Everyday sounds like the humming of birds in the morning, cars honking in traffic, doorbells ringing, etc., are regular parts of our lives. These sounds should not be annoying to hear, loud, painful, or even unbearable. But what if these everyday sounds, as we call them, are painful and uncomfortable to you? This situation is normal, and a healthcare professional may diagnose it as sound sensitivity.
Sound sensitivity is also called hyperacusis. Hyperacusis is the oversensitivity and discomfort experienced with sounds that others consider normal. This condition can adversely affect work environments, social situations, and close relations with people daily. What exactly is hyperacusis, and what are its causes and effects? Let’s find out.
Understanding Sound Sensitivity
The over-sensitivity to sound, known as hyperacusis, is caused by the brain’s struggle to process sound correctly. People with this condition’s auditory systems are very sensitive to sounds, causing them to perceive normal noises as louder or more intense than they are. This increased sensitivity can make even soft sounds, like the hum of a refrigerator or the rustling of paper, seem overwhelming.
There is a range of sound sensitivity, with hyperacusis being one of the most common. Other forms include misophonia, where specific sounds trigger strong emotional reactions, and phonophobia, a fear of certain sounds.
Causes of Sound Sensitivity
Sound sensitivity has different causes, and they tend to be very complex. In some cases, it’s caused by hearing loss, as the brain tries to compensate for the reduced input by amplifying the sounds it receives. This often leads to an increased perception of loudness, making normal sounds seem painfully loud.
Other causes include exposure to loud noises, which can be due to an occupational hazard, such as persons working in construction sites without the right protective gear. Medical conditions like migraines, head injuries, and even neurological disorders also result in increased sensitivity.
Understanding the underlying cause of your sound sensitivity is crucial for effective management. A hearing health exam would be most helpful in identifying any hearing loss-related or other contributing factors for the most effective treatment.
Impact on Daily Life
Sound sensitivity will disrupt all aspects of a person’s life, leaving nothing out. Social interactions would become increasingly difficult as normal-sounding conversations might be too loud, and crowded spaces become congested with noise and intolerable. Work environments are not a safe space as people moving around, printers humming, and even the mundane sound of people working at their computers would be excruciating.
Even quiet places would hold no comfort; the clock ticking, the sound of a fan, or even footsteps would cause discomfort. This over-sensitivity would lead to anxiety, unrest, irritability, and, in the long run, avoiding places or people where this sensitivity is triggered.
Managing Sound Sensitivity
Living with increased sound sensitivity is hard, but there are ways that the condition can be managed effectively for a reduced impact. One of the most crucial ways is by protecting your ears from loud noises. The noise source doesn’t matter; whether it is an occupational hazard or noisy neighbors, wear earplugs or noise-canceling headphones. It will help to prevent further damage to the auditory system and reduce discomfort.
Another way is to integrate sound therapy into your lifestyle. In sound therapy, you slowly expose yourself to different sounds at volumes that you feel most comfortable with. This exercise helps your brain adjust to normal sound levels as time goes on. Practicing relaxation techniques is also a way to go. Exercises like mindfulness, proper breathing, and meditation can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and other emotions that may worsen sound sensitivity.
Seeking Support and Understanding
Living with sound sensitivity can be tiring and somewhat lonely, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Ensure you seek support from friends, family, or a support group where you can be provided with the understanding and encouragement you need. Educating those around you about your condition can also help them be more supportive and accommodating.
Sound sensitivity not only affects hearing it would also cause many lifestyle changes. In trying to manage this condition to see a significant improvement, you must discover the underlying cause of sensitivity with the help of your hearing healthcare professional.