What is Hyperacusis and How Can I Treat it?

If you’ve ever stood too close to a speaker or microphone right as it was turned on, you probably remember the sharp, high pitched noise that cut through your ear. While this was hopefully only a one time occurrence for you, this is what people with hyperacusis experience all the time.

What is Hyperacusis?

Hyperacusis is a health condition that causes an increased sensitivity to certain sounds and frequencies. Someone with severe hyperacusis might find everyday noises, like a person laughing or a car honking, to be unbearably loud and even painful.

What Causes it?

It’s possible to be born with hyperacusis or to develop it over time. It’s most often caused by physical damage to the inner ear, either while in utero or as a child.  Research also suggests hyperacusis can be acquired as a result of damage to the brain or neurological system. In this case, though the ear is physically fine, improper connections in the brain cause it to amplify sound.

Can it be Treated?

Though hyperacusis can never be cured, there are several treatment options for it, including:

• Sound generators: Sound generators look similar to hearing aids, but work the opposite way. Instead of amplifying incoming sound waves, they emit broadband pink noise, which dulls incoming sounds.
• Pink sound CDs: Pink noise (which is sound comprised of equal amounts of energy per octave) can retrain a person’s ear and help them to better tolerate sound.
• Noise cancelling ear protection: If a person suddenly develops hyperacusis, they may just want to block out sound completely with noise cancelling headphones. Though this works for a brief period (6 - 12 months) it will only exacerbate the problem in the long run.
• Steroids: Steroids can be used to relax ear muscles and treat hyperacusis, but only if they are administered within the first 72 hours of the initial symptoms.

At Florida ENT, we are committed to helping patients who suffer from hearing problems and inner ear damage. Utilizing the latest advances in medicine and state-of-the-art techniques, our goal is to treat our patients with comfort and compassion. To learn more about the services we provide, please call us today at 407-944-3340 to schedule an appointment.