Hyperacusis is a debilitating and rare hearing disorder characterized by an increased sensitivity to certain frequencies and volume ranges of sound (a collapsed tolerance to usual environmental sound). A person with severe hyperacusis has difficulty tolerating everyday sounds, which become painful or loud.
The prevalence of hyperacusis is 1 in 50,000 people. Hyperacusis is often coincident with tinnitus. However, tinnitus is more common and there are important differences between their involved mechanisms.
Hyperacusis can occur as a result of or in addition to other disorders. Other conditions can impact or influence the severity and symptoms of an individual’s hyperacusis.
Examples of this include but are not limited to:
A patient with tinnitus experiencing elevated tinnitus from sound exposure.
A patient with TMJ experiencing jaw pain from sounds.
A migraine patient experiencing lingering migraines from sound.
A person with a vestibular disorder losing their balance from sound, etc.
It is also possible for patients who previously did not have any pre-existing conditions, to develop them as a result or in combination with the Hyperacusis.
References
- Knipper M, Van Dijk P, Nunes I, Rüttiger L, Zimmermann U (December 2013). “Advances in the neurobiology of hearing disorders: recent developments regarding the basis of tinnitus and hyperacusis”. Progress in Neurobiology. 111: 17–33. doi:1016/j.pneurobio.2013.08.002. PMID24012803.
- Tyler RS, Pienkowski M, Roncancio ER, Jun HJ, Brozoski T, Dauman N, Dauman N, Andersson G, Keiner AJ, Cacace AT, Martin N, Moore BC (December 2014). “A review of hyperacusis and future directions: part I. Definitions and manifestations”(PDF). American Journal of Audiology. 23(4): 402–19. doi:1044/2014_AJA-14-0010. PMID 25104073.
- Pienkowski M, Tyler RS, Roncancio ER, Jun HJ, Brozoski T, Dauman N, Coelho CB, Andersson G, Keiner AJ, Cacace AT, Martin N, Moore BC (December 2014). “A review of hyperacusis and future directions: part II. Measurement, mechanisms, and treatment”(PDF). American Journal of Audiology. 23 (4): 420–36. doi:1044/2014_AJA-13-0037. PMID 25478787.
- “What Is Sound Sensitivity (Hyperacusis)?”. WebMD. WebMD. Retrieved 7 July2020.
- “Hyperacusis”. British Tinnitus Association. Retrieved 9 June2020.
Symptoms
In hyperacusis, the symptoms are ear pain, annoyance, and general intolerance to many sounds that most people are unaffected by. Crying spells or panic attacks may result from the experience of hyperacusis. It may affect either or both ears. Hyperacusis can also be accompanied by tinnitus. Hyperacusis can result in anxiety, stress and phonophobia. Avoidant behaviour is often a response to prevent the effects of hyperacusis and this can include avoiding social situations.
Face Pain
Migraines
Jaw Pain
Dizziness
Seizures
Noise cancelling devices like ear plugs, ear muffs or head phones can be helpful.
