Noise sensitivity (hyperacusis)

Hyperacusis is when everyday sounds seem much louder than they should. Treatment can help. See a GP if you think you have hyperacusis.

Check if you have hyperacusis

You may have hyperacusis if some everyday sounds seem much louder than they should. It can sometimes be painful.

You may be affected by sounds like:

Your sensitivity to noise can affect relationships, school or work and your general wellbeing.

Hyperacusis can affect 1 or both ears. It can come on suddenly or develop over time.

if some sounds make you angry, you may have misophonia
if some sounds make you anxious, you may have phonophobia
if your ears have trouble adjusting between quiet and loud sounds, you may have recruitment

Your GP may refer you to a hearing specialist for further tests and treatment.

Hyperacusis can be cured if it's caused by another condition, such as a migraine, head injury or Lyme disease.

If there's no clear cause, you may be offered treatment to help make you less sensitive to everyday sounds.

This could be:

sound therapy to get you used to everyday sounds again, and may involve wearing ear pieces that make white noise
cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to change the way you think about your hyperacusis and reduce anxiety

do not use earplugs or muffs unless you really need to
do not avoid noisy situations, as this will make you become even more sensitive to noise

To talk to other people with hyperacusis and share your experience, contact:

The cause of hyperacusis is unclear. It can appear on its own or with other conditions, like:

Find out more about hyperacusis from the British Tinnitus Association.

Page last reviewed: 2 April 2019
Next review due: 2 April 2022