Your Ears Explained: Hyperacusis and Hearing

Your Ears Explained: Hyperacusis and Hearing

Noise sensitivity, or hyperacusis, can be a difficult health issue to deal with. If you are affected by noises such as car engines, chewing, dogs barking or bell ringing, then it may be time to look into your symptoms and take action.

In this post, we’ll explain exactly what hyperacusis is and what can be done to lessen symptoms.

What is Hyperacusis?

Hyperacusis makes everyday sounds, such as those listed above, sound much louder than they are.

That’s because either one or both of the ears of those suffering from the condition are much more sensitive to certain sound frequencies and volume ranges.

Hyperacusis is most commonly caused when ears are exposed to high decibel noise for long periods, but can also develop after head surgery, contracting Lyme disease, or taking ear sensitising drugs.

Others are born with the condition, have experienced a long string of ear infections or have ear problems in their family history.

What are the symptoms?

Those who have a general low intolerance to loud sounds may find that they need to visit their GP.

Hyperacusis can also cause people to experience pain and a high level of irritability.

Associated conditions include anxiety, migraines, MS, and autism.

What Can Help?

There are methods available to gradually build sound tolerance back up - such as listening to broadband noise for some time each day.

However, those who have busy lives may struggle to make this work and complete hearing is not guaranteed.

That’s where we come in, here at Earjobs.

Wear earplugs

Many of our customers choose to wear our earplugs when taking part in noisy activities such as unloading the dishwasher, going on a flight, or doing DIY to make tasks much more comfortable.

Our disposable foam earplugs are perfect for everyday activities as they tend to block out more sound than any other style.

They’re also soft to wear and slot easily into any ear for the perfect fit, and affordable enough that you’ll always be able to have a pair handy.

If you want to support the environment, you can choose to purchase a pair of reusable earplugs.

These are great for protecting ears from a whole range of noises and are made with high-grade material that makes them easy to insert.

Wear Earmuffs

If you operate heavy machinery on a day-to-day basis or find that earplugs feel a little insecure, then consider giving earmuffs a try.

Our wide selection is designed to feel snug yet comfortable over the head while offering an effective solution to high noise exposure.

We even stock foldable earmuffs, which are perfect for those who travel a lot.

Electronic earmuffs are an even better form of hearing protection, as the wearer is still able to hear everything of a normal sound level around them. Yet when loud noise hits, the muffs can easily block it out.

Please note: While wearing earplugs and earmuffs for short periods of loud noise exposure is really helpful, those with hyperacusis should be careful not to overuse them.

Audiology Online suggests that wearing ear protection for too long may increase noise sensitivity, so it is important to only wear it when you need it the most. See your local GP for medical advice.

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