6 Causes of Hyperacusis
Hyperacusis is a relatively rare hearing disorder that amplifies the everyday sounds around you. While not life-threatening, hyperacusis can make life complicated, strain social relationships, impede your work, and add unneeded stress to the activities you enjoy and love. If you think taking off in an airplane, attending a concert, or cheering on your favorite sports team can be loud, imagine trying to do any of these things while suffering from hyperacusis. This is the daily reality for many people.
6 Causes of Hyperacusis
Hyperacusis is a relatively rare hearing disorder that amplifies the everyday sounds around you. While not life-threatening, hyperacusis can make life complicated, strain social relationships, impede your work, and add unneeded stress to the activities you enjoy and love. If you think taking off in an airplane, attending a concert, or cheering on your favorite sports team can be loud, imagine trying to do any of these things while suffering from hyperacusis. This is the daily reality for many people.
6 Causes of Hyperacusis
Hyperacusis is a relatively rare hearing disorder that amplifies the everyday sounds around you. While not life-threatening, hyperacusis can make life complicated, strain social relationships, impede your work, and add unneeded stress to the activities you enjoy and love. If you think taking off in an airplane, attending a concert, or cheering on your favorite sports team can be loud, imagine trying to do any of these things while suffering from hyperacusis. This is the daily reality for many people.
Why Normal Sounds May Feel Overwhelming
Do you feel increasingly sensitive to sound? If normal sounds, like driving through traffic, loud chewing, a phone ringing, or a dog barking cause you discomfort or pain, you may be suffering from decreased sound tolerance or hyperacusis.
Hyperacusis is a relatively rare hearing disorder that amplifies the everyday sounds around you. While not life-threatening, hyperacusis can make life complicated, strain social relationships, impede your work, and add unneeded stress to the activities you enjoy and love. If you think taking off in an airplane, attending a concert, or cheering on your favorite sports team can be loud, imagine trying to do any of these things while suffering from hyperacusis. This is the daily reality for many people.
Compared to tinnitus (ringing in the ears) which affects millions of people, hyperacusis is much rarer (only about 1 out of 50,000 people). This could be why many people may not know all the facts about hyperacusis, its different types, what causes it, or what this hearing disorder even is.
Living a life filled with the irritation and pain caused by hyperacusis does not need to define you. There is hope and help available. Here, we look into understanding hyperacusis, its causes, and examine treatment options.
Why Normal Sounds May Feel Overwhelming
Do you feel increasingly sensitive to sound? If normal sounds, like driving through traffic, loud chewing, a phone ringing, or a dog barking cause you discomfort or pain, you may be suffering from decreased sound tolerance or hyperacusis.
Hyperacusis is a relatively rare hearing disorder that amplifies the everyday sounds around you. While not life-threatening, hyperacusis can make life complicated, strain social relationships, impede your work, and add unneeded stress to the activities you enjoy and love. If you think taking off in an airplane, attending a concert, or cheering on your favorite sports team can be loud, imagine trying to do any of these things while suffering from hyperacusis. This is the daily reality for many people.
Compared to tinnitus (ringing in the ears) which affects millions of people, hyperacusis is much rarer (only about 1 out of 50,000 people). This could be why many people may not know all the facts about hyperacusis, its different types, what causes it, or what this hearing disorder even is.
Living a life filled with the irritation and pain caused by hyperacusis does not need to define you. There is hope and help available. Here, we look into understanding hyperacusis, its causes, and examine treatment options.
Why Normal Sounds May Feel Overwhelming
Do you feel increasingly sensitive to sound? If normal sounds, like driving through traffic, loud chewing, a phone ringing, or a dog barking cause you discomfort or pain, you may be suffering from decreased sound tolerance or hyperacusis.
Hyperacusis is a relatively rare hearing disorder that amplifies the everyday sounds around you. While not life-threatening, hyperacusis can make life complicated, strain social relationships, impede your work, and add unneeded stress to the activities you enjoy and love. If you think taking off in an airplane, attending a concert, or cheering on your favorite sports team can be loud, imagine trying to do any of these things while suffering from hyperacusis. This is the daily reality for many people.
Compared to tinnitus (ringing in the ears) which affects millions of people, hyperacusis is much rarer (only about 1 out of 50,000 people). This could be why many people may not know all the facts about hyperacusis, its different types, what causes it, or what this hearing disorder even is.
