Hearing Problems - Hyperacusis: (HTTP://WWW - Betterhealth.vic - Gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/tinnitus)

Hearing problems - hyperacusis
Summary
Hyperacusis is a type of reduced tolerance to sound.
People with hyperacusis often find ordinary noises too loud, while loud noises can cause
discomfort and pain.
The most common known causes of hyperacusis are exposure to loud noise, and ageing.
There are no tests for diagnosing hyperacusis.
There is usually no cure for hyperacusis, although it can be managed.
Treatment focuses on insight, reassurance and protection of the ears.
Hyperacusis is a type of reduced tolerance for sound. People with hyperacusis often
find ordinary noises too loud, and loud noises uncomfortable or painful. The most
common cause of hyperacusis is damage to the inner ear from ageing or exposure
to loud noise.
Hyperacusis is often associated with tinnitus
(http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/tinnitus)
(buzzing, ringing or whistling noises in the ears) and distortion of sounds. Usually
both ears are affected, although it is possible to have it in only one ear. Other types
of reduced tolerance to sound include ‘loudness recruitment’ and ‘phonophobia’.
Symptoms of hyperacusis
The onset of hyperacusis can be gradual or sudden. Symptoms include:
very quiet sounds are comfortable, but ordinary sounds (like voices at conversational
volume) are too loud or distorted
your own voice seems too loud or distorted
low intensity sounds, such as the noise of a refrigerator, seem too loud
sudden, loud noise can cause discomfort and pain
loud noises can:
worsen your sensitivity to sound for some time
worsen tinnitus and distortion
cause a ‘popping’ sensation inside the ear.
Causes of hyperacusis
Some known causes of hyperacusis include:
changes in hearing due to ageing
one-off exposure to loud noise, such as an explosion
a slap on the ear
chronic exposure to noise, such as working in a noisy environment
certain medications
head injury
surgery to the ear
paralysis of the facial nerve – which can cause the mechanism in the middle ear that
protects you from loud noise not to function
medical procedures – clearing a blocked ear canal may cause temporary increased
sensitivity to sound.
If you have intolerance to sound in one ear only, this should be investigated for an
acoustic neuroma (a tumour) on the balance (vestibular) nerve. A tumour is more
easily removed if it is detected early. However, even if a tumour is found, not all cases
require removal.
Diagnosis of hyperacusis
There are no tests for diagnosing decreased sound tolerance. Diagnosis depends
mainly on your description of your discomfort. Audiological tests are used to assess
the health of your ear.
Impact of hyperacusis
If your hyperacusis is severe, you may find that you are uncomfortable leaving your
home, and that your reduced tolerance for sound is affecting your career and social
life.
Some people find that everyday activities, such as driving a car, using a lawn mower,
vacuum cleaner or power tool, watching the television or listening to music are
problematic. Shopping centres, restaurants and movie theatres may be too loud.
The good news is, in most cases, hyperacusis can be managed
Treatment for hyperacusis
There is usually no cure once noise sensitivity has started, because the common
causes are noise damage and ageing damage to the inner ear. Avoiding exposure to
noise will help.
Other disorders of the inner ear, which may be mistaken for hyperacusis, are
treatable, so prompt assessment of the ears is important.
Generally, sound sensitivity is managed in a number of ways, including:
wearing hearing protection in noisy environments, such as when working with power tools
or being around loud music. This is because tinnitus and sensitivity may be exacerbated by
excessive sounds. It is not necessary to wear hearing protection for everyday activities
reintroducing everyday sounds as soon as possible – this is known as desensitisation
asking people to avoid raising their voice when they speak to you. Let them know it
irritates your ears and distorts the message
talking to someone about your symptoms if anxiety or other reactions persist. A counsellor
or psychologist may be able to talk with you and help you to identify factors that may be
influencing your reactions to loud sounds, and help you develop coping strategies. Knowing
and remembering that hyperacusis is not caused by a threatening disorder can help your
tolerance significantly
tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) – this involves wearing special hearing aids called ‘noise
generators’, which can, over time, reduce your sensitivity to noise. The ears become
accustomed to the barely audible ‘white noise’ and eventually ignore it
medication to help you sleep – this may be needed in the short term.
Where to get help
Your GP (doctor)
(http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/serviceprofiles/General-practitioner-services)
Ear, nose and throat specialist
(http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/serviceprofiles/Ear-nose-and-throat-specialist-services)
(your doctor can refer you)
Audiologist
(http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/serviceprofiles/audiologist-service)
(hearing scientist)
Tinnitus Association of Victoria
(http://tinnitus.org.au/)
Tel. (03) 9510 1577
Expression Australia
(https://www.expression.com.au/)
(formerly Vicdeaf) Tel. (03) 9473 1111
, TTY: (03) 9473 1199
, toll free for country callers Tel. 1300 780 225, TTY 1300 780 235
The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital
(https://www.eyeandear.org.au/)
Tel. (03) 9929 8666
Meniere's Australia
(https://menieres.org.au/)
Tel. 1300 368 818
References
What is hyperacusis?
(https://hyperacusis.net/what-is-hyperacusis/)
, Hyperacusis Network.
What causes hyperacusis?
(https://hyperacusis.net/what-is-hyperacusis/what-causes-hyperacusis/)
, Hyperacusis Network.
Hyperacusis – what can be done?, Hyperacusis Network.
Sensitivity to sound and tinnitus – Loudness recruitment, hyperacusis and phonophobia,
Tinnitus SA.
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
(https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/) (https://www.eyeandear.org.au/)
View all ear nose and throat

(http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/conditionsandtreatments/ear-nose-and-throat)
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Reviewed on: 27-05-2019
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