National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Hyperacusis


Other Names:
Low tolerance to sound
Hyperacusis is a hearing disorder that results in difficulty tolerating sounds that would not bother most people. This condition may occur due to many different causes, such as head injury, viral infections, or neurological disorders. In some people with hyperacusis, sounds are perceived as being much louder than they would be by someone without this disorder. Some people may have emotional reactions to sounds, such as being annoyed or afraid. Others experience pain with low-level sounds. People with hyperacusis can have only one or different combinations of these symptoms. Another very common symptom is ringing in the ears (tinnitus).

Patients with hyperacusis typically first receive an otolaryngologic exam and hearing testing. These tests can be done by an Audiologist or an Otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor). Treatment may involve a program of sound therapy to train the brain to better process everyday sounds. This type of treatment involves listening to low-level white noise to gradually improve the ability to hear sounds.[1][2]
Last updated: 12/21/2017

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Hyperacusis. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

Patient Registry

  • A registry supports research by collecting of information about patients that share something in common, such as being diagnosed with Hyperacusis. The type of data collected can vary from registry to registry and is based on the goals and purpose of that registry. Some registries collect contact information while others collect more detailed medical information. Learn more about registries.

    Registries for Hyperacusis:
    The Hyperacusis Research Survey?
     

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

In-Depth Information

  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.

Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know.

  1. Hyperacusis: An Increased Sensitivity to Everyday Sounds. American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head Neck Surgery. http://www.entnet.org//content/hyperacusis-increased-sensitivity-everyday-sounds. Accessed 12/21/2017.
  2. What is Hyperacusis. Hyperacusis Research. http://hyperacusisresearch.org/what-is-hyperacusis/. Accessed 12/21/2017.