Other Auditory Sensations

When it comes to hearing disorders, the symptoms differ from patient to patient, which is why it is important to have your condition assessed by a qualified professional to get the help you require. Our Reconnect Audiologists and Acousticians support patients with comprehensive assessments to diagnose a wide range of auditory problems, including hearing loss and ‘abnormal auditory sensations’, such as Tinnitus, Misophonia and Hyperacusis.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is the perception of sound that seems to originate in the ear or head, without an external stimulus.

There can be many causes including ear, hearing, neck, jaw, nervous system, vascular (blood vessel) and chemical origins, the vast majority of which do not represent a danger to your body or your brain. In many cases hearing loss may occur with tinnitus, while in some cases, it is an independent perception.

Tinnitus can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition that may require treatment. An Audiologist or Acoustician can assess your auditory pathway to help you to determine whether further investigation, medical treatment or tinnitus management is necessary.

For some people tinnitus feels unconcerning, while for others tinnitus can be very disturbing. Often the reassurance that an Audiologist or Acoustician can provide about your tinnitus may immediately assist you in your experience of it. It is a myth that nothing can be done to help people with tinnitus, as good management can make a significant difference to quality of life.

There are devices and techniques that are advertised everywhere, that have no scientific foundation.

However, sound stimulation, sound devices, specific counselling and relaxation techniques have been proven by research to assist patients with tinnitus. These should be obtained from a qualified practitioner.

Misophonia

Misophonia is a heightened response of irritation, anger or anxiety to specific sounds that you have identified as annoying or disturbing. Similar to tinnitus and hyperacusis, extra focus on the disturbing sounds often creates an unpleasant quality of life. An assessment helps to rule out any underlying medical problem.

If you think that you are suffering from Misophonia, contact one of our Reconnect Audiologists or Acousticians near you.

Hyperacusis

Hyperacusis is an abnormal sensitivity to all sound. Rarely, it may have a physical cause. More often, it is caused by an associated anxiety or stress response to sound that is a very real experience for the person. A common response is to attempt to block sound out, but this may do the opposite of what is needed. In order to define the cause of this experience, an Audiologist will assess your response to soft, medium, and loud sounds, with careful consideration around what you can tolerate. Counselling, relaxation techniques and the use of assistive devices to provide the brain with sound references, often result in a much better quality of life for you.

If you think that you are suffering from Hyperacusis, contact one of our Reconnect Audiologists or Acousticians near you.

If you think you are suffering from either of these hearing disorders, contact one of our Reconnect Audiologists or Acousticians.