Hyperacusis: When Everyday Sounds Feel Too Loud
In short. Hyperacusis means everyday sounds, such as cutlery, a barking dog or a car engine, seem much louder than they should, and can sometimes be painful. It can affect one or both ears and may start suddenly or slowly. If ordinary noise feels too loud or painful, see a doctor; a hearing specialist can help, and approaches such as sound therapy are used.
What hyperacusis is
With hyperacusis, the loudness of ordinary sounds feels wrong: too loud, harsh or painful, even at levels other people find comfortable. It is different from hearing loss, although the two can occur together, and it is often linked with tinnitus.
Related kinds of sound sensitivity
- Misophonia: particular sounds, such as chewing, trigger anger or disgust.
- Phonophobia: sounds cause fear or anxiety.
- Recruitment: difficulty adjusting between quiet and loud sounds, which can come with some kinds of hearing loss.
Why it happens
Often the cause is unclear. It can appear on its own or after a sudden loud noise, and it has been linked with tinnitus, head injury, migraine and some other conditions. Children are often more sensitive to sound than adults, and this frequently improves with age.
Why avoiding all sound can backfire
It is natural to reach for earplugs. Wearing them all the time, or avoiding noise completely, can make sensitivity worse and keeps people away from everyday life. Short-term protection in very loud places is a different matter.
What can help
Treating any underlying condition comes first. Sound therapy, sometimes using small earpieces or a portable white-noise speaker, aims to make the ears and brain more tolerant of sound over time. Cognitive behavioural therapy and relaxation techniques can reduce the anxiety that often comes with it. These are planned with a professional.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if everyday noises feel too loud or painful. They can check the ears and hearing and refer you to a hearing specialist.
Key takeaways
- Hyperacusis makes everyday sounds feel too loud or painful.
- It is often linked with tinnitus, and the cause is often unclear.
- Constant earplugs or avoiding all noise can make it worse.
- Sound therapy, CBT and relaxation techniques are used.
- See a doctor if ordinary noise feels too loud or painful.
Questions and answers
Is hyperacusis the same as having very good hearing?
No. It is about how loud sounds feel, not how faint a sound you can detect.
Should I wear earplugs all the time?
No. Constant use can increase sensitivity. Short-term protection in very noisy places can help.
Sources and further reading
This page draws on the following sources.
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This information is general and does not replace an examination by a qualified professional.