Some people have especially sensitive hearing and are unable to tolerate ordinary levels of noise. This can occur in both people who have a hearing loss as well as those who don't.
There are different components which can contribute to sensitive hearing such as hyperacusis, misophonia and phonophobia. In treating these, it is important to diagnose which is present and, if a person is experiencing more than one, which is dominant.
Hyperacusis is the term used to describe the abnormal discomfort of everyday sounds that some people experience. It is due to an alteration in the central processing of sound in the auditory pathways where there is an abnormally strong reaction from exposure to moderate sound levels.
People affected by hyperacusis have increased sensitivity to certain everyday sounds and are unable to tolerate ordinary levels of noise. Hyperacusis can affect both those who have a hearing loss and those who don’t. People with vestibular conditions may also be affected. Hyperacusis can have a big impact on daily activities.
Misophonia is the intense dislike of being exposed to a certain sound. A person's auditory pathways may be functioning normally, but there is an abnormally strong reaction of the limbic (emotional system) and autonomic nervous system (body control system) to which the auditory system is connected.
Sounds which may affect someone with misophonia can include: eating/chewing, swallowing, rustling papers or repetitive sounds like tapping on a keyboard. The sounds may seem quiet to other people, but for someone experiencing misophonia, the sounds may cause a strong emotional reaction, such as anger or anxiety.
Phonophobia (fear of sound) is a strong dislike of certain sounds. Often normal environmental sounds like traffic, kitchen sounds, doors closing, or even loud speech, cannot be tolerated. The sound does not have to be loud to be problematic.
Read more about hyperacusis and sound sensitivity, including information about treatment, on the NHS website (external link)
If you are experiencing these symptoms, please discuss with your medical professional for advice on treatment and management. The Ménière's Society recommends you always consult your GP, consultant or therapist for professional guidance before you begin, change, temporarily suspend or discontinue any treatment/procedure, medication, exercise or diet. The Society cannot advise on individual cases nor accept any liability resulting from the use of any treatments/procedures referred to on this website.