Have you ever found yourself getting unusually annoyed by sounds that don’t seem to bother other people? The sound of someone chewing, clacking a keyboard, or even footsteps can be hard to ignore. Living in a world without making or hearing any noise is impossible. The best solution is to try and ignore moderate noise. However, if you’re particularly irritated by sounds that others don’t seem to notice, you might need to consider the possibility of hyperacusis. Or do you find yourself sensitive to surrounding noise and often wear earplugs? If so, let’s learn more about hyperacusis, which can make everyday life challenging.
What is Hyperacusis?
Hyperacusis refers to a condition where a person overreacts to specific sounds. Those suffering from hyperacusis may struggle with daily life more than others because they react sensitively not just to loud noises but also to ordinary noise. Many patients with hyperacusis feel pain when they hear certain sounds, and they often feel alienated because others cannot empathize with their experience.
What are the symptoms of hyperacusis?
Hyperacusis can be accompanied by symptoms such as tinnitus, ear pain, ear fullness, and headaches. According to research on hearing loss, there is some association between hyperacusis and tinnitus. People with tinnitus are more likely to develop hyperacusis, which can occur due to damage to the auditory organs. Various factors can cause this damage.
What causes Hyperacusis?
It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly which part of the ear causes hyperacusis when it malfunctions. According to one study, the cause of hyperacusis is still unclear, and the best explanation currently is that there is a problem somewhere in the entire process of sound entering the ear, passing through the cochlea, and being transmitted to the auditory nerve. It could also be caused by mental health issues, not just physical abnormalities.
How is Hyperacusis treated?
White Noise
The treatment for hyperacusis focuses on reducing sensitivity to sound. Just as continuous exposure to a smell can dull the sense of smell, constant exposure to white noise can desensitize hearing to external stimuli. White noise maintains a uniform frequency range within 20-20000㎐ (hertz). Rain noise or wave noise are typical examples of natural sounds. When white noise interferes, the minimum sound level (threshold) a person can perceive increases, making it difficult to perceive surrounding noise.
Medication
Starting with an accurate diagnosis is essential if you’re concerned about hyperacusis. You can begin by having a basic medical history at an otolaryngology clinic. This will include a hearing test with pure tone audiometry and speech audiometry and measuring the uncomfortable loudness level (UCL). Treatment should be prioritized if any underlying diseases are identified through the examination. Since stress and fatigue can worsen symptoms, it’s crucial to ensure you get enough rest. You can try meditation to help with this. In addition, relaxation training, such as hypnosis therapy and biofeedback, can be helpful. Various medications, including antidepressants, may also be used in the treatment plan.
Foods Good for the Ears
Fish Rich in Omega-3
Let’s try to prevent hyperacusis by consuming foods that are good for the ears. Fish such as Spanish mackerel, salmon, sardines, mackerel, and tuna contain omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce hearing loss due to aging. Consuming these fish about twice a week can help protect ear health before problems arise.
Broccoli
The second food good for the ears is broccoli. According to research, folic acid is excellent in delaying hearing loss. One of the vegetables known to be rich in folic acid is broccoli. In addition to folic acid, broccoli is rich in vitamins K and C, as well as fiber. These nutrients help reduce damage to the delicate tissues of the ear.
Banana
Bananas can also help prevent hearing loss. Bananas contain magnesium, which is known to help expand blood vessels and prolong blood circulation. This extended circulation also reaches the inner ear. Not only does it increase blood flow, but it also regulates the secretion of glutamate. Glutamate is considered a significant cause of hearing damage caused by noise. Therefore, effectively regulating glutamate dramatically reduces the likelihood of hearing changes.
Nuts
Nuts, such as walnuts, pine nuts, and peanuts, are rich in zinc, a component beneficial to the ears in high concentrations in the cochlea, one of the body’s organs. Zinc-rich nuts effectively activate auditory nerve activity and prevent age-related hearing loss. Nuts not only help with hearing but are also said to avoid the overall aging of our bodies, making them a representative food for anti-aging.
Avocado
Avocado, or butter fruit, is a unique fruit that provides healthy monounsaturated fats. It is a nutrient-rich food containing about 20 different vitamins and minerals. Magnesium is one of the most significant minerals found in avocados. It is closely related to ear health, as hearing loss can occur due to circulatory disorders. Magnesium helps to expand blood vessels and improve circulation, which extends to the inner ear. It also regulates the secretion of glutamate, which can prevent hearing loss caused by noise.
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