What is Hyperacusis? (High-per-ah-koosis)

It is a super sensitivity to sound of all types, even the normal sounds you hear every day. They are perceived as being louder than they are, even excessively loud, unbearable, often painful and many times frightening. The sound of running water, people talking and often even one’s own voice can be difficult to endure. People can also experience phonophobia, a fear of certain sounds as well as misophonia, strong dislike of sound. Hyperacusis often begins with fear and emotions greatly influence how one focuses on it. This can result in subconsciously training the brain to change these sounds into sounds that the person cannot tolerate.

Hyperacusis can affect all ages and it can be present with or without hearing loss. It can develop suddenly and be triggered by exposure to excessive noise, head injury, side effects of surgery or drugs, loud rock music, a gunshot or firecracker exposure. Sixty percent of those with hyperacusis can also experience tinnitus. Little is known about hyperacusis and many physicians are not familiar with it.

The most difficult challenge is that family and friends are often not sympathetic and don’t understand how devastating it is to the person experiencing it. It can often result in severe depression as well as a total feeling of isolation.

There are a variety of treatment options and products, such as Sound Therapy, that can assist in retraining the perception to these sounds. They allow the person to more readily cope and function. Dr. Segal can assist individuals experiencing these sensations in evaluation and implementing a treatment plan.

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