Hyperacusis: Understanding Sound Sensitivity and What You Can Do

When a door slams, a dishwasher hums, or even a whisper feels like a shout, you might be dealing with hyperacusis, a condition where normal environmental sounds are perceived as unbearably loud or painful. Also known as noise intolerance, it’s not just about being sensitive—it’s a neurological rewiring that turns harmless sounds into distressing events. Unlike hearing loss, where sounds fade, hyperacusis makes them explode in your ears. It doesn’t mean your ears are damaged—it means your brain’s volume control is stuck on high.

This isn’t rare. Many people with tinnitus, a ringing or buzzing in the ears without an external source also experience hyperacusis. The two often travel together, feeding off each other. Stress, head injuries, Lyme disease, and even prolonged exposure to loud environments can trigger it. Some people develop it after ear surgery or while taking certain antibiotics. It’s not just an ear problem—it’s a nervous system issue. That’s why treatments focusing only on hearing aids or earplugs often fail. What works is retraining the brain’s response, not muffling the world.

There’s no quick fix, but progress is possible. Sound therapy, cognitive behavioral techniques, and gradual exposure under professional guidance have helped many regain control. You’re not alone—thousands live with this daily, adjusting routines, avoiding crowds, and learning to manage triggers. The posts below dig into real-world experiences, medication risks that might worsen it, how it connects to other neurological conditions, and what research says about recovery. You’ll find practical tips from people who’ve been there, and clear explanations from medical sources that cut through the noise.