The human body is adapted to a specific range of sound frequencies we hear daily. However, if the hearing system is affected, the everyday sounds can become excessively loud and unbearable for some people. Such types of people are known to suffer from a condition known as hyperacusis. A problem in the brain’s auditory processing centre can lead to hyperacusis or sensitive hearing. The disease can be painful and discomforting for people suffering from hyperacusis as normal daily sounds like traffic noise, water falling, paper shuffling, etc., become unbearable, which may not seem disturbing to others. This blog post will educate you about the symptom causes and available treatment options for hyperacusis, according to the expert guidance of ENT Clinic London.
Recognize Hyperacusis Symptoms:
Lack of tolerance to everyday environmental sound is known as hyperacusis in medical terms. It is no surprise that this condition can significantly impact a person’s daily life. If hyperacusis is not treated timely, the person can suffer from an inability to function appropriately in social life, leading to depression and anxiety. The symptoms of hyperacusis are as follows.
- Sound sensitivity to your own voice.
- Difficulty tolerating normal environmental sounds.
- Ear pain accompanied by the loud sound.
- Severe headache and dizziness.
- The problem while concentrating.
- Discomfort and irritation in ears.
- Fatigue and lethargic feeling.
- Anxiety and social isolation.
Experts say that if a person notices that they are acquiring sensitivity to daily sounds, they should immediately consult an ENT professional.
Hyperacusis Is Not An Inborn Disease:
Many people believe that Hyperacusis or any hearing disorder is birth related. However, this is not true. People are not born with Hyperacusis. There can be one of the following causes.
- Long-term exposure to thunderous noises.
- Viral infection in the ear.
- Bells or facial palsy history.
- Autism spectrum disorder.
- Head injury.
- Tempomandibular joint disorder.
- Medications like drugs used to treat cancer can cause Hyperacusis due to damage to the hearing system.
Treating Hyperacusis:
Different medications and treatments are used to treat hyperacusis, depending on the underlying cause. The primary objective of treatment is to alleviate the distressing symptoms so that the patient may function normally in daily life.
The treatment involves the following therapy and alternative remedies.
- Sound desensitization.
- Cognitive behaviour therapy.
- Tinnitus retraining therapy.
Alternative therapies for pain and stress induced by hyperacusis may also be recommended by a doctor. Alternative therapies may include:
- Exercise, yoga, meditation, and acupuncture.
If you are struggling with hyperacusis, don’t worry. Consult ENT doctor London for a detailed assessment and therapeutic plan to treat your condition and control discomfort.
