Hearing tests usually indicate normal hearing sensitivity and often register at minus decibel levels. Because social situations are often painfully loud for those with hyperacusis, withdrawal, social isolation, and depression are common. Completion of sound therapy may take up to 12 months, and usually improves sound tolerance. Those suffering from hyperacusis may be uncomfortable with placing sound directly in their ear, but the device produces a gentle static-like sound (white noise) that is barely audible. This involves the use of a noise-generating device worn on the affected ear or ears. However, sound therapy may be used to “retrain” the auditory processing center of the brain to accept everyday sounds. There are no specific corrective surgical or medical treatments for hyperacusis. Counseling about evaluation findings and treatment options may also be provided at that time.
#Auditory sensitivity in babies full
The initial consultation is likely to include a full audiologic evaluation (with a hearing test), a recording of medical history, and a medical evaluation by a physician. Individuals who suspect they may have hyperacusis should seek an evaluation by an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor). Hyperacusis is seen in brain injured children (due to the universal sensory sensitivity), some autistic children, and some children with cerebral palsy) Diagnosis There are a variety of neurologic conditions that may be associated with hyperacusis, including:
Individuals are usually not born with hyperacusis, but may develop a narrow tolerance to soundOther common causes include: The disorder can affect people of all ages in one or both ears. Many people experience sensitivity to sound, but true hyperacusis is rare, affecting approximately one in 50,000 individuals. Hyperacusis can contribute to social isolation, phonophobia (fear of normal sounds), and depression. For those with a severe intolerance to sound, it is difficult and sometimes impossible to function in an every day environment with all its ambient noise. Although all sounds may be perceived as too loud, high frequency sounds may be particularly troublesome.Īs one might suspect, the quality of life for individuals with hyperacusis can be greatly compromised. Individuals with hyperacusis have difficulty tolerating sounds which do not seem loud to others, such as the noise from running faucet water, riding in a car, walking on leaves, dishwasher, fan on the refrigerator, shuffling papers. It can often lead to pain and discomfort.
Hyperacusis is a condition that arises from a problem in the way the brain’s central auditory processing center perceives noise.
0 kommentar(er)
