One way your body offers information to you is through pain response. It’s not a very fun method but it can be effective. When your ears start to feel the pain of a very loud megaphone next to you, you know damage is occurring and you can take steps to move further away or at least cover your ears.
But, in spite of their marginal volume, 8-10% of individuals will feel pain from low volume sounds as well. This condition is known by experts as hyperacusis. It’s a medical term for overly sensitive ears. The symptoms of hyperacusis can be managed but there’s no cure.
Heightened sound sensitivity
Hypersensitivity to sound is known as hyperacusis. Usually sounds in a specific frequency cause episodes of hyperacusis for individuals who experience it. Quiet noises will often sound very loud. And noises that are loud seem a lot louder than they actually are.
Hyperacusis is often connected with tinnitus, hearing trouble, and even neurological issues, though no one really knows what actually causes it. With regards to symptoms, intensity, and treatment, there is a significant degree of individual variability.
What kind of response is typical for hyperacusis?
In most cases, hyperacusis will look and feel something like this:
- You may experience pain and buzzing in your ears (this pain and buzzing could last for days or weeks after you hear the original sound).
- Balance issues and dizziness can also be experienced.
- Everyone else will think a particular sound is quiet but it will sound extremely loud to you.
- The louder the sound is, the more extreme your response and discomfort will be.
Treatments for hyperacusis
When your hyperacusis makes you sensitive to a wide range of frequencies, the world can be like a minefield. Your hearing could be bombarded and you could be left with a terrible headache and ringing ears anytime you go out.
That’s why it’s so crucial to get treatment. There are various treatments available depending on your specific situation and we can help you pick one that’s best for you. The most popular options include the following.
Masking devices
A device known as a masking device is one of the most common treatments for hyperacusis. While it might sound perfect for Halloween (sorry), actually though, a masking device is a piece of technology that cancels out certain wavelengths of sounds. These devices, then, have the ability to selectively hide those triggering wavelengths of sound before they ever reach your ear. You can’t have a hyperacusis episode if you can’t hear the triggering sound!
Earplugs
Earplugs are a less sophisticated take on the same general approach: you can’t have a hyperacusis attack if you can’t hear… well, anything. It’s undoubtedly a low-tech strategy, and there are some disadvantages. Your overall hearing issues, including hyperacusis, could worsen by using this approach, according to some evidence. If you’re considering using earplugs, call us for a consultation.
Ear retraining
An approach, called ear retraining therapy, is one of the most extensive hyperacusis treatments. You’ll attempt to change the way you respond to certain kinds of sounds by using physical therapy, emotional counseling, and a combination of devices. The concept is that you can train yourself to dismiss sounds (rather like with tinnitus). This process depends on your dedication but generally has a positive rate of success.
Less common methods
Less prevalent approaches, including ear tubes or medication, are also used to manage hyperacusis. These strategies are less commonly used, depending on the specialist and the individual, because they have delivered mixed success.
Treatment makes a huge difference
Because hyperacusis will vary from person to person, a unique treatment plan can be developed depending on your symptoms as you experience them. Effectively treating hyperacusis depends on finding an approach that’s best for you.