Hyperacusis (Sound Sensitivity) at DRHC Dubai ENT Clinic

What is Hyperacusis?

Hyperacusis is a condition that causes an increased sensitivity to everyday sounds, making even normal environmental noises seem unbearably loud or painful. This heightened auditory sensitivity can significantly impact daily life, leading to discomfort, stress, and even anxiety in noisy environments. At DRHC Dubai, our specialized team offers advanced diagnostic and treatment options to help patients manage and overcome hyperacusis.

Symptoms of Hyperacusis

• Increased sensitivity to common sounds (e.g., conversations, household noises, traffic)
• Ear pain or discomfort when exposed to normal sound levels
• Anxiety or distress in noisy environments
• Difficulty concentrating due to noise distractions
• Avoidance of social settings due to sound sensitivity
• Emotional exhaustion or irritability due to continuous sound exposure
• Insomnia or sleep disturbances related to noise intolerance

Causes of Hyperacusis

Hyperacusis can develop due to various factors, including:

• Noise-induced hearing damage (e.g., prolonged exposure to loud sounds)
• Head Trauma or injury
• Neurological disorders (e.g., migraines, multiple sclerosis)
• Ear infections or diseases
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders
• Stress and anxiety-related conditions
• Side effects of certain medications
• Chronic exposure to loud environments (e.g., musicians, industrial workers)
• Autoimmune inner ear diseases

Diagnosis of Hyperacusis at DRHC Dubai

At DRHC Dubai, we conduct a thorough evaluation to diagnose hyperacusis, including:

• Comprehensive Hearing Tests – Assessing auditory sensitivity and pain thresholds.
• Tympanometry & Acoustic Reflex Testing – Examining middle ear function.
• Tinnitus and Sound Tolerance Assessments – Evaluating how sound impacts the patient.
• Neurological and Psychological Evaluation – Identifying underlying causes such as stress or trauma.
• Balance and Vestibular Testing – To rule out any inner ear disorders affecting sound perception.

Treatment Options for Hyperacusis

Our multidisciplinary approach focuses on both reducing sound sensitivity and improving quality of life. Treatment options include:

1. Sound Therapy
   Gradual exposure to controlled sound levels using white noise generators or customized sound therapy programs to retrain the brain’s response to sound.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
   Helps patients cope with the emotional distress caused by hyperacusis, reducing anxiety and improving sound tolerance.
3. Hearing Protection Management
   Guidance on appropriate ear protection to prevent further sound sensitivity without overuse, which can worsen the condition.
4. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)
   A combination of sound therapy and counseling to help the brain habituate to normal sound exposure.
5. Medication & Lifestyle Modifications
   In cases where hyperacusis is linked to migraines, anxiety, or other conditions, targeted medications and lifestyle changes may help alleviate symptoms.
6. Alternatives Therapies
   Including acupuncture, mindfulness techniques, and relaxation exercises to help manage stress and auditory sensitivity.
7. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)
   For patients with hyperacusis linked to vestibular disorders, this therapy helps retrain the brain's response to sound and motion.

Living with Hyperacusis: Tips & Coping Strategies

• Use Sound Enrichment – Playing soft background noise (e.g., nature sounds) can help desensitize auditory perception.
• Avoid Complete Silence – Prolonged silence can worsen sound sensitivity over time.
• Manage Stress and Anxiety – Practice relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation.
• Gradual Exposure to Sound – Slowly increasing sound exposure can help train the brain to tolerate noise better.
• Consult an Audiologist Regularly – Regular check-ups ensure timely interventions and prevent worsening of symptoms.

Why Choose DRHC Dubai for Hyperacusis Treatment?

• Expert Audiologists & ENT Specialists – Our team is highly experienced in diagnosing and managing hyperacusis.
• Personalized Treatment Plans – We tailor our approach to suit each patient’s unique needs.
• State-of-the-Art Diagnostic Tools – Advanced hearing assessments and sound therapy options.
• Comprehensive Care – From diagnosis to therapy, we provide holistic management of hyperacusis and associated conditions.
• Patient-Centric Approach – We focus on improving quality of life and restoring comfort in daily activities.

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Dubai ENT clinic—If you are looking for an ENT specialist in Dubai, DRHC provides experienced and leading ENT doctors for healthy treatment. To book an appointment, please call +97142798200 today!