Hypercusis is a rare hearing condition where the ear has difficulty tolerating everyday sounds, causing serious discomfort in the ear canal. This collapse of tolerance can be caused by over exposure to excessively high volumes or sound pressure as well as;

• Severe head trauma,
• Williams Syndrome,
• Temporomandibular joint disorder
• Migraines,
• Chronic ear infections
• Autism.

This condition can also be caused by extremely low level sounds as the sound pressure can be even more dangerous. The symptoms can vary from; ear pain, general intolerance to everyday sounds, annoyance and tinnitus (it is reported that a staggering 86% of hyperacusis suffers also have tinnitus).

Hyperacusis is not an irreversible condition; however the only treatment known to cure it is with the help of therapy to retrain your ears back to a regular level of tolerance. Before any therapy is given, a physician is needed to determine the level of discomfort the condition is having and the amount of therapy that is necessary. After this then therapy begins with every session taken to help build a the suited level of tolerance.

To prevent this condition it is always a good idea to carry some earplugs along with you, this will help you protect your hearing and keep you away from exposure to loud sounds. Earplugs are also known to help prevent tinnitus (the ringing in your ears when exposed to high decibel levels). There is a range of earplugs to choose form, but in my opinion noise reduction earplugs will be best suited.