Overview

Hyperacusis is when everyday sounds seem much louder to you than they should. Treatment can help. See a GP if you think you have hyperacusis.

Check if you have hyperacusis

You may have hyperacusis if some everyday sounds seem much louder than they should.  It can sometimes be painful.

You may be affected by sounds like:

• jingling coins
• a barking dog
• a car engine
• someone chewing
• a vacuum cleaner

Your sensitivity to noise can affect relationships, school or work and your general wellbeing.

Hyperacusis can affect 1 or both ears.  It can come on suddenly or develop over time.

Other types of hearing sensitivity include:

• some sounds make you angry (misophonia)
• some sounds make you anxious (phonophobia)
• your ears have trouble adjusting between quiet and loud sounds (recruitment)

See a GP if:

• everyday noises feel too loud or painful

Your GP may refer you to a hearing specialist for further tests and treatments.

Treatment for hyperacusis

If hyperacusis is caused by another condition, such as migraines or Lyme disease, treating the condition may stop your hyperacusis.

If there's no clear cause, you may be offered treatment to help make you less sensitive to everyday sounds.

This could be:

• sound therapy to get you used to everyday sounds again, and may involve wearing ear pieces that make white noise
• cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to change the way you think about your hyperacusis and reduce anxiety

Things you can try to ease hyperacusis

Do:

• try some relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises

Don't:

• do not use earplugs or muffs unless you really need to
• do not avoid noisy situations, as this will make you become even more sensitive to noise

Causes of hyperacusis

The cause of hyperacusis is unclear. 

It can also appear on its own or with other conditions, like:

• tinnitus
• a head injury
• Ménière's disease
• Bell's palsy
• Lyme disease
• migraines
• Williams syndrome
• autism