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 with:

• tinnitus hearing sounds that come from inside your body, rather than from an outside source
• hearing loss the brain may sometimes compensate for reduced hearing by amplifying signals coming from the ears
• damage to the ear or brain including from a head injury , ear surgery, exposure to loud noise, earwax removal , glue ear , and persistent ear infections
• migraines
• Bell's palsy a type offacial paralysis
• Mnire's disease a disorder of the inner ear thatcauses a spinning sensation (vertigo) , tinnitus, andhearing loss
• depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Addison's disease a rare disorder of the adrenal glands, which sit near the kidneys and produce important hormones
• disorders affecting the brain such asWilliams' syndrome or autism spectrum disorder

Hyperacusis can also be a side effect of certain medications. If you're taking any medication, check the leaflet it comes withto see if hyperacusis is listed as a possible side effect.