Hyperacusis is a heightened sensitivity to sounds in your environment that others tolerate or ignore. Tinnitus is a ringing, buzzing, clicking or roaring sound in your ears that cannot be attributed to any external source or heard from the outside.
One study found that although tinnitus and hyperacusis seem to oppose each other, nearly half of people with tinnitus report some degree of hyperacusis, and nearly all hyperacusis patients have tinnitus. One possible reason for the cooccurrence of the two conditions is hyperactivity in the central auditory system due to hidden or overt hearing loss.
When hearing loss causes auditory deprivation, or lack of stimulation, in the auditory center, the center may overreact by creating uncomfortably loud or exaggerated noises in the ears, presenting as hyperacuity or tinnitus.
The adverse physical and emotional ramifications of severe hyperacusis and tinnitus can take their toll on a person. While there is no known cure for either condition, there are a few symptom management techniques available, including:
- Sound therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Hearing protection
- Hearing aids
Let’s take a closer look at each symptom option.
Sound Therapy
Sound therapy is an effective tool for managing hyperacusis. The therapy uses exercises to retrain the brain to accept the sounds it finds loud or intrusive.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective tool in managing tinnitus and hyperacusis. Like sound therapy, CBT focuses on changing your adverse reactions to a sound and asserting control over how your brain perceives it.
Hearing Protection
Earmuff, earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones are great options for blocking out noise when hyperacusis becomes uncomfortable or cannot be avoided. If you enjoy working out of Perfect Blend but dislike the clinging and clanging of espresso machines, hearing protection can help you focus and keep your symptoms at bay.
Hearing Aids
Hearing aids help manage tinnitus symptoms by playing white noise or amplifying external sounds to mask the internal ringing, buzzing, clicking or roaring.
Hearing aids can also help to engage your auditory center and decrease the chance of auditory deprivation and hyperactivity.
For more information on managing your tinnitus or hyperacusis symptoms, contact North Shore Audio-Vestibular Lab today to make an appointment with one of our specialists.