploding pain when exposed to loud noises
- Fatigue
- Aversion to group encounters
What Causes Hyperacusis?
The cause of hyperacusis in certain individuals is unknown to professionals. They do, however, think that it might be brought on by harm to the facial nerves, the auditory nerve, the central nervous system, the ear’s defensive hearing systems, or the auditory nerve.
Hyperacusis Treatment
Hyperacusis has no known treatment. However, some treatments can help those who experience it learn to tolerate sounds and lessen their tolerance to them. The auditory perception center of the brain can be helped by sound therapy to once again perceive common sounds as normal. People who are receiving sound treatment use gadgets that produce mild, narrow-band sounds. Within six to 18 months of consistent use, the gadget can help you regain your ability to tolerate loud noises. Sound therapy needs guidance from an audiologist and psychotherapy to be successful.
While wearing ear protection can help block out noise, ignoring noise altogether can increase your sensitivity. The usual recommendation from audiologists to their patients is to avoid wearing ear protection outside of industrial settings. When another medical disease causes hyperacusis, both the hyperacusis and the other ailment will be addressed at the same time.
It may be helpful to seek counseling to manage your hyperacusis-related anxiety and panic. Other therapeutic methods like cognitive-behavioral therapy may be used in this situation. Through counseling, you can alter your thought and behavior processes to reduce the negative effects that sound sensitivity has on your life.
Also Read: 5 GOOD REASONS TO GET YOUR HEARING TESTED!
How can Hyperacusis be Avoided?
Taking care of hyperacusis is the greatest method to prevent it. Employing earplugs or eliminating chaotic environments is not advised. These techniques may probably make you more sensitive to hearing and possibly make it more severe. It’s critical to be subjected to common sounds in order to restore normal hearing acuity.
The one exception to this rule is temporarily restricting noise, like at a musical festival. Otherwise, it’s advisable to refrain from using earplugs constantly.
In the end!!
Hyperacusis is a scary ailment with no definitive cure. However, there are options like sound therapy and other precautionary measures which are of help. In case you are looking for any kind of assistance or consultation, you can reach out to us at 1-888-432-7784. We, at Tri-County Hearing Services will help you through and through.
