Sensitive to Sound

About the Symptom

A condition where someone is very sensitive to sounds or noises. The sounds may seem very loud even though others are not bothered by them. There are many causes of hearing hypersensitivity, including ear or head injuries.

Possible Causes

Generally, Sensitive to sound can be related to:

• Meniere's Disease

  Meniere disease is caused by excess fluid in the inner ear. It is characterized by recurring episodes of dizziness, hearing loss, and ringing in the ear (tinnitus). The disorder typically occurs in one ear.

• Ear Infection

  Infection of the middle ear (area just behind the eardrum) by bacteria or viruses. Contributing factors include nasal obstruction by adenoids and allergic rhinitis. The symptoms can include ear pain or fullness, fevers, and muffled hearing. This is more common in children but can also present in adults. In severe cases, the eardrum may rupture leading to drainage coming out the ear canal.

• Neurofibromatosis

  Neurofibromatosis is a disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves, the spinal cord, or the brain as well as areas outside the nervous system. The tumors are usually benign, but can occasionally become cancerous. There are 3 kinds of neurofibromatosis with different symptoms, and they are usually diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood. The disorder is caused by a gene mutation which is most often inherited, or can arise randomly during life.

Related Serious Diseases

Sometimes, Sensitive to sound may be related to these serious diseases:

• Bell's Palsy

  Characterized by sudden weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles, Bell's palsy is usually temporary and occurs on one side of the face. The exact cause is unknown but is believed to be due to swelling and inflammation of the nerve controlling the facial muscles or viral infection. Anyone can be affected by this condition, but pregnant women, those with lung infections, and those with a family history of the condition are at higher risk.

Doctor's Diagnostic Questions

Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:

• Do normal environmental sounds seem unusually loud to you?
• How has your sound sensitivity and discomfort changed since it started?
• How long have you had hyperacusis?
• How often have you experienced hyperacusis?

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