Living a life filled with the irritation and pain caused by hyperacusis does not need to define you. There is hope and help available. Here, we look into understanding hyperacusis, its causes, and examine treatment options.
What Is Hyperacusis?
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, hyperacusis is a hearing disorder that causes people to experience everyday noises at such high levels that it causes irritation, anxiety, or even physical pain.
While rare, hyperacusis can make the daily life of those who suffer from it dramatically difficult and uncomfortable. Not only do those with hyperacusis have difficulty being around excessively loud noises, like an airplane, gun firing, or live music, but even moderate to soft environmental sounds, like emptying the dishwasher or loud speech, can be challenging to adjust to.
Hyperacusis can be difficult to understand or diagnose because it occurs on a spectrum of severity, takes several forms, and results from many different medical conditions or accidents. Below, we distinguish between the main types of hyperacusis and detail some of the leading causes of this hearing disorder.
What Is Hyperacusis?
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, hyperacusis is a hearing disorder that causes people to experience everyday noises at such high levels that it causes irritation, anxiety, or even physical pain.
While rare, hyperacusis can make the daily life of those who suffer from it dramatically difficult and uncomfortable. Not only do those with hyperacusis have difficulty being around excessively loud noises, like an airplane, gun firing, or live music, but even moderate to soft environmental sounds, like emptying the dishwasher or loud speech, can be challenging to adjust to.
Hyperacusis can be difficult to understand or diagnose because it occurs on a spectrum of severity, takes several forms, and results from many different medical conditions or accidents. Below, we distinguish between the main types of hyperacusis and detail some of the leading causes of this hearing disorder.
What Is Hyperacusis?
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, hyperacusis is a hearing disorder that causes people to experience everyday noises at such high levels that it causes irritation, anxiety, or even physical pain.
While rare, hyperacusis can make the daily life of those who suffer from it dramatically difficult and uncomfortable. Not only do those with hyperacusis have difficulty being around excessively loud noises, like an airplane, gun firing, or live music, but even moderate to soft environmental sounds, like emptying the dishwasher or loud speech, can be challenging to adjust to.
Hyperacusis can be difficult to understand or diagnose because it occurs on a spectrum of severity, takes several forms, and results from many different medical conditions or accidents. Below, we distinguish between the main types of hyperacusis and detail some of the leading causes of this hearing disorder.
Forms of Hyperacusis
There are two types of hyperacusis: cochlear or vestibular.
Cochlear Hyperacusis
This is the most common type and causes mild to severe ear pain due to an intolerance to everyday sounds. Even normal noises can feel sharp or painful, making daily activities very challenging.
Vestibular Hyperacusis
This type is more like vertigo and can cause dizziness, nausea, and imbalance. It affects how the brain and body respond to sound, creating a sense of disorientation.
In addition to the two forms of hyperacusis, cochlear, or vestibular, there are actually four forms of hyperacusis that shape how you experience the medical condition. Hyperacusis can be experienced as loudness, annoyance, fear, or pain.
Forms of Hyperacusis
There are two types of hyperacusis: cochlear or vestibular.
Cochlear Hyperacusis
This is the most common type and causes mild to severe ear pain due to an intolerance to everyday sounds. Even normal noises can feel sharp or painful, making daily activities very challenging.
Vestibular Hyperacusis
This type is more like vertigo and can cause dizziness, nausea, and imbalance. It affects how the brain and body respond to sound, creating a sense of disorientation.
In addition to the two forms of hyperacusis, cochlear, or vestibular, there are actually four forms of hyperacusis that shape how you experience the medical condition. Hyperacusis can be experienced as loudness, annoyance, fear, or pain.
Forms of Hyperacusis
There are two types of hyperacusis: cochlear or vestibular.
Cochlear Hyperacusis
This is the most common type and causes mild to severe ear pain due to an intolerance to everyday sounds. Even normal noises can feel sharp or painful, making daily activities very challenging.
Vestibular Hyperacusis
This type is more like vertigo and can cause dizziness, nausea, and imbalance. It affects how the brain and body respond to sound, creating a sense of disorientation.
