HYPERACUSIS, SENSITIVITY TO LOUD NOISE

Hyperacusis is discomfort to noise. This is suffered by people with a sensitivity to sound. Even to a point where they are unable to tolerate quite ordinary levels of sound. It is usually more prevalent in people who also have some hearing loss, although it can occur in people with normal hearing. People suffering with hearing loss and hyperacusis can be very stressed, with much anxiety. The problem of not being able to hear well, especially when others are talking, alternating with the discomfort aroused when the sounds increase, can be a great strain.

A deterioration of the hearing mechanism can happen naturally with age, sometimes so slight, that it is hardly noticed, to a considerable hearing loss. This is thought to be due to the loss or damage of hair cells in the inner ear, where the vibrations of sound are received and then transmitted to the auditory cortex of the brain. The brain then interprets the signals into recognised patterns and the sounds are identified. Due to the loss of, or damage to these tiny hair cells, the ability to receive the vibrations and transmit the electrical signals has been reduced. The result of this is the fluctuation of process of sound, from very weak signals making hearing very difficult to uncomfortable distorted loud signals.

Although hyperacusis can be very distressing it is just a symptom to the hearing mechanism malfunctioning. However, fear and worry over possible more serious problems may exist. This will only add to general stress and anxieties, is detrimental to good health - and can lead to a poorer quality of life. Therefore it is advisable to address and eliminate these fears and worries, by seeking a referral from your general practitioner to a qualified ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist who will carry out a thorough examination. A diagnosis will lead to better understanding of the problem eliminating unnecessary fears.

An awareness of some reactions to this situation can be very helpful. Apart from causing a great deal of anxiety, trying to cope with hyperacusis can affect the behaviour of sufferers in many ways, which will not help the problem, but may possibly make it appear worse. For example, some people try to avoid noise, thinking that a quiet environment is better, shunning outings, shopping, holidays and even family gatherings. Others try to muffle the intrusion of sound by covering the ears of using cotton wool in the ears. The problem is that the more they withdraw from sound, the more sensitive the hearing becomes. What has to be understood is that in order to lessen the sensitivity, the hearing mechanism needs to be exposed to natural noise and kept at a level that allows as good a quality of life as possible.

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