Sensitive to Noise Could Be a Symptom, Know When to Worry

Types of Hyperacusis

• Hyperacusis of loudness
• Discomfort hyperacusis
• Painful hyperacusis
• Fear of sensitivity

Other noise sensitivities include:

• Recruitment: Sudden increased loudness of sounds, especially in those with hearing loss.
• Misophonia: Severe sensitivity to specific soft sounds accompanied by an emotional reaction.
• Hypersensitive: Hearing to specific frequencies

Causes of Hyperacusis

Hyperacusis can affect people of all ages and can affect either one or both ears. It is rarely present at birth and usually develops gradually or suddenly due to various reasons:

• Exposure to loud noises (damaging the cochlea)
• Head injury
• Lyme disease
• Bell's palsy
• Tay-Sachs disease
• Williams Syndrome
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Viral infections affecting the inner ear or the facial nerve
• Ear damage from toxins or medications
• Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
• Airbag deployment
• Migraines
• Meniere's disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Autism or cerebral palsy in children with brain damage

Types of Sound Sensitivity

Sound sensitivity, also known as auditory sensitivity, includes different forms of abnormal or intense reactions to everyday sounds:

• Hyperacusis: Painful loudness of normal environmental sounds.
• Misophonia: Emotional responses, such as anger or anxiety, are triggered by sounds such as chewing or tapping.
• Phonophobia: Fear of loud sounds, often related to trauma or anxiety disorders.
• Recruitment: Specific sounds appear suddenly louder, usually in people with hearing loss.

Symptoms of Hyperacusis

Symptoms may vary in severity and often interfere with daily life:

• Increased sensitivity to everyday sounds (traffic, conversations, appliances)
• Discomfort or pain in the ears at normal sound levels
• Feeling overwhelmed in noisy environments
• Anxiety or stress due to sound exposure
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Social withdrawal or avoidance of noisy situations

When to Visit a Doctor for Hyperacusis or Sound Sensitivity?

If you or someone you know experiences any of the following, it’s important to consult a doctor or hearing specialist (audiologist/ENT):

• Sudden, severe sound sensitivity develops after head injury, infection, or loud noise exposure.
• Sound sensitivity is accompanied by hearing loss, dizziness, or ear pain.
• Painful reactions to everyday sounds (e.g., running water, normal speech).
• Every day, noises feel uncomfortably loud or painful (e.g., dishes clinking, car engines).

When to Consider Emergency Care:

• If hyperacusis appears suddenly after trauma, stroke symptoms, or neurological issues (e.g., facial weakness, confusion).

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent worsening symptoms and improve quality of life. A doctor may refer you to an audiologist, neurologist, or therapist for specialized care.

Diagnosis of Hyperacusis

Diagnosis includes evaluating hearing health and determining the severity of sensitivity. Tests and evaluations may include:

• Audiometry: A Hearing test to assess thresholds and sound perception
• Loudness Discomfort Level (LDL): Tests to measure sound levels that cause discomfort
• Tympanometry: Examines middle ear function
• Neurological evaluation: If brain or nerve involvement is suspected
• Questionnaires: To assess emotional impact and identify triggers
• Medical and mental health history: Reviews for anxiety, trauma, or neurological conditions

Treatment for Hyperacusis

Treatment focuses on identifying the cause and managing sensitivity:

• Medications like anticonvulsants, antidepressants, or pain relievers
• Treating underlying issues such as infections, diabetes, or neurological disorders
• Physical therapy for nerve rehabilitation
• Occupational therapy to adjust daily life around sound tolerance
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for managing anxiety and emotional responses
• Lifestyle changes such as stress management, sleep hygiene, and avoiding noise triggers

Prevention of Hyperacusis

Protecting your hearing can reduce the risk of developing hyperacusis and other hearing conditions. Prevention tips include:

• Keep music and media volume at moderate levels
• Use ear protection at loud events or noisy workplaces
• Limit exposure to sounds above 85 decibels
• Take regular breaks from noise-heavy environments