In addition to the two forms of hyperacusis, cochlear, or vestibular, there are actually four forms of hyperacusis that shape how you experience the medical condition. Hyperacusis can be experienced as loudness, annoyance, fear, or pain.
The Causes
Causes of Hyperacusis
Hyperacusis can develop from various underlying conditions that affect the ears and nervous system. While loud noise exposure is a common cause, other health issues can contribute, such as migraines, Bell’s palsy, Meniere’s disease, Lyme disease, and TMJ disorders.
Understanding what’s behind your sensitivity is essential for finding the right treatment plan and protecting your hearing health long term.
Damage to the cochlea
Damage to the cochlea is a common cause of hyperacusis, often from loud noise exposure like concerts or construction work. The cochlea’s inner and outer hair cells help process sound and send signals to the brain. When these cells are damaged, sounds may become painfully loud. Using ear protection during loud activities is essential to prevent this type of injury and protect your long-term hearing health.
Migraines
Migraines are another frequent cause of hyperacusis. Just as migraines can be triggered by light or sound, they can also lead to sound sensitivity, severe headaches, and nausea. Many people with migraines find relief in quiet, dark environments. Because the brain is more sensitive to external stimuli during an attack, protecting your hearing is especially important if you experience frequent migraines.
Bell’s palsy
Bell’s palsy weakens the muscles on one side of the face, sometimes affecting hearing. While many people recover in a few weeks, some have longer-lasting symptoms, including hyperacusis. The weakness can alter how sound is processed, making normal noises feel overwhelming. Early treatment and careful monitoring help manage these symptoms and protect your overall hearing comfort.
Meniere’s disease
Over half a million people have Meniere’s disease in the United States. This hearing disorder causes vertigo (dizziness, imbalance, and nausea) and inner ear damage resulting from a build-up of fluid in the inner ear. This accumulation of fluid, in addition to vertigo symptoms, can lead to sensitivity to sound.
Lyme disease
Lyme disease, spread by ticks, is most common in outdoor months and can cause fatigue, headaches, and skin rashes. In some cases, it also leads to hyperacusis, affecting up to 48% of patients with late-stage Lyme. As the infection spreads, it can impact the auditory system, making everyday sounds feel unusually loud and uncomfortable. Prompt medical care and hearing evaluations are key to managing these symptoms.
TMJ disorder
TMJ disorders affect the jaw joints in front of your ears, which are among the body’s most complex joints. Stress or damage to these joints can lead to TMD and sometimes cause or worsen hyperacusis and tinnitus. Symptoms may include jaw pain and sound sensitivity. Addressing TMJ issues with proper treatment can help reduce these hearing-related symptoms and improve overall comfort.
The Causes
Causes of Hyperacusis
Hyperacusis can develop from various underlying conditions that affect the ears and nervous system. While loud noise exposure is a common cause, other health issues can contribute, such as migraines, Bell’s palsy, Meniere’s disease, Lyme disease, and TMJ disorders.
Understanding what’s behind your sensitivity is essential for finding the right treatment plan and protecting your hearing health long term.
Damage to the cochlea
Damage to the cochlea is a common cause of hyperacusis, often from loud noise exposure like concerts or construction work. The cochlea’s inner and outer hair cells help process sound and send signals to the brain. When these cells are damaged, sounds may become painfully loud. Using ear protection during loud activities is essential to prevent this type of injury and protect your long-term hearing health.
Migraines
Migraines are another frequent cause of hyperacusis. Just as migraines can be triggered by light or sound, they can also lead to sound sensitivity, severe headaches, and nausea. Many people with migraines find relief in quiet, dark environments. Because the brain is more sensitive to external stimuli during an attack, protecting your hearing is especially important if you experience frequent migraines.
Bell’s palsy
Bell’s palsy weakens the muscles on one side of the face, sometimes affecting hearing. While many people recover in a few weeks, some have longer-lasting symptoms, including hyperacusis. The weakness can alter how sound is processed, making normal noises feel overwhelming. Early treatment and careful monitoring help manage these symptoms and protect your overall hearing comfort.
Meniere’s disease
Over half a million people have Meniere’s disease in the United States. This hearing disorder causes vertigo (dizziness, imbalance, and nausea) and inner ear damage resulting from a build-up of fluid in the inner ear. This accumulation of fluid, in addition to vertigo symptoms, can lead to sensitivity to sound.
