Hyperacusis

Hyperacusis is when your ears are extra sensitive to sound. It's like a volume dial in your ears is turned up too high. Sounds that seem normal to other people can be painful or uncomfortable for people with hyperacusis. It's like hearing everything extra loud all the time.

Imagine you are listening to your favorite song on the radio, and it's turned up to the maximum volume. It's so loud that you can't really enjoy the music. That's similar to what people with hyperacusis experience all the time.

Sometimes people with hyperacusis have trouble in noisy environments like a school cafeteria or a busy street. The sounds can be overwhelming and make them feel anxious or irritable. Some people with hyperacusis may get headaches or feel dizzy when they hear specific sounds.

To help make things less overwhelming, people with hyperacusis may wear special earplugs or headphones to block out some of the sound. They may also try to avoid loud places or certain sounds they know might bother them.

While there is no cure for hyperacusis, there are ways to manage it. Working with an audiologist or healthcare provider can help you find ways to cope with the sensitivity and live a more comfortable life.