Hyperacusis facts for kids

Hyperacusis is a hearing problem where some sounds seem much louder than they should. For people with hyperacusis, normal everyday sounds like a car, a dishwasher, or even a refrigerator can feel very loud. This can be uncomfortable or even painful. It makes it hard to tolerate many sounds.

What are the Symptoms of Hyperacusis?

Hyperacusis makes your ears very sensitive. This can cause pain when you hear sounds that seem normal to others. It can also make daily life difficult. Sometimes, it can even affect a person's ability to do their job or daily tasks.

• Sounds that are normal for others can cause annoyance or pain.
• Even quiet sounds might not be a problem, but regular conversations can be too loud.
• Low-pitched sounds can also seem too loud.
• Loud sounds can cause dizziness and nausea.
• Many people with hyperacusis also have Tinnitus. Tinnitus is a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears. For these people, loud sounds can make their tinnitus worse.

What Causes Hyperacusis?

Hyperacusis can start suddenly or develop slowly over time. It can affect people of all ages. It might affect one ear or both ears. Like other hearing problems, many things can cause hyperacusis.

• Hearing an extremely loud sound just once, like an explosion.
• A head injury or damage, such as from a fall or a slap.
• Being around loud sounds for a long time.
• Ear surgery or other medical procedures.
• Certain diseases, like Lyme disease, and some medications.

These are the most common causes. Sometimes, less common things can cause hyperacusis, like Post-traumatic stress disorder.

How is Hyperacusis Treated?

Hyperacusis cannot always be fully cured. However, for most people, the symptoms get better with time and treatment. It's important to learn how to protect your ears from very loud sounds. But you should not overprotect your ears in everyday situations. Protecting your ears too much can actually make the symptoms worse.

• Sound therapy is a common treatment. It uses a special device that plays soft sounds into your ears. This helps your ears get used to sounds again. It can also help build your tolerance to sounds that cause pain.
• Wear hearing protection, like earplugs, in very loud places to avoid pain.
• Sometimes, short-term medication can help.
• Counseling can help you understand hyperacusis better. It also teaches you not to overprotect your ears.

Images for kids

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  Loudness discomfort levels (LDLs): This graph shows how loud sounds feel to people with hyperacusis (lower long line) compared to people with normal hearing (lower short line). The upper line shows average hearing levels.

See also

In Spanish: Hiperacusia para niños