Lyme disease
Lyme disease, spread by ticks, is most common in outdoor months and can cause fatigue, headaches, and skin rashes. In some cases, it also leads to hyperacusis, affecting up to 48% of patients with late-stage Lyme. As the infection spreads, it can impact the auditory system, making everyday sounds feel unusually loud and uncomfortable. Prompt medical care and hearing evaluations are key to managing these symptoms.
TMJ disorder
TMJ disorders affect the jaw joints in front of your ears, which are among the body’s most complex joints. Stress or damage to these joints can lead to TMD and sometimes cause or worsen hyperacusis and tinnitus. Symptoms may include jaw pain and sound sensitivity. Addressing TMJ issues with proper treatment can help reduce these hearing-related symptoms and improve overall comfort.
The Causes
Causes of Hyperacusis
Hyperacusis can develop from various underlying conditions that affect the ears and nervous system. While loud noise exposure is a common cause, other health issues can contribute, such as migraines, Bell’s palsy, Meniere’s disease, Lyme disease, and TMJ disorders.
Understanding what’s behind your sensitivity is essential for finding the right treatment plan and protecting your hearing health long term.
Damage to the cochlea
Damage to the cochlea is a common cause of hyperacusis, often from loud noise exposure like concerts or construction work. The cochlea’s inner and outer hair cells help process sound and send signals to the brain. When these cells are damaged, sounds may become painfully loud. Using ear protection during loud activities is essential to prevent this type of injury and protect your long-term hearing health.
Migraines
Migraines are another frequent cause of hyperacusis. Just as migraines can be triggered by light or sound, they can also lead to sound sensitivity, severe headaches, and nausea. Many people with migraines find relief in quiet, dark environments. Because the brain is more sensitive to external stimuli during an attack, protecting your hearing is especially important if you experience frequent migraines.
Bell’s palsy
Bell’s palsy weakens the muscles on one side of the face, sometimes affecting hearing. While many people recover in a few weeks, some have longer-lasting symptoms, including hyperacusis. The weakness can alter how sound is processed, making normal noises feel overwhelming. Early treatment and careful monitoring help manage these symptoms and protect your overall hearing comfort.
Meniere’s disease
Over half a million people have Meniere’s disease in the United States. This hearing disorder causes vertigo (dizziness, imbalance, and nausea) and inner ear damage resulting from a build-up of fluid in the inner ear. This accumulation of fluid, in addition to vertigo symptoms, can lead to sensitivity to sound.
Lyme disease
Lyme disease, spread by ticks, is most common in outdoor months and can cause fatigue, headaches, and skin rashes. In some cases, it also leads to hyperacusis, affecting up to 48% of patients with late-stage Lyme. As the infection spreads, it can impact the auditory system, making everyday sounds feel unusually loud and uncomfortable. Prompt medical care and hearing evaluations are key to managing these symptoms.
TMJ disorder
TMJ disorders affect the jaw joints in front of your ears, which are among the body’s most complex joints. Stress or damage to these joints can lead to TMD and sometimes cause or worsen hyperacusis and tinnitus. Symptoms may include jaw pain and sound sensitivity. Addressing TMJ issues with proper treatment can help reduce these hearing-related symptoms and improve overall comfort.
Treatment Options
Don’t let the irritation and pain caused by everyday noises ruin your life, especially when there is help. It’s important to note that there is currently no magic pill or prescription to treat hearing sensitivity; however, there are great options to help you live a better life.
In some cases, symptoms will fade in time, primarily if caused by minor trauma to the hearing system or brain. However, in more severe cases, symptoms remain chronic and treatment should be considered. As discussed in The Hearing Journal, sound therapy is one effective treatment option and works by retraining the brain to better adjust to everyday noises. This is done by using a prescriptive sound generator that gradually allows the patient to adapt to external sounds over several months. Additionally, there are counseling options available to help you understand and cope with stress and anxiety.
Treatment Options
Don’t let the irritation and pain caused by everyday noises ruin your life, especially when there is help. It’s important to note that there is currently no magic pill or prescription to treat hearing sensitivity; however, there are great options to help you live a better life.
