What is hyperacusis?

Hyperacusis refers to an increased sensitivity to normal environmental sounds. Individuals with hyperacusis experience discomfort or pain in response to sounds that would not typically be bothersome to most people. This condition affects their ability to tolerate sound, making everyday noises, such as conversations or background sounds, feel overwhelmingly loud or even intolerable.

This sensitivity can result from various factors, including inner ear damage, neurological conditions, or as a result of certain psychiatric disorders. Understanding hyperacusis is critical for hearing aid dispensers, as it helps ensure that hearing aids are appropriately fitted and programmed for individuals who may experience discomfort with typical sound levels.

The other options describe different aspects of hearing: difficulty with high frequencies pertains to tinnitus or certain types of hearing loss, and increased tolerance to loud sounds would be the opposite of hyperacusis. Thus, recognizing hyperacusis as an abnormal sensitivity to normal sound levels is essential for effective patient care and management.