Tinnitus or hearing changes
Sound sensitivity
Hyperacusis and Noise Sensitivity
Hyperacusis is increased sensitivity to everyday sounds. Sounds that other people tolerate may feel uncomfortable, intrusive or painful. It can occur alone or alongside tinnitus, hearing change, migraine, stress or noise exposure.
What patients notice
Common symptoms and signs
Symptoms can overlap between different ear conditions. The safest first step is a careful clinical assessment so treatment is based on what is actually seen and heard during your appointment.
- Everyday sounds feeling too loud
- Discomfort in noisy environments
- Sound sensitivity with tinnitus
- Avoiding social or noisy situations
- Ear discomfort after sound exposure
Possible causes
What could be causing this?
The cause can vary from person to person. Your clinician will consider your symptoms, medical history and ear examination findings before advising on the most appropriate next step.
Noise exposure
Migraine or sensory sensitivity
Stress and anxiety-related sound awareness
Ear or middle-ear problems
How we can help
Doctor-led assessment at Nottingham Ear Clinic
Assessment starts by checking ear health and understanding your symptoms. Where appropriate, audiology assessment can help measure hearing and guide management or hearing protection advice.
Safety guidance
When to seek urgent medical advice
Most ear symptoms can be assessed in a routine appointment, but some symptoms should not wait.
- Sudden hearing loss, especially in one ear
- Severe or rapidly worsening pain
- Facial weakness, severe headache or neurological symptoms
- Marked dizziness, collapse or severe balance disturbance
- Swelling, redness or tenderness spreading around the ear
- High temperature, feeling very unwell, diabetes or reduced immune function
If symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening or concerning, please contact your GP, NHS 111, an urgent treatment centre or 999 in an emergency.
Frequently asked questions
Helpful answers about hyperacusis and noise sensitivity and when to book an appointment.
Is hyperacusis the same as tinnitus?
No. Tinnitus is hearing sounds without an external source, while hyperacusis is increased sensitivity to external sounds. They can occur together.
Should I use earplugs all the time?
Overusing earplugs in normal environments can sometimes increase sound sensitivity. Advice should be tailored to your situation.
Can hearing protection help?
Appropriate hearing protection can help in genuinely noisy environments, but it should be chosen carefully to avoid overprotection.
Book OnlineIt only takes a few clicks
Call Us0115 837 2252