Do you ever feel like the volume dial on the world has been turned up a little too high? If so, you may be experiencing hyperacusis, a condition where everyday sounds can feel unbearably loud and overwhelming. But fear not, because your friendly neighborhood audiologist is here to help!

What is hyperacusis, you ask? Well, imagine being at a concert where the music is cranked up to maximum volume, except this time it’s happening in everyday situations like the sound of a door closing or a car honking. Hyperacusis is a heightened sensitivity to sound, where even normal sounds can cause discomfort or pain.

So, what can an audiologist do to help identify and treat hyperacusis? First and foremost, they will conduct a thorough evaluation. Please see previous blog posts for reference  of your hearing to determine the extent of your sensitivity to sound. This may involve a series of tests to measure your hearing thresholds and assess how your ears respond to different frequencies and volumes.

Once hyperacusis has been identified, your audiologist will work with you to develop a personalized  treatment plan. Please see previous blog posts for reference .This may include sound therapy, where you are exposed to low levels of noise to help desensitize your ears to everyday sounds. Fitting a hearing aid in a certain manner may also be considered to occlude the ear and dampen the sounds heard. Various options are available for you to consider and try to help you cope with the emotional and psychological impact of hyperacusis.

Remember, you are not alone in your journey to manage hyperacusis. Our audiologist is here to support you every step of the way, providing guidance, resources, and expertise to help you regain control over your hearing health. So don’t suffer in silence (or noise)– reach out to our audiologist today and start hearing the world clear and comfortably once again!

Written by: Brittany Bowen, CDA