What is autophony in the context of hearing?

Autophony refers to the phenomenon where a person experiences an unusually loud hearing of their own voice. This can occur due to various reasons, such as changes in the ear, alterations in the middle ear's pressure, or certain conditions like Eustachian tube dysfunction. When someone experiences autophony, it may feel like their voice is amplified compared to surrounding sounds, which can be disconcerting. Understanding this concept is crucial for hearing aid dispensers, as it can impact how individuals perceive their hearing aids and their own voice in relation to external environmental sounds.