Hyperacusis

Hyperacusis is a disorder in loudness perception. Patients suffering from hyperacusis may appear overly sensitive to a range of sounds, finding many noises unbearable and painfully loud. Hyperacusis is not the same as "recruitment," a disorder that can be a normal consequence of hearing loss and is associated with abnormal perception of sound as the volume increases.

Hyperacusis can affect children and adults, but is considered rare, occurring in an estimated one in 50,000 people. It can be caused by a number of factors. The most common is related to damage to the cochlea from exposure to loud noises such as those experienced at certain work environments, rock concerts, gunfire, air bag deployment in cars and fireworks.

The condition often affects people who have sustained a head injury, as well as those with tinnitus, a common condition in which people hear a ringing noise in their ears. Other causes may include acoustic trauma, adverse reactions to medicine or surgeries, chronic ear infections, and autoimmune disorders.

The hyperacusis patient management program at UCSF Medical Center uses a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to diagnose and treat patients.

Our experts work together to establish an individualized hyperacusis management plan designed for each patient's needs.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Audiology at (415) 353-2101.

For help finding a doctor, contact our Physician Referral Service:

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated November 14, 2008