These sounds can result in annoyance, fear or even physical discomfort and pain, even at low volume levels that others think are normal. It’s similar to, but not the same as phonophobia or misophonia, which is fear of a specific sound or sound patterns.Social cognitive learning theory in the classroom it can occur alongside tinnitus, hearing loss, phonophobia, or misophonia, or it can occur independent of any other hearing condition.

Hyperacusis can negatively affect quality of life.Social cognitive learning theory in the classroom it can lead to social isolation, anxiety, depression, lack of concentration, and insomnia. Many times people with hyperacusis live with anxiety and fear.Social cognitive learning theory in the classroom if you add on the frustration caused by the lack of understanding of the condition by medical professionals, the condition can escalate.

This pain response has been linked to increased activity of the tensor tympani muscle in those with hyperacusis.Social cognitive learning theory in the classroom when a certain sound level is perceived, the tensor tympani muscle tightens and pulls on the eardrum leading to pain in the ear. This abnormal tensor tympani reflex is known as tonic tensor tympani syndrome (TTTS) and may be the underlying cause of hyperacusis following an acoustic incident trigger.Social cognitive learning theory in the classroom

Loudness hyperacusis can be assessed by an audiologist by measuring the person’s loudness discomfort levels (LDL) and performing a loudness growth assessment in a sound booth.Social cognitive learning theory in the classroom specifically designed questionnaires are also useful in determining the emotional impact of annoyance and fear hyperacusis on the person. The multiple-activity scale for hyperacusis, for example, calculates an average annoyance score to help diagnose the severity of annoyance hyperacusis.Social cognitive learning theory in the classroom

If hyperacusis is suspected, it is important to determine whether the person is experiencing loudness discomfort (loudness hyperacusis), an emotional reaction or avoidance of certain environments or situations (annoyance or fear hyperacusis) or a physical discomfort in response to low sound levels (pain hyperacusis).Social cognitive learning theory in the classroom in some cases, the person may experience all three. This information will better help guide the course of treatment. Help for hyperacusis

Successful sound therapy methods aim to desensitize the person to triggering sounds.Social cognitive learning theory in the classroom one adopted method involves exposure to low-level broadband noises with the use of an in-ear sound generator device. Other sound therapy methods may include carefully prescribed introduction of the specific environmental sound that is bothersome instead of using broadband noise.Social cognitive learning theory in the classroom introduction of sound usually begins below the person’s tolerable sound level and is then gradually increased over time to increase tolerance.Social cognitive learning theory in the classroom

Since tinnitus and hyperacusis often go hand in hand, many of the treatment methods for hyperacusis are adopted from tinnitus treatments. The hyperacusis activities treatment is modeled after the tinnitus activities treatment.Social cognitive learning theory in the classroom it is a counseling method that combines both counseling components that focus on the person’s reaction to a sound, as well as a sound therapy component.Social cognitive learning theory in the classroom social support

The use of hearing protection in treating hyperacusis is a controversial topic. Some believe that the use of earplugs will only escalate hyperacusis symptoms once the earplugs are removed.Social cognitive learning theory in the classroom however, many people with hyperacusis wear earplugs in situations they believe will be bothersome. The use of active earplugs (which lower high volume sounds that could be harmful while not lowering low volume sounds) may be helpful for people with hyperacusis.Social cognitive learning theory in the classroom medications

Many times people with hyperacusis will go to their primary care physician for answers. While some general practitioners may be aware of hyperacusis, they will likely not know what to do about it.Social cognitive learning theory in the classroom referral to an ENT or an audiologist who specialized in tinnitus and/or hyperacusis should be the next step when it comes to the diagnosis and treatment of hyperacusis.Social cognitive learning theory in the classroom