We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is the Difference Between Tinnitus and Hyperacusis?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 9,031
Share

Tinnitus and hyperacusis are two symptoms of hearing disorders, sometimes observed together. In tinnitus, patients hear a ringing or buzzing noise without a sound stimulus, while hyperacusis involves an increased sensitivity to sound. One or both ears may be involved, and the most common cause of both conditions is routine exposure to very high volumes of noise, often experienced by industrial and construction workers, as well as some musicians. Treatment options vary, depending on the cause, and can include therapy with an audiologist and treatment from a neurologist.

In tinnitus, patients experience the sensation of sound in their ears even though no sound is being produced. Most commonly, this manifests in the form of a ringing noise that can vary in intensity. People with hyperacusis experience even small sounds as very loud, essentially as though someone has turned up all the volume knobs on the natural environment. Both issues are symptoms of hearing loss, rather than being standalone conditions.

Damage to the ear can cause tinnitus and hyperacusis, and it can also be associated with neurological problems like brain damage caused by accidents and degenerative diseases. Most commonly, tinnitus and hyperacusis are associated with noise-induced hearing loss. People develop noise-induced hearing loss as a result being exposed to very loud noise without wearing adequate hearing protection.

Hyperacusis can also be accompanied with balance disorders, also known as vestibular disorders. In addition to being used for hearing, the delicate structures inside the ear are involved in the sense of balance. If they are damaged, a patient can have trouble balancing and may experience nausea, vomiting, and other problems as the body struggles to orient itself without a functioning vestibular system.

Patients with tinnitus and hyperacusis can be examined by neurologists and audiologists. A detailed patient interview will be conducted to gather information about the patient's medical history, and this information will be combined with test results to determine why the patient is experiencing hearing loss. Treatments can include provision of ear protection to prevent further damage and therapy with an audiologist.

Increased awareness of conditions like tinnitus and hyperacusis has led to a number of measures to prevent hearing loss when possible. These include mandating ear protection in environments where loud noise is present and developing more effective and more comfortable hearing protection. Musicians in particular have been heavily involved in the promotion of hearing protection.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-the-difference-between-tinnitus-and-hyperacusis.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.