What is Hyperacusis?

Hyperacusis is a general term used to describe lowered tolerance of everyday sounds that most other people find quite tolerable.  These sounds are often high-pitched sounds or sounds that begin abruptly (impulse sounds).  Examples of these sounds are reversal beeps on industrial vehicles, clattering of dishes and cutlery, dogs barking, and road noise.  Some people find continuous, low-pitched sounds like computer fans are problematic.  These sounds may cause annoyance, physical discomfort or pain. If tinnitus is present, these sounds may cause tinnitus to temporarily spike in loudness. Some people with decreased sound tolerance report difficulty ignoring sounds.  They are aware of many sounds that family members and friends don’t notice and say they are easily startled by unexpected sounds.

Misophonia is mild to intense dislike of sound based on the sound’s context rather than loudness. This is another form of sensitivity to sound.

Many people find sensitivity to sound resolves on its own. Others find that it is a persistent problem that affects their quality of life and ability to function at work and at home.

Who has sensitivity to sound?

Many people with sensitivity to sound also report having tinnitus.  Sensitivity to sound may develop before, after or at the same time as tinnitus.  The fact that both sensitivity to sound and tinnitus frequently occur together suggests that there may be a similar mechanism that causes these hearing complaints.  Some people with sensitivity to sound do not report tinnitus at all.  Approximately 50% of people with sensitivity to sound have hearing loss.

Hyperacusis can be associated with –

• exposure to loud, often unexpected sounds
• hearing loss
• improved hearing following ear surgery
• tinnitus
• head injury
• migraine headaches
• post-traumatic stress disorder
• emotional stress
• neurological disorders
• head injury / concussion

What causes sensitivity to sound?

Sensitivity to sound is believed to be caused by increased sensitivity within the brain’s hearing system, or increased auditory gain.  It is as if the brain’s internal volume control has been turned up to “high”.  Because the brain’s hearing system is now overly-sensitive, sounds that wouldn’t be bothersome normally are considered “too loud” and cause annoyance, pain or discomfort.

What can be done about sensitivity to sound?

Over-use of hearing protection in quiet can bring on sensitivity to sound and so likely makes existing decreased sound tolerance worse. Talk our audiologist if you are unsure about when you should be wearing hearing protection or what kind of hearing protection you should be using.  WorkSafeBC also has excellent resources on when to wear hearing protection and how much hearing protection is required.

Some individuals with sensitivity to sound find using tinnitus instruments (sound generators worn in the ear) help to gradually increase sound tolerance.  Our Tinnitus Clinic audiologist can help determine if you have sensitivity to sound and discuss the possibility of using hearing instruments to improve sound tolerance.