In some cases, symptoms will fade in time, primarily if caused by minor trauma to the hearing system or brain. However, in more severe cases, symptoms remain chronic and treatment should be considered. As discussed in The Hearing Journal, sound therapy is one effective treatment option and works by retraining the brain to better adjust to everyday noises. This is done by using a prescriptive sound generator that gradually allows the patient to adapt to external sounds over several months. Additionally, there are counseling options available to help you understand and cope with stress and anxiety.
Treatment Options
Don’t let the irritation and pain caused by everyday noises ruin your life, especially when there is help. It’s important to note that there is currently no magic pill or prescription to treat hearing sensitivity; however, there are great options to help you live a better life.
In some cases, symptoms will fade in time, primarily if caused by minor trauma to the hearing system or brain. However, in more severe cases, symptoms remain chronic and treatment should be considered. As discussed in The Hearing Journal, sound therapy is one effective treatment option and works by retraining the brain to better adjust to everyday noises. This is done by using a prescriptive sound generator that gradually allows the patient to adapt to external sounds over several months. Additionally, there are counseling options available to help you understand and cope with stress and anxiety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Causes of Hyperacusis at Sound Relief Tinnitus & Hearing Center
What are the first signs of hyperacusis?
Many people notice increased sensitivity to everyday sounds as an early sign. Sounds that never bothered you before — like dishes clanking, traffic noise, or even normal conversation — may suddenly feel painfully loud or startling. You might also start avoiding certain places or activities to escape these uncomfortable noises. If you find that normal sounds are causing stress, discomfort, or pain, it’s important to schedule a comprehensive hearing evaluation. Early detection can help guide effective treatment and protect your overall hearing health.
What are the first signs of hyperacusis?
Many people notice increased sensitivity to everyday sounds as an early sign. Sounds that never bothered you before — like dishes clanking, traffic noise, or even normal conversation — may suddenly feel painfully loud or startling. You might also start avoiding certain places or activities to escape these uncomfortable noises. If you find that normal sounds are causing stress, discomfort, or pain, it’s important to schedule a comprehensive hearing evaluation. Early detection can help guide effective treatment and protect your overall hearing health.
What are the first signs of hyperacusis?
Many people notice increased sensitivity to everyday sounds as an early sign. Sounds that never bothered you before — like dishes clanking, traffic noise, or even normal conversation — may suddenly feel painfully loud or startling. You might also start avoiding certain places or activities to escape these uncomfortable noises. If you find that normal sounds are causing stress, discomfort, or pain, it’s important to schedule a comprehensive hearing evaluation. Early detection can help guide effective treatment and protect your overall hearing health.
Can hyperacusis go away on its own?
Can hyperacusis go away on its own?
Can hyperacusis go away on its own?
How is hyperacusis diagnosed?
How is hyperacusis diagnosed?
How is hyperacusis diagnosed?
Is hyperacusis related to tinnitus?
Is hyperacusis related to tinnitus?
Is hyperacusis related to tinnitus?
What treatments are available for hyperacusis?
What treatments are available for hyperacusis?
What treatments are available for hyperacusis?
Denver
Fort Collins
Golden
Highlands Ranch
Westminster
Mesa
Peoria
Scottsdale
Find Relief
The world around you has a lot to say. You should not be afraid to listen. If you’re experiencing heightened sensitivity to everyday noises, do not wait any longer. Take our hyperacusis impact survey to determine the severity of your hyperacusis.
If you are ready to take control of your sound sensitivity, schedule an appointment online, or give us a call at 720-344-7600.
Denver
Fort Collins
Golden
Highlands Ranch
Westminster
Mesa
Peoria
Scottsdale
Find Relief
The world around you has a lot to say. You should not be afraid to listen. If you’re experiencing heightened sensitivity to everyday noises, do not wait any longer. Take our hyperacusis impact survey to determine the severity of your hyperacusis.
If you are ready to take control of your sound sensitivity, schedule an appointment online, or give us a call at 720-344-7600.
Denver
Fort Collins
Golden
Highlands Ranch
Westminster
Mesa
Peoria
Scottsdale
Find Relief
The world around you has a lot to say. You should not be afraid to listen. If you’re experiencing heightened sensitivity to everyday noises, do not wait any longer. Take our hyperacusis impact survey to determine the severity of your hyperacusis.
If you are ready to take control of your sound sensitivity, schedule an appointment online, or give us a call at 720-344-7600.
