Hyperacusis
Treatments for hyperacusis
Source: NHS
In this topic (5)
There are no specific medicines or operations that can treat hyperacusis, although treating any underlying cause may help resolve the problem.
If there's no clear cause, specialist techniques to help reduce your sensitivity to noise may be recommended.
These therapies are widely available privately, and may be available on the NHS for people with severe or persistent hyperacusis. Theyshould only be carried out by someone specially trained in thecorrect techniques.
Treatment may involve:
- cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) this aims to help you explore and change the way you think about the troublesome noisesto reduce distress, change your avoidance behaviour, and help you recover from your hyperacusis symptoms
- counselling and education to support you and help you learn more about your hyperacusis
- sound therapy (desensitisation) this aims to help desensitise your hearing over several months, using special noise generators either placed in the room or in your ears (similar to hearing aids)
- lifestyle changes including learning relaxation techniques , listening to calming music or sounds, not avoiding noisy situations, and not using earplugs or muffs (these may make your ears more sensitive)
Recent researchsuggests patients often feel CBT, counselling and education are the most effective treatments. Some people also found sound therapy helpful, but it wasn't clear whether it provided any additional benefit.
You may also find it helpful toget in touch with a support group, such asthe British Tinnitus Association and Action on Hearing Loss , to talk to other peoplewith hyperacusis and share your experiences.
Articles for Hyperacusis
Causes of hyperacusis
The cause ofhyperacusis is unclear. It has been linked with a number of other conditions,although many people with hyperacusis don't have any other obvious problems. Hyperacusis has been associated w
Introduction
Read about hyperacusis, an intolerance to sounds that aren't an issue for most other people. Find out about the symptoms, causes, and treatments.
Symptom s of hyperacusis
Hyperacusis can either start suddenly or develop gradually over time. When someone with the condition hears noise, they may: feel uncomfortable cover their ears or try to get away from the noise
Treatments for hyperacusis
There are no specific medicines or operations that can treat hyperacusis, although treating any underlying cause may help resolve the problem. If there's no clear cause, specialist techniques to help
When to get medical help
Visit your GP if you have a severe sound intolerance. They can examine your ears and refer you to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) consultant or a hearing specialist (audiologist) for tests if necessary.