What causes heightened sense of hearing?
Loud noise is a major cause of hyperacusis. Exposure can happen over time (like playing loud music for many years) or a single occurrence (like hearing a gunshot). Head injury. An injury involving the head, jaw, or ear can lead to hyperacusis.
How do you deal with a hypersensitive ear?
Treatment for hyperacusis
- sound therapy to get you used to everyday sounds again, and may involve wearing ear pieces that make white noise.
- cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to change the way you think about your hyperacusis and reduce anxiety.
Can hyperacusis go away?
Hyperacusis does not generally go away on its own. People who have found a resolve to their hyperacusis have followed a treatment plan to desensitise themselves to sound.
How do I know if I have hyperacusis?
Symptoms of hyperacusis can include: Sensitivity to everyday sounds, often beginning in one ear then progressing to both ears. Difficulty tolerating ordinary environments and situations. Isolation.
Is hyperacusis a brain disorder?
Hyperacusis is a hearing disorder. But a lot of people who have it also have normal hearing.
Can hyperacusis be caused by anxiety?
Acute Stress Induces Hyperacusis in Women with High Levels of Emotional Exhaustion.
Is there a test for hyperacusis?
A hearing test or audiogram will be given, which is a graph that depicts a person’s ability to hear sounds at different frequencies. It is important to note, however, that most people with true hyperacusis don’t appear to have any hearing loss as measured and recorded on an audiogram.
What type of doctor treats hyperacusis?
If you think you or a loved one may have hyperacusis, you should seek an evaluation by an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist, or otolaryngologist. The initial consultation is likely to include a full audiologic evaluation (with hearing test), medical history review, and a medical evaluation.
Does hyperacusis get better over time?
Depending on the cause, hyperacusis may get better with time. Specifically, in cases of trauma to the brain or hearing system, there is a chance that the sensitivity to sounds will become more tolerable. However, in cases where the cause is not clear, relief may not come on its own.
What can make hyperacusis worse?
People with hyperacusis often find ordinary noises too loud, while loud noises can cause discomfort and pain. The most common known causes of hyperacusis are exposure to loud noise, and ageing.