Sound Sensitivity Clinic

Hyperacusis is a term used to describe a condition where sufferers experience a reduced tolerance to sounds that other people find comfortable or that the sufferer found comfortable prior to onset. People with Hyperacusis may find normal day to day sounds like peoples voices, traffic sound or machinery uncomfortably loud, painful or frightening / anxiety provoking.  Problem sounds are often beyond the sufferers control.

It is estimated that 2% of the adult population experience hyperacusis but it is not well researched or understood to the figures may be higher. 

​

The underlying causes of hyperacusis also remain unclear although it may be related to hyperactivity within the hearing system. Hyperacusis is associated with several medical conditions including Migraine, Hearing Loss, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, PTSD, Autistic Spectrum Disorders and Anxiety disorders. It can also occur following noise exposure, head injuries and stressful life events. There does seem to be links between Tinnitus and Hyperacusis, with 40% of people who experience tinnitus also reporting symptoms of sound sensitivity.

​

Other forms of sound sensitivity also exist including Phonophobia which is a fear/phobia around a particular sound. Misophonia which is an extreme emotional response to people based sounds and Recruitment which is a sound sensitivity associated with hearing loss. 

​

Sound sensitivity can have significant impacts on sufferers lives. They often avoid going out to places where there are problem sounds, which can impact on work options and social lives.

 

At Soundful Silence our initial assessment of sound sensitivity includes a thorough history of the origins of your symptoms, the types of sounds that are a problem and the reactions that they cause. We will also explore the impact hyperacusis has had on your lifestyle  and your current coping. A comprehensive hearing assessment will be completed to rule out underlying hearing impairment. This information is then used to create an individual management plan to help reduce or change your reactions to sound. 

​

Management may include sound therapy either in to the room or via special wearable sound generators, relaxation therapy, counselling, desensitisation or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. If an underlying cause can be identified treatment of this can also have positive impacts on sound sensitivity symptoms. 

​

For more information about how we can help you please contact us via the button below.

​