Everyday noise isn't a problem for most of us. But what if everyday sounds, like the clatter of cutlery, the ping of a bicycle bell or even someone just talking, feel painful or unbearable? This could indicate hyperacusis, or hypersensitivity to sound. This article explains what this condition is, what the symptoms are and what you can do to manage it.
What is hyperacusis?
Hyperacusis is a condition that makes your hearing extremely sensitive to everyday ambient sounds. Noises that sound perfectly normal to others can feel sharp, painful or completely overwhelming to someone with hyperacusis. This condition is also known as noise sensitivity or auditory hypersensitivity.
It's important not to confuse hyperacusis with good hearing. People with this condition often don't have better hearing; they simply experience sounds as being too intense. This can have a huge social and emotional impact on their daily lives.
Symptoms of hyperacusis
Symptoms of hyperacusis can vary from person to person, but the most common symptoms are:
- Pain caused by normal sounds (e.g. voices, cutlery, traffic).
- Feeling tense or stressed when exposed to noise.
- Avoiding social situations because of noise.
- Fatigue or irritability after being in a busy or noisy environment.
- Physical reactions, such as headaches or palpitations, triggered by certain sounds.
Hyperacusis is sometimes accompanied by tinnitus (ringing in the ears), but this is certainly not always the case.
What are the causes of hyperacusis?
There's no single clear cause of hyperacusis. It often develops as a result of a combination of factors. The known causes include:
Hearing damage
Caused by things like loud sounds, explosions or prolonged exposure to noise.
Neurological disorders
Such as Lyme disease, Bell's palsy or multiple sclerosis.
Head or neck injury
Concussion or whiplash can affect how your brain processes sound.
Stress and burnout
Prolonged stress can make the brain more sensitive to stimuli, including sound.
Medication or ear surgery
Some drugs or surgical procedures can affect your hearing.
Hyperacusis and stress: what's the connection?
Stress and hyperacusis often influence each other. Chronic stress can make you more sensitive to sounds. At the same time, sound sensitivity can create stress because it significantly impacts your daily life. People with hyperacusis often avoid busy places, social situations or even their workplace. This can lead to isolation and even greater mental and emotional stress.
That's why it's important that, as well as addressing your hearing, you consider your mental health too. Relaxation techniques, psychological support, such as counselling, and balancing rest and activity can make a real difference. Always choose the approach that suits you best.
Hyperacusis in people with autism
Extreme sensitivity to noise is particularly common in people on the autism spectrum. Sounds can often feel more intense to them, which can lead to panic, sensory overload or the avoidance of certain places and situations. This is partly due to differences in how their brains process information.
It's important to take sound sensitivity seriously in children and adults with autism, and to consider their sensory needs. Aids such as sound-reducing earmuffs or soft earplugs for better focus can help, as can creating quiet, predictable environments.
What can you do about hyperacusis?
Hyperacusis can be a debilitating condition, but fortunately, there are ways to manage it:
Sound therapy
An audiologist can guide you through a programme to gradually help your hearing reacclimatise to sound.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
This helps you change the way you respond to anxiety or negative thoughts related to sound.
Stress management
Relaxation, mindfulness and breathing exercises can reduce sensory overload. Choose the approach that suits you best.
Environmental adjustments
Consider soundproofing, taking quiet breaks and avoiding loud or sudden noises.
Can earplugs help with hyperacusis?
Earplugs can certainly provide relief from sound hypersensitivity, especially in high-stimulus environments. However, it's important to use them carefully. Overusing earplugs can actually cause your hearing to become even more sensitive, as your ears become less used to normal sounds.
Specially filtered earplugs, such as Alpine Silence, offer a good compromise. They reduce the volume of sounds without blocking everything out, so you stay protected while remaining aware of your surroundings.
Frequently asked questions about hyperacusis
Is hyperacusis the same as tinnitus?
No, although they often occur together, they're different conditions. With tinnitus, you hear sounds that aren't there (like ringing or buzzing), while hyperacusis makes actual sounds feel unbearably loud.
Can hyperacusis go away?
In some cases, hyperacusis goes away after treatment or even disappears spontaneously. In others, it remains chronic. The degree to which you recover from it depends on its cause, the treatment and your individual situation.
Are there treatments for hyperacusis?
Yes, although there's no quick fix, there are certainly treatment options that can help. These include audiology therapies, psychological support and the use of hearing protection. A combined approach often works best.
