When It Hurts To Hear

Imagine not being able to leave your house because the sound of the door as it bumps against the jamb hurts your ears … or giving up your job because you cannot tolerate the whirring of the fan in your computer. Imagine that you nearly faint from the squeal of bus brakes. This is how it is for people who have hyperacusis... read full article...

Soft Sound Sensitivity Syndrome

Since the summer of 1997, unusual cases of hyperacusis have contacted my clinic to report symptoms that stray outside the 'regular' pattern of hyperacusis.  One of these variations involves strong negative reaction to soft sounds, in particular, sounds associated with eating, breathing, speaking, or lip smacking... read full article...

Distinguishing between Cochlear Hyperacusis and Vestibular Hyperacusis

The particular symptoms of cochlear hyperacusis and vestibular hyperacusis can help physicians and audiologists distinguish between the two disorders... read full article...

Excerpts from Correspondence that may be of Interest

 "I become very anxious when I hear people eating. Chewing, swallowing, dish clinking, ice in a glass, crunching, smacking, even sometimes breathing. My sensitivities are broad, but the sounds that cause me the most discomfort and anxiety are small sounds made by human bodies". ... read more from others...