6) Hyperacusis Flashcards
The term “hyperacusis,” has been used for over ____ years
75
Define hyperacisus
Hyperacusis is a hearing disorder commonly described as:
- Altered “tolerance” or “sensitivity” towards certain sounds (Khalfa 2004, 2014).
- Reduced tolerance to sound(s) that are perceived as normal to the majority of the population or the person before the onset of hyperacusis
Hyperacusis may exist with or without ____
tinnitus
Prevalence of Hyperacusis:
̶- Approximately ____ of the general population.
̶- Prevalence of hyperacusis in individuals with tinnitus: Around ____.
̶- Prevalence of tinnitus in individuals with hyperacusis: Around ____.
- 6% to 17%
- 40%
- 86%
Individuals with hyperacusis are more prone to develop ____.
tinnitus
What are two different characteristics/subtypes of hyperacusis?
Phonophobia and misophonia
What is misophonia?
Negative, intense emotional reactions to specific patterns of sounds, or sounds presented in certain situations.
What is phonophobia?
- An unwanted and persistent fear/avoidance of safe levels of sound.
̶- Such as common environmental sounds: traffic, kitchen sounds, doors closing, etc.
What are some common triggers of misophonia (4)?
- Eating and drinking sounds (E.g.: Chewing, crunching, slurping, swallowing, or lip-smacking).
- Breathing noises (E.g.: Sniffling, nose blowing, heavy breathing).
- Mouth and throat noises (E.g.: Coughing, loud kissing, or throat-clearing).
- Repetitive sounds (E.g.: Tapping fingers or toes, ticking clocks, clicking pens, mechanical humming, or water-dripping).
How are reactions controlled for misophonia?
Reactions are controlled by the sympathetic nervous system, in which an acute stress response prepares the body to fight or flee.
What are the 3 types of reactions to misophonia?
1) Emotional reactions
2) Body reactions
3) Behavioural reactions
What are some emotional reactions with misophonia (5)?
- Anger
̶- Anxiety
̶- Disgust
̶- Fear
̶- Irritation
What are some body reactions with misophonia (5)?
̶- Blood pressure increases
̶- Chest pressure or tightness
̶- Goosebumps
̶- Heart rate increases
̶- Sweating
What are some behavioural reactions with misophonia (5)?
- Avoiding situations triggering misophonia
̶- Leaving the area
̶- Verbal or vocal reactions (e.g.: yelling at
people)
̶- Non-violent action to stop the sound
̶- Violent action to stop the sound (rare)
What causes misophonia (2)?
The potential mechanisms are unclear, It may be due to:
̶- Brain structural/functional differences
̶- Family/genetic factors
What are the 4 subtypes of hyperacusis?
1) loudness hyperacusis
2) pain hyperacusis
3) misophonia or annoyance hyperacusis
4) phonophobia or fear hyperacusis
What is loudness hyperacusis?
Perceiving moderately loud sounds as very loud.
What is pain hyperacusis?
- Perceiving pain at a sound level that is much lower than to be perceived as painful by listeners with the majority of the population.
̶- It may be reported as a stabbing pain in the ear or the head.
What is misophonia or annoyance hyperacusis?
Negative reactions to certain sounds, not necessarily loud.
What is phonophobia or fear hyperacusis?
Fear/avoidance of safe levels of sounds.
What are the causes of hyperacusis (8)?
1) Unknown cases (mostly)
2) Main known causes:
̶ - Excessive noise exposure
̶ - Meniere’s disease
̶ - Head injury
3) Other causes:
̶ - Bell’s palsy
̶ - Migraines
̶ - Genetic causes (William syndrome)
̶ - Autism