Understanding hyperacusis: causes, symptoms & support

Hyperacusis is a condition that causes everyday sounds to seem uncomfortably loud or even painful. For some people, noises like running water, laughter, or clinking cups can feel overwhelming. While this sensitivity can be distressing, it’s important to know that with the right help and support, hyperacusis can be managed effectively.

At Leightons, we understand how difficult sound sensitivity can be - whether it’s affecting your daily comfort, work, or social life. Our audiologists are here to help you understand your symptoms, identify possible causes, and guide you towards the right professional care and management options.

What is hyperacusis?

Hyperacusis is a form of sound sensitivity where certain noises feel excessively loud or uncomfortable, even when they seem normal to others. It can affect one or both ears and may appear suddenly or develop gradually.

It’s not about hearing sounds “too well” - rather, it’s how the brain and hearing system respond to noise. In hyperacusis, the brain’s normal way of filtering loud sounds becomes oversensitive, so even moderate noise can feel intrusive.

Hyperacusis can vary in severity. For some, it’s a mild annoyance, while for others, it can interfere with everyday life, making simple sounds like doors closing or laughter difficult to tolerate.

What causes hyperacusis?

Hyperacusis can be caused by a range of factors that affect how the ear and brain process sound. Common causes include:

  • Exposure to loud noises such as concerts, machinery, or explosions
  • Ear conditions including tinnitus, hearing loss, or ear infections
  • Head injury or concussion
  • Recent ear surgery or trauma
  • Neurological conditions (rarely)
  • Stress or anxiety, which can heighten how sounds are perceived

In some cases, no clear cause is found. However, even when the reason isn’t obvious, there are still ways to manage and reduce sensitivity over time.

Common symptoms of hyperacusis

People with hyperacusis often describe sounds as being too sharp, loud, or painful. Symptoms may include:

  • Discomfort or pain when exposed to everyday sounds
  • Avoidance of noisy environments such as restaurants or busy roads
  • Heightened awareness of certain noises, like clinking dishes or children’s voices
  • Anxiety or stress linked to loud or unpredictable sounds
  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus), which sometimes occurs alongside hyperacusis

If you find yourself avoiding social situations or feeling anxious about noise, you’re not alone - and there are safe, effective ways to improve your comfort and quality of life.

Living with hyperacusis

Hyperacusis can have an emotional as well as a physical impact, but there are proven strategies to help manage it and reduce discomfort:

  • Gradual sound exposure can retrain your ears and brain to respond more normally to everyday noises.
  • Relaxation and stress management techniques - like breathing exercises or mindfulness - can reduce anxiety and improve tolerance.
  • Avoid complete silence, as overprotecting your ears can make them more sensitive.
  • Use ear protection only when necessary, such as in very loud environments.

Many people find that, with time and support, their tolerance to sound improves and daily life becomes easier.

How is hyperacusis treated?

There isn’t a single cure for hyperacusis, but several treatments can make a big difference:

  • Sound therapy, which uses gentle, controlled sounds to help desensitise your hearing system
  • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to manage anxiety and emotional responses to sound
  • Tinnitus or sound generators that play soft background noise to reduce sensitivity
  • Medical treatment if hyperacusis is linked to another ear condition such as infection or wax build-up

Treatment is highly individual and often combines both hearing and emotional support to achieve the best results.

How Leightons can help

At Leightons, we take a holistic approach to sound sensitivity and hearing health. Our audiologists can carry out free hearing assessments and sound sensitivity evaluations to understand what’s causing your discomfort.

If hyperacusis or another underlying condition is identified, we’ll explain your results clearly and refer you to an ENT specialist or tinnitus clinic for tailored treatment. We can also offer advice and coping strategies to help you manage symptoms day to day.

We’re here to help you feel more comfortable and confident in your hearing, with professional guidance every step of the way.

Book your free hearing assessment today and take the first step towards more comfortable listening.

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Understanding mastoiditis: causes, symptoms & treatment
Understanding mastoiditis: causes, symptoms & treatment
Mastoiditis is a rare but serious ear infection that affects the mastoid bone, which sits just behind the ear. It usually develops when a middle ear infection (otitis media) spreads to the mastoid bone, causing inflammation and fluid build-up. Although it sounds alarming, mastoiditis can be successfully treated with prompt medical care. At Leightons, we understand that ear pain and swelling can be worrying. Our audiologists are here to check your ear health, explain what’s happening, and help guide you to the right care if an infection is suspected. What is mastoiditis? The mastoid bone is part of your skull and contains small air-filled spaces that help drain the middle ear. When bacteria from an untreated or severe ear infection spread to this bone, it can become inflamed and filled with infected fluid. This condition is known as mastoiditis. If not treated quickly, the infection can cause pain, swelling, and in some cases, damage to nearby structures - which is why early diagnosis and medical treatment are essential. What causes mastoiditis? Mastoiditis most often develops as a complication of a middle ear infection that hasn’t fully cleared. When bacteria remain trapped in the middle ear, they can spread into the mastoid bone, causing inflammation and infection. Common causes and contributing factors include: Untreated or chronic ear infections Bacterial infection spreading from the middle ear Recurrent infections weakening ear tissues Poor ear drainage due to Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Mastoiditis can occur at any age but is more common in children, as their ear structures are still developing. Common symptoms of mastoiditis Mastoiditis symptoms can appear suddenly and may follow an ear infection that hasn’t fully resolved. Common signs include: Severe, persistent ear pain Swelling or redness behind the ear Ear discharge (sometimes thick or pus-like) Fever and feeling unwell Hearing loss in the affected ear Headache or dizziness In some cases, the ear may appear pushed forward due to swelling behind it. Because mastoiditis can worsen quickly, it’s important to seek medical attention if you notice these symptoms. How is mastoiditis diagnosed? A GP or ENT specialist can diagnose mastoiditis by examining the ear and checking for inflammation, swelling, or discharge. Tests may include: Otoscopy: Looking inside the ear to assess infection Hearing test (audiogram): Checking if hearing has been affected CT scan: To confirm if the infection has spread to the mastoid bone Blood tests: To detect signs of infection Early diagnosis allows for quicker treatment and prevents complications. Treatment for mastoiditis Treatment aims to remove the infection, relieve symptoms, and prevent further spread. Depending on the severity, this may involve: Antibiotics: Usually given intravenously (via a drip) to control the infection Ear drainage: A small procedure to remove infected fluid or pus Surgery (mastoidectomy): In more serious cases, part of the infected bone may be removed to stop the infection from spreading With prompt treatment, most people recover fully and experience no long-term hearing damage. Preventing mastoiditis The best way to prevent mastoiditis is by treating ear infections early and avoiding irritation to the ear canal. Simple steps include: Seek medical advice for any ear infection that lasts more than a few days Avoid inserting objects like cotton buds into your ears Keep ears dry and clean, especially after swimming Attend regular ear health checks to monitor your ear condition if you’re prone to infections By managing ear health proactively, you can reduce the risk of complications like mastoiditis. How Leightons can help At Leightons, we provide ear health checks and free hearing assessments to help identify infections early and support your recovery after treatment. Our audiologists can: Examine your ears safely for signs of infection or inflammation Carry out hearing tests to check for any hearing changes Refer you to an ENT specialist for medical treatment if necessary Offer aftercare and follow-up checks to monitor your ear health after recovery We’re here to help you understand your symptoms, protect your hearing, and feel confident in your ear health. Book your free hearing assessment today and take the first step toward clearer, healthier hearing.
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