Hyperacusis

What You Should Know

Symptoms

Hyperacusis is an over-sensitivity to all or certain frequencies of sound. Some sounds may be more difficult to listen to than others, and some may cause pain in the ears even if they do not bother others. For instance, the most disturbing or painful sounds can be sudden high pitched noises like alarms, bus brakes, silverware and dishes, children's screams and clapping.

Causes

Hyperacusis can come on suddenly or gradually. It can initially affect only one ear but within a short time, the condition is almost always bilateral. It can be mild or severe. Often, people who have hyperacusis also have tinnitus. Although severe hyperacusis is rare, 40% of tinnitus patients complain of mild hyperacusis.

By far, the most common causes of hyperacusis are noise injuries to the inner ear or head injuries. Other conditions that may contribute include an adverse reaction to medication or surgeries, chronic ear infections and auto immune disorders

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of hyperacusis is difficult because of the many potential causes of the condition. In most cases, evaluation will include an initial interview and a complete audiological evaluation.

Treatment

Some people’s natural response to hyperacusis is to try to avoid sound, perhaps by wearing earplugs, but that is actually the wrong solution. Treatment is individualized and may involve several strategies that are implemented together. Sound therapy is the most commonly used treatment for hyperacusis. The goal is to restore normal sensitivity to sound. Sound therapy involves the use of noise generating instruments that emit a soft, pleasing sound that is not heard by others and does not interfere with hearing. Using ear plugs may be helpful, but frustrating as it results in hearing loss. Tinnitus retraining therapy is a method by which barely audible sound is delivered to the ear for defined periods of time each day. A third approach is the use of a tinnitus masking device, which looks like a hearing aid, but delivers white noise to the ear.

Neuromonics

Neuromonics is a new treatment that involves the use of a small medical processor that delivers a pleasant acoustic signal (embedded in music) at a comfortable listening level. This sound stimulates a wide range of auditory pathways and positively engages the emotional system and autonomic nervous system of the brain which in turn decreases disturbance from tinnitus over the course of the treatment. Conducted over a period of about six months, neuromonics has been shown through tinnitus research and clinical trials to result in significantly reduced awareness and disturbance for up to 90% of people who suffer from tinnitus and hyperacusis. Furthermore, it can lead to better relaxation and sleep and improved quality of life.

Shohet Ear Associates has treated more people with neuromonics to date than any other center in California. We are also the only Orange County center participating in a clinical trial for neuromonics. If you suffer from tinnitus and are interested in participating, call (949) 631-HEAR.

To learn more about neuromonics and see the clinical outcomes after six months of treatments.

Things to avoid when one suffers from tinnitus are:

1. Stress - Behavioral and personal modifications may be necessary
2. Fatigue - Get plenty of rest and relaxation
3. Caffeine
4. Noise - Loud noise can worsen tinnitus