Introductory Information About Hyperacusis

by Marsha A. Johnson, TRT Specialist, Audiologist, member of TRTA

Definition:

Abnormal sensitivity to everyday sound levels or noises, often sensitivity to higher pitched sounds, in the presence of essentially normal hearing.

Causes:

At this point in time, there have been associations with certain disease processes as well as head injuries, i.e., closed head injury, even mild in nature. Noise induced auditory system trauma is another strong candidate for creating hyperacusis, but no definitive data has been accumulated. There is also some evidence that points to a brain chemistry dysfunction with poor uptake of certain chemicals, as well as another theory in which there is a disturbance in the part of the auditory system which brings information from the brain to the ear, thereby causing faulty amplification of sounds. As you can see, there is much to be learned about this condition.

Incidence:

Generally speaking, about 40% of individuals who visit this clinic have hyperacusis as well as tinnitus, and about 10% of individuals who receive treatment have only hyperacusis.

Treatment Protocol:

Patients who enroll in this clinic receive special evaluation for hyperacusis at the initial evaluation. If present, the hyperacusis is rated in severity from mild (loudness discomfort level thresholds are near normal at 90+ dB at all frequencies) to profound (thresholds for loudness tolerance are nearly identical to air conducted measurements for sound detection). The Johnson Hyperacusis Quotient is used to rate severity and judge progress.  Patients who have hyperacusis identified will always receive treatment for this condition first, prior to therapy for tinnitus. Dr. Pawel Jastreboff’s Habituation Therapy has been found to be the premiere treatment for hyperacusis at this time. Many patients find rapid improvement during the first 6 months of therapy.

Treatment requires intensive directive educational counseling, frequent follow-ups and office visits, and often, the use of two sound therapy devices. These devices, if prescribed, are worn at least 8 hours a day. The patient is advised to increase and maintain a constant environmental noise level, and to avoid silence.

For more information about treatment, evaluation, and to set up an appointment at this clinic, please call (503) 233 5926.