Do you ever feel like normal sounds seem too loud or painful to hear? Sounds like clinking dishes, a car engine, or even someone speaking at a shrill or high tone. If so, you may be experiencing a condition called hyperacusis.
A Heightened Sensitivity To Sound
Hyperacusis is commonly referred to as a heightened sensitivity to sound. As you can imagine, having this condition can make daily life difficult. In worse cases of hyperacusis, it may even be depressing or distressing.
At Oracle Hearing Center, our audiologists in Lawrenceville, NJ, understand the emotional toll hyperacusis.
We are here to support you every step of the way. With the right guidance and treatment, relief is possible.
Signs and Symptoms
Put simply, hyperacusis is about hearing too much.
A person diagnosed with hyperacusis may feel that everyday sounds are so loud – to the point that they feel uncomfortable, painful, or even intolerable.
Other symptoms include:
- Trouble concentrating
- Sounds can trigger tension, anxiety, or irritability
- Avoidance of social situations
- Headaches
- Ear pain without infection or injury
Remember, identifying the symptoms is the first step. Get checked by an audiologist or get your hearing tested.
If you need to schedule an appointment with expert audiologists in Lawrenceville, NJ, please contact Oracle Hearing Center today!
Hyperacusis Causes
Hyperacusis can develop suddenly or gradually. Some factors known to cause or trigger it include:
- Injury or trauma to the head
- Certain ear conditions (Ménière’s disease or TMJ disorders)
- Neurological disorders (Lyme disease or Bell’s palsy)
- Stress and anxiety
- Medications
- Noise exposure
Sometimes, hyperacusis occurs without an obvious trigger. Even if you’re not sure what caused your symptoms, it’s important to get evaluated by an audiologist for a personalized care plan.
Diagnosing Hyperacusis
If you suspect you may have hyperacusis, a proper diagnosis is essential. At Oracle Hearing Center, we conduct a thorough case history and hearing evaluation to determine the type and severity of your sound sensitivity. We may also perform loudness discomfort level (LDL) testing and evaluate your tolerance to different sound frequencies.
Because hyperacusis can overlap with other hearing conditions like tinnitus or misophonia, it’s important to work with an experienced audiologist who can make the right distinctions. Our Lawrenceville clinic offers the expertise, compassion, and resources you need to move toward relief.
Hyperacusis Treatment
Treating hyperacusis starts with identifying the underlying cause.
Once the cause is identified, any of the following treatment or management techniques may be applied-
- Sound therapy
- Counseling, education, and support groups
- Using hearing protection
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT)
At Oracle Hearing Center, we take a holistic approach, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of hyperacusis to improve your quality of life.
Hyperacusis Risk Factors
Certain factors can increase your risk of developing hyperacusis. These include:
- Frequent exposure to loud noise: Musicians, construction workers, and military personnel are especially at risk.
- History of ear trauma or infections: Damage to the auditory system may alter sound perception.
- Mental health conditions: People with anxiety, PTSD, or high stress levels may be more prone to hyperacusis.
- Tinnitus: Many individuals with hyperacusis also experience ringing in the ears.
- Genetics: While not fully understood, some people may be more biologically sensitive to sound.
- Neurological conditions: Migraines, head injuries, and neurological disorders may affect the brain’s processing of sound.
Understanding your personal risk factors can help you make proactive choices and seek early treatment if symptoms appear.
Audiologists in Lawrence Township, NJ
Living with hyperacusis can feel overwhelming, but with the right treatment and therapy, it can be managed.
The first step toward relief from this condition is to get the right diagnosis.
At Oracle Hearing Center, we’re committed to helping you understand your hearing health and find lasting relief.
Our team is ready to support you with evidence-based treatments, personalized care and a compassionate ear.
Contact us today to connect with an expert audiologist or schedule a hearing test in Lawrenceville, NJ!
