Which term describes heightened sensitivity to sound?

Heightened sensitivity to sound is referred to as hyperacusis. This condition is characterized by an increased level of discomfort or pain in response to sounds that are typically considered normal, everyday sounds for most individuals. People with hyperacusis may find that sounds which are not excessively loud can feel overwhelming or even painful, impacting their overall quality of life.

Understanding hyperacusis is important in the context of auditory health and hearing aid practices, as individuals experiencing this condition might require different management strategies compared to those with hearing loss or other auditory disorders. In contrast to hyperacusis, tinnitus refers to the perception of noise or ringing in the ears, otosclerosis is a condition related to abnormalities in the ear bones leading to hearing loss, and presbycusis is the age-related gradual loss of hearing. These conditions may involve complexities in auditory processing but do not specifically describe heightened sensitivity to sound.