Sound Sensitivity in Adults

Do the noises in your environment sound louder to you than to the people around you? Are you hypersensitive to ambient sounds?

You may have hyperacusis.

Hyperacusis is a lower tolerance for the sounds in one’s environment, while the same level of sound is comfortable to others. It’s an abnormal perception of sound volume.

Someone suffering from hyperacusis will find the sounds of day-to-day life too loud, uncomfortable and even annoying, which can make the person feel excessively irritated.

Hyperacusis has several potential causes and contributing factors. If your sensitivity to sounds is affecting your quality of life, it’s important to see an audiologist!

A complete hearing test will help the audiologist give you the best tools to cope.

An audiologist can provide specialized care by assessing the level of discomfort caused by this sensitivity and showing you how to desensitize your ears to the sound level.

If you have any questions about your hearing or that of a loved one, our hearing health professionals will be happy to answer them.

BY VIRGINIE HÉBERT, Audiologist, Polyclinique de L’Oreille