Noise sensitivity is called Hyperacusis and is when the brains central auditory processing centre perceives noise and is experienced as pain. Some known causes are:
- changes in hearing i.e. ageing process
- one-off exposure to loud noise
- a slap on the ear
- chronic exposure to noise, such as working in a noisy environment
- certain medications
- head injury
- surgery to the ear
- paralysis of the facial nerve – in this case, the mechanism in the middle ear that protects us from loud noise is not functioning
- medical procedures – clearing a blocked ear canal may cause temporary increased sensitivity to sound.
Unfortunately there is no cure once the sensitivity has begun, due to the most common cause being noise damage, ageing or damage to the inner ear, avoiding exposure will lessen the noise sensitisation. Management can be controlled by one of the following actions:
- wearing hearing protection in noisy environments;
- desensitisation whereby everyday noises are re-introduced to the person;
- educating family & friends of your condition & ask them to lower their voices;
- seek advice from a counsellor on coping mechanisms;
- tinnitus retraining therapy which the wearer uses a noise generator to create white noise;
- medication which is short term relief at night
Occupational Matters hygienist can offer assistance and undertake onsite noise testing if your workplace is suffering from occupational noise exposure. See our website www.occmatters.com.au