Do slightly annoying sounds like a door slamming, cutlery clinking, or a child shouting feel more uncomfortable to you and do the people around you seem unbothered? You are told countless times that you are more sensitive than others, but you’re not simply “sensitive to noise”. You could be experiencing something known as hyperacusis, or impulse sound hypersensitivity. In a busy, chaotic and loud environment like Singapore, this condition can quickly impact your quality of life, social interactions, and mental health.
Hyperacusis is a hearing disorder where normal sounds are perceived as overly loud or disturbing. Unlike typical hearing loss, which reduces sound perception, hyperacusis amplifies it, often without any visible signs. Many people silently live with this condition, unsure of what’s happening or assuming it’s part of another issue like anxiety or migraine.
What Is Impulse Sound Hypersensitivity?
Impulse sound hypersensitivity is a form of hyperacusis in which sudden, sharp sounds, such as honking, barking, or clapping, cause discomfort or even physical pain. This is not a psychological reaction but a physiological one, affecting how your brain processes sound.
While the exact cause isn’t always clear, it’s often linked to noise-induced hearing damage, head injuries, neurological conditions, or stress-related burnout. In many cases, even after the ears have healed from exposure to loud sounds, the brain may continue to overreact to sudden sounds.
Is It Just Sensitivity or Something More?
It’s natural to dislike loud sounds, but hyperacusis goes beyond simple annoyance. Here are a few red flags that suggest you may be dealing with more than just sensitivity:
- Every day sounds seem unbearably loud or intrusive.
- You find yourself avoiding noisy places like hawker centres or MRT stations.
- You feel anxious or exhausted after being exposed to noise.
- Sudden loud sounds trigger pain, discomfort, or even a physical reaction like flinching.
These symptoms can lead to social withdrawal or increased anxiety, especially in a city where avoiding noise is nearly impossible.
What Can Be Done?
The first step is proper evaluation by an audiologist or ENT specialist. They’ll assess your hearing and determine if hyperacusis is the cause. From there, treatment options may include:
- Sound therapy: Gentle exposure to controlled sounds helps retrain your brain to respond normally.
- Counselling or CBT: Many individuals with hyperacusis develop anxiety around sound. Addressing these psychological effects can help reduce the emotional impact.
- Hearing protection (when necessary): While overusing earplugs can make things worse, strategic use in loud environments may offer temporary relief.
- Lifestyle changes: Reducing stress, managing sleep, and avoiding noise overexposure all play a role in long-term management.
If left unaddressed, hyperacusis can significantly affect daily life. The good news is, with the right support, many people see improvement and regain confidence in navigating sound-rich environments.
If you’ve been struggling with sound sensitivity, it might be time to ask: is it just sensitivity, or is it something more? Speak to a hearing care professional and take the first step towards clarity and comfort. For more help reach out to the team at Aurion and discover your options for improving your sleep health.
