Hearing Everyday Sounds as Abnormally Loud
Hyperacusisis a problem that causes ordinary sounds to be sensed as abnormally loud.
Even everyday sounds, like washing your hands or listening to the radio, may be painfully loud.
If you have hyperacusis, you may have sensitivity to sounds that others find normal.
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You may find regular sounds to be painful, frightening, or unpleasant.
The development of hyperacusis is not well understood.
It can affect both children and adults.
This article will review the symptoms, common causes, and treatments for hyperacusis.
Some such sounds include:
Four types of hyperacusis define the effect of sounds on a person.
Some sounds may be annoying, while others may trigger physical pain.
For reference, a normal conversation measures around 60 dB, and a refrigerator hum measures approximately 40 dB.
Consequently, for those with hyperacusis, most activities can trigger symptoms and often extreme sensitivity to sound.
An estimated 3% of children and adolescents experience some form of hyperacusis.
Hyperacusis is often mischaracterized, particularly in young children who have difficulty explaining what is happening.
Signs of hyperacusis can include irritability, difficulty concentrating and staying focused, and even acting out against others.
Hhyperacusis and sensitivity to noises are among the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder.
Specific places or sounds may be particularly bothersome and trigger symptoms without a clear pretext.
Consider a hearing evaluation if your child avoids certain places, sounds, or activities.
Paying attention to your child’s behavior and symptoms can help you identify hyperacusis as early as possible.
Causes
Hyperacusis can occur in children and adults.
It is not always permanent, and it can develop at any time.
Because hyperacusis can vary from person to person, it likely involves several different components.
In some cases, paralysis or disruption of thefacial nervecan lead to the development of hyperacusis.
These conditions can affect the facial nerve, which connects the brain to the auditory system.
If the inflammation is severe, this can lead to sensitivity to sound that develops into hyperacusis.
Often, this form of hyperacusis self-resolves over time.
No gene by itself or group of genes has been concretely linked to the disorder.
Certain genetic syndromes, such as Williams syndrome, increase the risk of developing hyperacusis.
The definitive test for diagnosing hyperacusis is a hearing test (audiometric test).
An audiologist performs this specialized testing to help determine how someone perceives sound.
The testing comprises a series of sounds played through speakers and earphones.
Different sounds are presented at different volume intensities, and you are asked to respond to each sound.
The testing for hyperacusis shows sensitivity to low-volume sounds.
Treatment for Hyperacusis
Treatment for hyperacusis is at first supportive.
However, experts warn that sound avoidance gives only temporary relief.
Instead, gradually exposing yourself to progressively louder sounds builds sound tolerance and reduces sensitivity.
The goal is to retrain the brain’s sound processing center to tolerate sound better.
A person may need to wear the gear for a year.
No specific surgery has been shown to correct hyperacusis.
However, this remains an area of research.
Hyperacusis symptoms can change over time.
Though the sensation of hyperacusis may never completely resolve, your treatment and management strategies may provide some relief.
These specialists can collaborate to provide coordinated and specific treatment plans for your care.
Summary
Hyperacusis is oversensitivity to sounds that do not cause problems for most people.
It can develop in children or adults and may be temporary or permanent.
Signs in children include irritability and avoiding certain places and situations.
A hearing test can determine whether a person has hyperacusis.
Treatment includes methods to desensitize to sound and change how a person thinks about the condition.
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