For most of us everyday sounds such as traffic, conversations, kitchen appliances and music are just part of life. But for someone with hyperacusis, even normal sounds might sound abnormally loud, uncomfortable or even painful. The event could make everyday things more difficult, and a person might start to avoid places or things they once liked.
The first and most important step understands why you have sound sensitivity. Appropriate Hyperacusis Assessment and Management help people to explore the sources of their symptoms and find effective ways to manage their response to everyday sounds.
What Is Hyperacusis?
It means people with hyperacusis perceive everyday sounds as being louder or more uncomfortable than usual. The sounds are not very loud, but the person’s hearing system may respond more strongly to them.
Everyone is sensitive to sound to different degrees. Some people may have a hard time dealing with loud surroundings, while others may be bothered by things like a ringing phone, running water, or someone talking nearby. The sensitivity can sometimes interfere with socialising, work, sleep and concentration.
Why Can Everyday Sounds Feel So Loud?
There is not one reason why someone develops hyperacusis. It can happen at the same time as tinnitus or other hearing problems. It has also been linked with ear conditions, exposure to noise, headaches and other health factors.
There are many factors that can affect sound sensitivity so an assessment of the individual can be helpful. Hyperacusis Assessment and Management is about understanding the person’s symptoms, not just treating the sensitivity as a problem with hearing volume.
What Happens During an Assessment?
A comprehensive discussion about the sounds that are bothering you, when the symptoms started, and how they affect your day-to-day life can be a good place to start a professional assessment. The hearing professional may also enquire about tinnitus, previous noise exposure, ear problems or other relevant experiences.
Hearing tests can be used to learn about a person’s overall hearing ability and to help identify if there are other concerns that need to be taken into consideration. Information obtained in the assessment can help direct the next steps and ensure management is appropriate for the individual.
How Can Hyperacusis Be Managed?
There is no one size fits all. Hyperacusis Assessment and Management may include practical advice, education about sound sensitivity, and strategies designed to help a person become more comfortable with everyday sounds.
In some cases it might be part of a management plan to slowly introduce sounds at comfortable levels. Learning how the auditory system responds to sound can also help to reduce worry around certain noises.
Avoiding Complete Sound Isolation
Uncomfortable sounds can lead to the temptation of avoiding noise altogether or wearing hearing protection all day long. Hearing protection can be useful in very loud environments but it may not always be helpful for a person with sound sensitivity to be constantly blocking out normal sounds.
A professional can tell you when you need protection and how to listen safely in your everyday life. This can help a person balance listening to their hearing protection and doing normal activities.
Getting the Right Support for Sound Sensitivity
It can be really frustrating to have very acute hearing, especially when sounds that everyone else seems to hear normally make you uncomfortable. A professional can help identify what the problem is and be more helpful in giving advice on how to deal with it.
Audiology Clinic provides assessment and services related to hearing for people in need of help in Ireland. Their staff assists individuals in finding an appropriate solution for Hyperacusis Assessment and Management and resolving issues related to sound sensitivity. If you are struggling with everyday sounds then you might want to reach out to Audiology Clinic to discuss your symptoms and get the kind of expert help that you need.