What is Hyperacusis?
{{no sources|date=January 2024}} [[File:Autism Aspect Sensory Sensitivity 1.png|thumb|Art by a victim of hyperacusis]] '''Hyperacusis''' is a [[hearing]] health [[Problem (disambiguation)|problem]] where people become more [[sensitive]] to some sounds for certain [[Frequency|frequencies]] and volumes. This can make everyday sounds such as a [[car]], [[dishwasher]] or [[refrigerator]] sound very loud. It is usually very difficult to tolerate and can be uncomfortable or even [[painful]] for people experiencing it. == Symptoms == The increasing sensitivity of the ears caused by hyperacusis is [[painful]] for many people. It can [[Negative|negatively]] effect the everyday lives of people experiencing it. It can make it very difficult and even not possible to do their everyday jobs and take care of their responsibilities. There are many symptoms experienced by those with hyperacusis. *Annoyance or pain caused by noise that sounds normal to other people. Often quiet sounds are not a problem whereas normal [[Conversation|conversations]] can be too loud *Low sounds can still be too loud *[[Dizziness]] and [[nausea]] from loud sounds *[[Tinnitus]] affects a large portion - up to 89% - of those experiencing hyperacusis. Loud sounds can make tinnitus for these people worse == Causes == Like other hearing problems, hyperacusis can start suddenly or [[Gradual|gradually]] over time. It can affect people of all different ages in one or both ears. There are a variety of possible causes: *Extremely loud one-time sounds such as an [[explosion]] *[[Head injury]] or damage such as caused by a fall or slap *Long periods of [[exposure]] to loud sound *Ear [[surgery]] and other [[medical procedures]] *Diseases such as [[lyme disease]] and some [[medication]]<nowiki/>s These are the main causes of hyeracusis and most hearing problems. There are other less common causes such as [[post-traumatic stress disorder]]. == Treatment == Hyperacusis cannot always be fully [[Cure|cured]], but for most people the [[symptom]]<nowiki/>