What is hyperacusis?
Hyperacusis is defined as a reduced tolerance of everyday sounds. The limbic and autonomic nervous systems are a secondary function. Our desensitization therapy allows the brain to be retrained to perceive sounds at their appropriate intensities.
It should be noted that hyperacusis is different from phonophobia, which is the fear of sound. Phonophobia can be helped through a sound therapy protocol in conjunction with mindfulness or other therapy approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). Hyperacusis patients may also benefit from using these therapies as well.
Is hyperacusis curable?
The good news is that hyperacusis is almost completely alleviated through a sound therapy treatment protocol. If you think that you or a loved one has hyperacusis, you should seek an appointment with one of our experienced audiologists. A comprehensive audiologic including uncomfortable Loudness Levels (UCLs) will provide us with important information.
If we find evidence of hyperacusis, we will suggest different ways of treating the condition so you can manage it properly.
How is hyperacusis treated?
The method of sound desensitization is often used to treat hyperacusis. Sound desensitization involves daily use of sound therapy using ear level devices that are worn in or behind the ears. The devices feed different types of customized and ambient sounds into your ears. They are designed to provide consistent exposure to low levels of sound as you continue to take in noise from the outside world. Since hyperacusis generally impacts both ears, sound therapy is normally provided for each ear.
Although there is no instant cure or medicine for hyperacusis treatment, therapy can enhance an individual’s quality of life by lowering their anxieties surrounding sound, helping them to acclimate to unpleasant sounds, and making sounds seem less overbearing. Our goal is to help those with hyperacusis feel comfort with the sounds around them again.
At Hudson Valley Audiology, we are here to address your symptoms head on in order to help you get back to living your life.
Should I use earplugs to help my hyperacusis?
While most people want silence when suffering from hyperacusis, it is not recommended for them to surround themselves with complete silence. We discourage the use of ear plugs and hearing protection to treat hyperacusis unless absolutely necessary. Use of ear plugs often increases sensitivity to sound once they are removed. By adding a soft level sound to the environment, we can increase a person’s tolerance for sounds.