How Is Hyperacusis (Sound Sensitivity) Related to Tinnitus?

Man covering his ears; how hyperacusis and sound sensitivity relate to tinnitus concept

Tinnitus, hyperacusis, and sound sensitivity are distinct conditions, but they are all related to how the brain processes sound and can affect a person's quality of life. Treatment may involve a combination of therapies tailored to the individual's specific needs.

What is Hyperacusis?

Hyperacusis is a condition characterized by an increased sensitivity to everyday sounds that would not bother most people. People with hyperacusis experience discomfort or even pain from sounds that are considered normal, such as a running faucet, a car engine, or a conversation in a quiet room.

Hyperacusis is believed to be caused by changes in the way the brain processes sound, rather than by any problem in the ear itself. It can occur as a result of a variety of factors, including head trauma, exposure to loud noises, viral infections, and certain medications.

The symptoms of hyperacusis can include ear pain, discomfort, or a feeling of fullness in the ears, as well as headaches, anxiety, and an increased sensitivity to other sensory stimuli such as bright lights or certain textures.

How is Hyperacusis (Sound Sensitivity) Related to Tinnitus?

Hyperacusis and sound sensitivity are related to tinnitus in that they are all conditions that affect how the brain processes sound. While tinnitus is characterized by a persistent ringing, buzzing, or humming sound in the ears, hyperacusis and sound sensitivity involve an increased sensitivity to sounds that are not necessarily related to tinnitus.

Hyperacusis and sound sensitivity can occur in individuals with tinnitus, and can make the symptoms of tinnitus more bothersome. This is because sounds that would not typically be bothersome to a person without hyperacusis or sound sensitivity can be uncomfortable or even painful to someone with these conditions.

Furthermore, some of the same underlying factors that contribute to tinnitus can also contribute to hyperacusis and sound sensitivity, such as exposure to loud noises or head trauma. In some cases, these conditions can coexist and require a comprehensive treatment approach that addresses all the symptoms.

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Can Allergies Cause Tinnitus?

The short answer is: Yes, allergies can cause tinnitus. Hearing loss, too. Allergy-related tinnitus is typically due to the congestion that allergies cause. Anything from allergic rhinitis (hay fever) to sinus infections increases the risk of developing tinnitus. Basically anything that affects the nasal and sinus passages can lead to tinnitus. That's because when allergies affect the nasal passages and sinuses, they can cause inflammation and swelling, leading to congestion and pressure changes in the ear. This pressure change can lead to tinnitus. Allergy meds can be a problem too Tinnitus can also be a side effect of certain medications used to treat allergies, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin. These medications can potentially cause tinnitus as a side effect, especially when taken in high doses. Other causes of tinnitus In addition to allergies, there are several other causes of tinnitus. In some cases, tinnitus can be a symptom of an u...

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Try Saline When Your Hearing Is Muffled After Loud Noise Exposure

If you've got temporary hearing loss or tinnitus after being at a loud concert or sports event, you may be able to fix it -- if you act fast. A 2021 Keck Medicine of USC study published in Science Daily has found that the nerve damage to the inner ear caused by loud noises is basically a build up of fluids. Treating that "fluid buildup with a readily available saline solution lessened nerve damage in the inner ear." A previous study by the same otolaryngologist showed that inner ear fluid level is not affected until noises reach 100 decibels, which is how loud a motorcycle is. "When researchers applied hypertonic saline, a salt-based solution used to treat nasal congestions in humans, into affected ears one hour after the noise exposure, both the immediate fluid buildup and the long-term nerve damage lessened, implying that the hearing loss could be at least partially prevented." The benefits of this knowledge are twofold: 1. If fluid buildup can be measured, ...

Tinnitus Help - Stop the Ringing in Your Ears

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