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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.
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:
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:
Your GP may refer you to a hearing specialist for further tests and treatment.
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:
try some relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises
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
The cause of hyperacusis is unclear.
It can appear on its own or after hearing a sudden loud noise, such as fireworks.
It can also appear alongside other conditions, like:
Children are often more sensitive to loud noises than adults. It often gets better as they get older.
But some children may become more sensitive to noise than others after having an ear infection, for example, or if they have another condition, such as autism.
