Appalachian Audiology

Treating Hyperacusis

Advances in hearing healthcare make treating hyperacusis possible. Currently, there are two main approaches to treating hyperacusis: Sound Desensitization Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) Sound Desensitization In Sound Desensitization therapy, the patient is guided by an audiologist to listen to static noise at increasing volume levels over time. The goal of this type of therapy is to gradually build a person's tolerance of loud noises. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) TRT is a variation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. As noted above, people commonly experience both tinnitus and hyperacusis. Because of this, audiologists use TRT to treat both conditions. If a tinnitus sufferer also shows signs of hyperacusis, the hyperacusis must be treated first. TRT uses a combination of low level, broad-band noise and counseling to restore a normal level of sensitivity to sound. To read a detailed explanation of TRT, click here.