Hyperacusis and misophonia are disorders that both involve the processing of sounds, but they differ fundamentally in their cause and how they manifest. In this blog, you’ll learn more about exactly what these disorders entail, how to recognize them and possible treatments.
What is Hyperacusis?
Hyperacusis is a condition in which you are hypersensitive to normal sounds that are not perceived as disturbing by others. Even sounds such as a doorbell or softly talking people can be unbearable.
Symptoms of Hyperacusis
- Sounds seem louder and more disturbing than they really are.
- Feelings of pain or pressure in the ears.
- Stress, anxiety or fatigue due to constant exposure to sounds.
- Avoid noisy environments.
Possible causes
Hyperacusis can occur due to several factors, including:
- Prolonged exposure to loud noises, such as music or machinery.
- Traumatic head injury.
- Neurological disorders.
- Stress or anxiety.
Treatments
Although hyperacusis cannot be completely cured, there are ways to deal with it:
- Sound Enrichment Therapy: This involves using soft background sounds to reduce the sensitivity of your ears.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This helps you better cope with the emotional impact of hyperacusis.
- Hearing protection: Using hearing protection with flat filters can muffle sounds without distorting them.
What is Misophonia?
Misophonia literally means “hatred of sound.” It is not about the volume of sounds, but an intense emotional reaction to specific sounds, such as chewing, tapping or breathing.
Symptoms of Misophonia
- Strong emotional reactions, such as anger or disgust, to certain sounds.
- Avoid situations in which these sounds occur.
- Stress, irritation and sometimes even aggression.
- Difficulty concentrating in environments with triggers.
Possible causes
Although the exact cause of misophonia is not fully known, there are some hypotheses:
- Changes in how the brain processes sounds.
- Associations with negative past experiences.
- Hypersensitivity in the auditory or emotional centers of the brain.
Treatments
As with hyperacusis, there is no definitive cure for misophonia, but the following methods may help:
- Exposure therapy: gradually getting used to the triggers.
- Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: This helps you regulate your emotional reactions.
- Use of audiological aids: Noise-cancelling headphones can block out unwanted sounds.
Comparison Between Hyperacusis and Misophonia
| Feature | Hyperacusis | Misophonia |
|---|---|---|
| Main feature | Hypersensitivity to normal sounds | Negative emotional responses to specific sounds |
| Response to sound | Physical pain or discomfort | Anger, disgust or irritation |
| Triggers | Sounds with normal volume | Specific sounds such as chewing or tapping |
| Causes | Damage to hearing or neurological disorders | Possible psychological or neurological factors |
| Treatment | Sound enrichment, CBT, hearing protection | Exposure therapy, mindfulness, audiological aids |
Hearing Protection and Filters
With both hyperacusis and misophonia, hearing protection can be a valuable tool. Consider hearing protection with flat filters, which allow you to muffle sounds without distorting them. Noise-cancelling headphones can also be effective, especially with misophonia, in eliminating unwanted sounds.
The Importance of a Diagnosis
It is important to seek help if you think you suffer from hyperacusis or misophonia. An audiologist can test your hearing and help you find the right aids. For misophonia, a psychologist can guide you in dealing with emotional reactions.
Summary
Hyperacusis and misophonia are complex disorders that can have a major impact on your daily life. By understanding the difference between the two conditions, you can be more targeted in your search for solutions. Whether it’s therapy, hearing protection or a combination of both, there are always ways to improve your quality of life.
