Hyperacusis (Sound Sensitivity)
Decreased tolerance to everyday sounds — dishes, voices, traffic — that feel overwhelming, uncomfortable, or even painful. We help your ears and brain relearn normal sound levels safely, gradually, and with support.
When Everyday Sounds Feel Like Too Much
Hyperacusis means decreased tolerance to everyday sounds. Dishes clatter, kids shout, traffic hums, and your system says "too much." For some, it's uncomfortable. For others, it can be painful and life-limiting. Hyperacusis often travels with tinnitus, but not always.
Hyperacusis
A physical reaction to sound loudness or intensity (discomfort or pain).
Misophonia
A strong emotional reaction to specific sounds (chewing, tapping) even when they aren't loud.
Common Signs of Hyperacusis
- Sharp, sudden sounds feel overwhelming.
- Crowded places, restaurants, or classrooms drain you fast.
- You start avoiding events, relying on earplugs more and more.
- Stress and poor sleep make it worse; quiet, controlled spaces help.
A Thorough, Careful Assessment
Conversation that actually helps
We map your story: when it began, what triggers it, and what makes it ease up. We review medical history, noise exposure, migraines, concussion history, medications, and how this is affecting work, school, and home.
Hearing test
Even small changes in hearing can shape sound tolerance. A clean baseline also helps us track progress over time.
Gentle loudness discomfort measures (LDL/ULL)
If appropriate, we measure the levels where sound becomes uncomfortable. We do this carefully and gradually, with experienced clinicians and lots of control. The goal is information, not provocation.
Simple questionnaires
Brief forms capture how sound sensitivity affects your day. They also give us a way to measure improvement.
A plan you can follow
You leave with next steps — often sound enrichment and gradual exposure, counseling strategies, and clear guidance on when to use hearing protection (and when not to).
Treatment & Management Options
Sound enrichment and gradual exposure
We lower the sensitivity by feeding the system safe, steady sound. Start with gentle background audio at home. Then add short, planned exposures to everyday environments. We show you how to pace it so progress sticks.
Skills and counseling
Education reduces fear. Simple strategies — breathing, pacing, reframing — make tough moments manageable. We teach what to do in a busy restaurant, a classroom, or a kitchen full of clatter.
Hearing aids or ear-level support
If hearing loss accompanies hyperacusis, properly fitted hearing aids can help. Clearer sound means less strain. Some patients benefit from low-level sound support through the devices during the early stages.
Ear protection (smart use)
Earplugs have a place, but not all day. We set rules for when to use protection (power tools, concerts) and when to avoid it (quiet streets, offices). The goal is confidence, not life in foam plugs.
Trigger management
Sleep, stress, and migraine patterns can raise sensitivity. We help you spot links and set small habits that lower the noise your body creates.
Care team coordination
If your story suggests migraine, concussion history, jaw/neck issues, or mental health factors, we coordinate with the right clinicians. One plan, shared across the team.
There is a Steady Path Forward
Improvement is gradual. Most patients feel steadier over weeks to months, not days. We keep steps small so gains last. Follow-ups track comfort in everyday places, not just numbers in a booth.
What to Expect at Your Hyperacusis Evaluation
Before your visit
You'll get a brief intake to complete at home. Bring a medication list and a short note about triggers and good/bad days. If tinnitus is part of the picture, mention it.
Check-in and conversation (10–15 min)
We review your story, health history, and goals. You set the pace. If certain sounds or places are hard for you, tell us.
Ear and hearing check (20–30 min)
Quick ear exam, then a hearing test to map any changes in sound sensitivity. Results are explained in plain English.
Gentle loudness measures, if appropriate (10–15 min)
If we need them, we measure where sound becomes uncomfortable using careful steps. You stay in control. We can pause at any time.
Results and next steps (10–15 min)
You leave with a practical plan: sound enrichment, graded exposure, counseling strategies, and clear guidance on hearing protection. If tinnitus is also a concern, we'll weave that into the plan.
Home Strategies: Dos and Don'ts
Use gentle background sound
Low-level sound (fan noise, soft music, rain tracks) helps your system stop "listening for danger." Keep it truly gentle. You should still hear conversation.
Build exposure in small steps
Pick one everyday setting (kitchen, school pickup, a café). Start short. Add a few minutes every couple of days. Track comfort, not perfection.
Protect smart, not constantly
Use earplugs for loud, unavoidable sound (power tools, concerts, stadiums). Skip them for normal life (quiet streets, offices). Overuse makes sensitivity worse.
Set sleep and stress basics
Consistent sleep, hydration, and a short daily walk lower baseline reactivity. Brief breathing drills help when a sound spikes your symptoms.
Chase silence
Living in quiet rooms trains the system to overreact. Aim for gentle enrichment instead.
Jump levels
Leaping from quiet to a busy restaurant can backfire. Use intermediate steps (short café visits, off-peak times).
Power through pain
Discomfort is a signal to pause and reset. Step out, breathe, and try again later with smaller steps.
Self-isolate
Ask for small accommodations (soften a clattering task, choose a corner table) so you can stay engaged while you rebuild tolerance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Take the First Step?
We are here to help you. If everyday sounds feel like too much, reach out — we'll map a path forward together.