Hyperacusis and Social Issues
Hyperacusis is a condition where one develops an unusual sensitivity to daily noises and sounds. They may also have sensitivity to high-frequency sounds. It is an acute condition which is connected with tinnitus or ringing sounds in the ear. Young and old, who have both a hearing loss and normal hearing, may suffer from hyperacusis.
How is Hyperacusis Developed?
One develops this condition slowly, maybe due to head injuries. Some research has also proved that some dysfunction in the brain chemistry due to poor consumption of some chemicals causes hyperacusis. At times drugs, job related noise exposure, or surgeries of the ear, brain and any other related surgery may cause hyperacusis.
Problems due to Hyperacusis
A person who suffers from hyperacusis generally experiences pain in the inner ear or a feeling of fullness, such as pressure, in the ears. Due to this such people have a low threshold to sound, and find it hard for taking part in many social activities. They may actually consider themselves unfit socially, by not being able to bear the sounds that are connected with social activities.
Sufferers of hyperacusis generally end up with tinnitus (ringing sounds in the ears). At times they may also find difficulty in sleeping due to the stress level they suffer from. Phonophobia also causes hyperacusis. Persons having phonophobia develop a fear of exposure to some sounds thinking that their ear will be damaged by the sounds.
Diagnosis
Hyperacusis can be best diagnosed via hearing tests that detect sound sensitivity. Also otolaryngologists, who are ear, nose, and throat physicians, are well-versed to make a medical assessment of hyperacusis.
Treatment
The best treatment is via in-depth discussion of the tests performed for diagnosing hyperacusis, explanation of the physiology and anatomy of hearing mechanism and how it is connected with hyperacusis helps control hyperacusis. The focus of this therapy is enlightening the patient on hyperacusis, and to lessen their concerns and fears about it. Few patients may be advised Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT), which is a therapy that is habituation-oriented.
With TRT, the reactions of the patient to hyper acusis are lessened by using sound therapy. With the help of sound therapy, the sensitivity of the patient to sounds is reduced, helping them view sound more positively. TRT is generally a combination of sound therapy and counseling where the patient is exposed to low-level sound for a few hours daily.
Alternative Treatments
Then there are alternative treatments where people are advised to take minerals like zinc, magnesium, or herbal preparations like B vitamins, Ginkgo biloba, or homeopathic remedies for helping cure hyperacusis. Treatment varies with the physician and the patient.