Hyperacusis Can Cause Ear Pain and Other Physical Reactions to Everyday Sound
Many people become hard of hearing as they get older. But another common condition is less well recognized, and is almost the opposite problem: hypersensitivity to sounds such as someone’s voice or the shrill clang of a fork accidentally dropped on a plate. Sounds not only can seem louder than normal, they also can cause pain and upset you. The condition is called hyperacusis (pronounced “hyper-a-COO-sis”). It occurs in up to 15% of the population.
Hyperacusis describes sensitivity to some or all sounds, no matter the volume. The particular type of bothersome sound varies per person. So does the effect on the body, which is classified into several categories. For example, people with hyperacusis can experience:
- Sounds that are uncomfortably loud (loudness hyperacusis)
- Sounds that cause pain in the ear, head or another part of the body (pain hyperacusis)
- Sounds that trigger negative emotional responses, such as fear (annoyance hyperacusis)
- Sound that set off dizziness or nausea (vestibular hyperacusis)
Seek medical help for suspected hyperacusis when your reactions to certain sounds interfere with your daily life. There’s a good reason to take action. The problem with hyperacusis extends beyond discomfort. The condition sometimes keeps people from being able to do certain tasks or engage socially. Social isolation has many serious health risks.
There are effective ways to treat hyperacusis. Sound therapy in conjunction with exposure therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a proven method to treat hyperacusis. Call Dr. Elena Maresca today as she has specialized in hearing healthcare management for over 25 years. You don’t have to “learn to live with it!” call and get your appointment to Enjoy Life Again.
Harvard Health Letter 11/1/2025 By Heidi Godman
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