Hyperacusis

Hyperacusis is a rare hearing disorder that causes sounds to sound unbearably loud which would otherwise seem normal to most people. Individuals with hyperacusis can also find general environmental sounds to be extremely loud. The condition of hyperacusis is also known as decreased sound tolerance. People with normal hearing ability can experience sounds with a varying degree of loudness. On the contrary, hyperacusis patients experience all sounds in general with an increased degree of volume. For example, water running from a tap, the voice of a kitchen chimney working, the sound of pages of a book flipping, two or more people talking or laughing.

• Over time, regular exposure to loud noises like in the profession of a disc jockey, a rock band musician, construction site worker are more likely to suffer from hyperacusis.
• Patients that are taking certain medicines on a regular basis like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), some antibiotics and a few cancer medications. These can lead to hyperacusis.
• Serious head injuries increase the risk of hyperacusis.
• Viral infections affecting the inner ear can cause hyperacusis.
• There are many other conditions that make a patient susceptible to hyperacusis like tinnitus, Williams syndrome, Lyme disease, and Tay-Sachs disease.

• Experiencing ordinary sounds to be unbearably loud.
• One’s own sound seems uncomfortably loud.
• Ringing in ears.
• Ear pain.
• Pressure in ears like you get at high altitudes.
• Disturbed sleep
• Fatigue
• This condition can negatively impact mental and social health leading to anxiety and depression.

• Irritability due to constant noises
• Difficulty concentrating
• Cranial nerve damage may be observed
• The loudness can make one lose their balance or lead to seizures

It is possible to successfully manage the symptoms of hyperacusis depending on the causes:

• The patient is given sound therapy to gradually expose them to noises that become progressively louder until the experience becomes tolerable. Initially the patient is exposed to low volume sounds that are comfortable enough. Slowly, the volume is increased to get the patient used to louder sounds. This procedure is done over a period of days or weeks.
• Another method for the betterment of the patient is cognitive behavioural therapy. This is therapy that helps the patient deal with stress and negative feelings associated with this disorder. Studies have shown good results of this therapy in patients of hyperacusis.
• If this condition is triggered due to tinnitus, then tinnitus retraining therapy is usually done. It shows good results in managing hyperacusis. This therapy educates patients on their condition alongside providing counseling and sound therapy.
• Surgery is performed to improve levels of uncomfortable sounds.

Hyperacusis is not directly mentioned in Ayurveda scripture. By assessing its presentation, it can be said that hyperacusis is a Vata predominant disorder where the patient hears sounds on a different level of frequency than what it is in reality. Hyperacusis can be referred to as a Karna Roga (disease of the ear). Acharya Sushruta has explained 28 kinds of ear diseases (Karna Rogas).

The discussion of ear diseases is illustrated in

सामान्यं कर्णरोगेषु घृतपानं रसायनम् ।
अव्यायामोऽशिरः स्नानं ब्रह्मचर्य्यमकत्थनम् ॥३॥

Ancient Reference – Sushruta Samhita, Uttaratantra 21/3

Acharya Sushruta says that the line of treatment for all ear disease includes administration of ghee, use of rejuvenating (Rasayana) medicines, avoiding exercise and head bath, talking less and practicing celibacy.

The basic principle to be followed while treating hyperacusis is that it includes herbs and procedures which focus on mitigating Vata:

• Prevention of causative factors is the first hand treatment modality. If the patient lives in an environment of excessive loud noises then removal of such source becomes necessary.
• Internal and external administration of oil (Sneha). It will help pacify Vata dosha and strengthen the nerves and muscles of the ear.
• Local fomentation (ear region) to loosen the obstruction of doshas so that purification process can be easily carried out.
• The vitiated doshas that are lodged in the channels (Srotas) of the head region can be expelled out by the process of oil administration in nose (Teekshna Nasya) using herbs having sharp, piercing qualities. Oils like Shadbindu tail or Anu tail can be used.
• After expelling the doshas, nourishing oils should be instilled in the ears. This process is called Tarpana or Karnapooran when the oil is filled to the brink of the ear. It can be done through oils containing herbs like Bala, Sariva, Amalaki, Yashtimadhu etc.
• The procedure of therapeutic purgation (Virechan) mitigates Vata dosha very well.
• Medicines that are Vata pacifying and rejuvenative in nature help to manage hyperacusis. For e.g. Sarivadi vati, Saptamrit loha, Balarishta etc.

• Various causative factors like exposure to cold, probing the ear canal, improper use of ENT instruments, swimming or diving (entry of water in ear can cause infections) lead to the vitiation of Vata dosha.
• Vata dosha may also cause the aggravation of other Doshas in the ear and head region.
• As a result of vitiated Vata dosha, the patient hears abnormally loud noises which in actuality are simple everyday sounds like people chatting or water running.

• Proper rest and practice of meditation can reduce stress.
• Regular application of oil to the head, ears and feet.
• Intake of ghee and milk
• Oil pulling (Kavala)

• Rigorous exercise can further aggravate Vata dosha
• Cold water head bath
• Excessive talking or shouting
• Late or not sleeping at night
• Intake of cold, dry and bitter foods

The good news is that Hyperacusis is preventable and reversible, but can only be possible by using holistic approach, the one advocated in Ayurveda that addresses the issues from the very root.

Since ancient times, Ayurveda has defined diseases with their symptoms, causes and healing methods with nature.

If you are having any of the above mentioned symptoms, don’t assume it is Hyperacusis yet without any proper diagnosis because there are other Ear related diseases that comes with the same symptoms. Consult with a Doctor for accurate diagnosis to find out if Hyperacusis is what you are having or any other related disease.

As a holistic health clinic, we take accurate diagnosis very seriously in order to ascertain the root cause of a particular illness. You will be consulted with our doctor to know the type of test or scan to run base on your symptoms to detect exactly the root cause of your issue to ascertain if Hyperacusis is your issue or not to ensure appropriate treatment.

Accurate diagnosis is the key to the treatment of any disease.

We can really help you out of the issue!

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