The Origin of Hyperacusis

Hyperacusis occurs because the protective mechanisms a normal ear employs are malfunctioning. In fact, even with hearing protection, noises can still seem too loud to a person suffering from hyperacusis. It can come on suddenly or develop over time. Causes of hyperacusis include: Exposure to Loud Noise Head Injury Ototoxic Medications Meniere's Disease TMJ Lyme Disease Autism Central Auditory Processing Disorders For more information on hyperacusis, visit our website!

What is Hyperacusis?

Hyperacusis is an abnormal sensitivity to ordinarily tolerable sounds. Sounds at normal volume levels seem intolerably loud to a person suffering from hyperacusis. It can range from a person who is mildly uncomfortable in a social setting like a restaurant to a person who has a painful level of discomfort from many of the sounds encountered in daily life like page turning or television volume. To a person suffering with this condition, all sounds seem too loud. Click here to read The American Speech and Hearing Association's definition of hyperacusis. Image provided courtesty of Ambro

Frequently Asked Questions About Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids

• How do I know when it's time to have my hearing tested? 
• How often should I have my hearing evaluated?
• How long does a hearing test take?
• What is the difference between an audiologist and a hearing aid dealer?
• How much does a hearing test cost? Why do hearing aid dealers give "free" hearing tests while audiologists usually bill insurance?
• If I purchase hearing aids, how long will it be until they become obsolete?
• Don't hearing aids just make everything louder?

For answers to these questions and more, click on the following links:
FAQs and Audiologists and Hearing Aid Dealers

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How to Buy A Hearing Aid Without Getting Snookered!

How do I select the right hearing aid for my particular type of hearing loss without spending too much? 
How much should hearing aids cost?
How do I know what accessories and features I really need?
How can I avoid buying more than what I need?

Dr. Jan Dungan, Clinical Audiologist of Appalachian Audiology, will answer these questions and more at a community lecture on November 8th at 10:00 at the Chota Recreational Center in Loudon, TN.  Everyone is welcome to attend!  Bring a friend and plenty of questions!