sensitivity to sound

Around 40% of people with tinnitus report general sensitivity to sounds.
There are two main forms of sensitivity to sound: hyperacusis and misophonia. If you have hyperacusis you may find everyday sounds uncomfortably or painfully loud, even when they do not bother other people. If you have misophonia, also known as noise annoyance, you may find specific sounds extremely irritating, although you may not be particularly sensitive to sounds in general. If your dislike is strong enough to be considered a phobia then the term phonophobia is used.
Hyperacusis and misophonia can be treated with habituation therapy and sound therapy, which can be provided in a tinnitus clinic. You can find out more about hyperacusis in our hyperacusis factsheet.
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