Do you find ordinary sounds intolerably loud? Then you may suffer from hyperacusis. Also known as sound sensitivity or hyper sensitive hearing, people who suffer from this condition find it difficult to cope with ordinary sounds. Let’s examine what you need to know about hypersensitivity to noise and what you can do about it.
Hyperacusis is a hearing disorder characterized by sensitivity to sound. Some people find the condition a minor irritation, whereas others find it challenging to cope in an increasingly louder world. This condition can potentially dismantle careers, ruin relationships, and make performing even the most basic tasks challenging.
Noise sensitivity is a rare condition, with only one in 50,000 people suffering from it. Even though this is a hearing disorder, most sufferers of sensitive hearing can typically hear perfectly fine — it’s just not a pleasant hearing experience. It’s not uncommon for people with this disorder to also suffer from tinnitus, a common condition where the hearer experiences constant buzzing, ringing, and hissing sounds.
Sensitivity to noise can cause a variety of conditions, such as depression, anxiety, ear pain, and relationship troubles. Isolation is a common result for people with hyperacusis. Sounds like running faucets, car engines, kitchen appliances, or even ordinary conversations may cause extreme irritation or physical pain in the hearer. Reactions to sudden sensitivity to sound range from mild irritation to full-blown seizures and loss of balance. Your symptoms will depend on which of the two types of hyperacusis you suffer from.
The most common form of the condition is cochlear. The majority of symptoms are physical, with sufferers experiencing pain inside their ears. They also tend to be extremely frustrated and may have a complete intolerance to everyday sounds. Many sufferers of cochlear noise sensitivity may retreat from society and become socially isolated as a result.
Vestibular sensitivity to noise is the less common of the two, but its symptoms are far more severe. People who suffer from this condition experience nausea, imbalance, and dizziness. The severity of symptoms is often influenced by exposure to certain types of sound, which differ depending on the person.
Unlike many other diseases and disorders, sensitive hearing is not something people are born with. This is an acquired disorder caused by health issues, specific diseases, and trauma. But why do some people hear sounds at a louder volume than others?
Ears conventionally detect sounds in the form of vibrations. If you suffer from sensitivity to sound, your brain is confusing signals and exaggerating these vibrations. You continue to receive the same signals as anyone else, but the brain interprets them differently. Some of the major causes of the condition include:
Noise exposure has been known to cause the condition. A single loud sound, such as a gunshot, may trigger sensitive hearing. On the other hand, prolonged exposure to loud noises may also be the trigger
If you believe you may suffer from this condition, you will need to schedule an appointment with an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) doctor. An ENT doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and medical history. They will also perform a hearing test to diagnose the condition.
Many sufferers of hypersensitive hearing also experience fear and anxiety relating to sound. This often leads to the wearing of earplugs and industrial ear defenders to muffle sounds. Most experts strongly advise against this because it can make the symptoms worse. The easiest way to compare this is sitting in a dark room for hours and being exposed to a sudden burst of strong sunlight. Whenever someone with this condition removes their earplugs or ear defenders, the sounds and symptoms will worsen.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) takes place with a professional therapist and addresses the mental side of the problem. You will discuss your fears and anxieties and come up with solutions to address them. Therapy can make it easier to learn to live with the condition.
There are actions you can take to become used to the sounds that irritate you. Rather than avoiding sound, take steps to expose yourself to that noise during your daily life regularly. This strategy works together with meditation and mindfulness to allow things to be as they are. The simplest way to confront being sensitive to noise is to address sounds in a controlled environment. Here are some tips for managing this strategy:
Hyperacusis is just one small part of the spectrum of hearing disorders, but it can have a dramatic effect on your ability to live life to the fullest. It’s important to seek out medical attention so you can best learn to live with sound sensitivity. At EarPros, we’re with you on your journey to better hearing. Schedule a free consultation with a licensed hearing professional today.
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