Have you ever found yourself hearing sounds around you, that others don’t seem to notice, or have you felt extreme discomfort from everyday noises that don’t bother anyone else? These experiences could be related to conditions known as misophonia and hyperacusis. At NB Hearing and Balance in Cape Town, we offer comprehensive support for various auditory conditions, including misophonia and hyperacusis for an improved quality of life.
What Is Misophonia and Hyperacusis?
Misophonia
The condition is characterized by strong emotional reactions to specific sounds. Common triggers include chewing, breathing, or tapping noises. These sounds can provoke feelings of irritation, anger, or anxiety, even if they are relatively quiet.
Hyperacusis
Hyperacusis is a feeling of increased sensitivity to most sound. Everyday noises, such as running water, rustling leaves, or even normal conversation levels, can cause discomfort, pain, fear or stress. This heightened sensitivity can make it challenging to navigate typical environments and interactions.
Why Do These Conditions Occur?
The exact causes of misophonia and hyperacusis are still being researched, but they are thought to involve the way the brain processes sound. Possible factors include:
- Auditory Processing Issues: Differences in how the brain processes sound stimuli.
- Emotional and Psychological Factors: Previous negative experiences or emotional responses to certain sounds.
- Medical Conditions: Ear infections, head injuries, or other auditory system disorders.
The Impact on Daily Life
These conditions can significantly impact daily life, leading to various challenges. Social isolation may frequently occur as individuals avoid social situations to escape triggering sounds. Emotional distress is also common, with feelings of frustration, anxiety, and stress affecting daily well-being. Additionally, noise sensitivity can lead to a reduced quality of life, making it difficult to enjoy everyday activities. These combined effects can profoundly influence one’s overall happiness and daily functioning.
How an Audiologist Can Help
- Diagnosis
This may comprise a comprehensive hearing test to evaluate hearing sensitivity and identify specific triggers. A detailed history and specially designed questionnaires are used to understand your experiences and the sounds that cause distress.
- Intervention
This is usually a specifically tailored combination of strategies to slowly assist a patient to reduce maladaptive strategies and increase adaptive ones, to improve quality of life. These may include but are not limited to sound enrichment; controlled desensitization; narrowly focused cognitive behavioral therapy; and identification of stress-lowering techniques.
- Support
Audiologists help you to begin the journey towards a better quality of life. Some patients may also require additional healthcare referrals, depending on the extent of the problem and the length of time it has been present. Certain products, such as specially chosen hearing devices or ear protection may be used in specific cases, without isolating you from important auditory information.
We Can Help!
Seeking help from an audiologist can provide valuable diagnosis, intervention, and support that can enhance your quality of life. Don’t hesitate to reach out to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards better auditory health. We have offices located throughout Cape Town, including Durbanville, Wynberg, Sea Point, Hout Bay and Fish Hoek.