What Is Sound Hypersensitivity? 5 Types That Could Be Affecting You

5 Distinct Sound Sensitivity Disorders

Sound hypersensitivity disorders are conditions that disrupt a person’s ability to participate in normal daily activities due to physical discomfort, emotional distress, or excessive fear triggered by everyday sounds.

Sound sensitivity is when sounds that are manageable or even pleasant for others can cause physical pain, intense emotional reactions like anger or anxiety, or a persistent fear that sound will lead to discomfort or harm.

The severity of the disorder can range from mild symptoms a person can live with, to extreme symptoms that make working, socializing, and simply living life feel impossible.

The 5 Types of Sound Hypersensitivity

1. Loudness Hyperacusis
   Definition: is the experience of uncomfortable to unbearable physical sensations-such as ear fullness, earaches, or headaches-in the ears and/or head when exposed to any sound at intensity levels that would not be uncomfortable for most people.
   
   
2. Pain Hyperacusis
   Definition: Painhyperacusis (noxacusis) is the experience of burning, stabbing, or jabbing pain in the ears or head when exposed to, and/or following, any sound at an intensity level that would be comfortable for most people.
   
   
3. Misophonia
   Definition: Misophonia is characterized by strong negative emotional, physiological, and behavioral responses to “trigger” sounds, especially sounds from the mouth and nose of others.
   
   
4. Noise Sensitivity
   Definition: Noise sensitivity is hypersensitivity to usual sounds that are interpreted as unwanted “noise” and cause annoyance, tension, anxiety, fear, isolation tendency, and/or anger. A universal trait since everyone experiences annoyance by some sounds, it becomes a disorder when daily life is significantly impacted.
   
   
5. Phonophobia
   Definition: Phonophobia is an excessive, persistent state of fear that either specific sounds or sound in general will cause discomfort, distress, or pain. A person with phonophobia either tries to avoid the sound that triggers the fear or endures it with great anxiety and distress. A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder.

Since the five types of sound hypersensitivity conditions are distinct, treatment for each type also differs.

5 treatments and/or management techniques for sound hypersensitivity

1. Loudness Hyperacusis
   Treatment focuses on desensitizing the auditory system and addressing emotional physical responses to sound. Common approaches include educational counseling and sound therapy(e.g., Tinnitus Retraining Therapy, Hyperacusis Activities Treatment, Progressive Tinnitus Management), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and the use of sound therapy apps. For severe cases, migraine-based treatments or surgery may be considered.
   
   
2. Pain hyperacusis
   Treatment options include educational counseling, CBT, lifestyle changes, and various pharmaceuticals such as nerve blockers, Botox injections, or medications like benzodiazepines, gabapentinoids, and pain relievers.
   
   
3. Misophonia
   Treatment targets emotional and physiological responses to specific trigger sounds. Approaches include CBT,exposure techniques, Tinnitus Retraining Therapy, and pharmacotherapy using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs), antipsychotics (e.g., risperidone), or beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol).
   
   
4. Noise sensitivity
   Treatment for noise sensitivity often involves addressing co-existing conditions like post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), migraines, or autism spectrum disorders. Strategies include CBT, and Tinnitus Retraining Therapy.
   
   
5. Phonophobia
   Since phonophobia stems from anxiety, treating the underlying sound hypersensitivity disorder may resolve it. When needed, CBT, exposure therapy, or digital interventions (e.g., mobile-based therapies) can be used to target the fear and anxiety related to sound.

Sound hypersensitivity treatments are tailored to the specific disorder and its severity, often combining counseling, therapy, and medical interventions to improve quality of life. If you are struggling with sound hypersensitivity, know you’re not alone. You don’t have to “learn to live with it!” Make an appointment with Dr. Elena Maresca today.