When normal sounds become uncomfortable

Hyperacusis, or decreased sound tolerance, reflects an abnormally strong response to sound within the auditory pathways. As a result, sufferers experience strong discomfort, and even physical pain, in the presence of sound. Hyperacusis can happen on its own, or it can coexist with hearing loss, tinnitus or a number of other medical conditions. Decreased sound tolerance can have a profound effect on everyday lives, causing people to avoid sound-filled environments, even causing them to stay at home and miss out on fulfilling work and social activities.

The most frequent advice given to people with hyperacusis is to avoid noise, a practice which can actually contribute to the problem. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) uses a combination of directive counseling and sound therapy to change reactions and perceptions to external sounds. The audiologists at AC Tinnitus have been fully trained to administer TRT, and get you back to your life.

Sound therapy is an important part of TRT and is used to reduce the contrast between the tinnitus signal and background neuronal activity. Specific recommendations for sound therapy depend on a number of factors, including the severity of tinnitus, degree of hearing loss and presence or absence of decreased sound tolerance. Varying sources of sound, including typical environmental sounds, ear-level sound generators, hearing aids and hybrid hearing aid/sound generator instruments can all play an important role in the therapy. AC Tinnitus will provide the appropriate instruments, when needed, and the training to use them effectively.

Call AC Tinnitus today... Because "staying at home" just isn’t an option.