Hyperacusis
Hyperacusis / sound sensitivity
Hyperacusis (Sound Sensitivity) Help in the Bay Area
When everyday sounds feel uncomfortably loud, sharp, or even painful, it can quickly affect sleep,
work, relationships, and your willingness to leave the house. California Hearing Center helps Bay Area
patients understand what’s driving sound sensitivity and build an evidence-based plan to rebuild comfort
with sound—at your pace.
Serving San Mateo, San Carlos, San Francisco, the Peninsula, the South Bay, and East Bay.
What is hyperacusis?
Hyperacusis is a type of decreased sound tolerance. It can make ordinary sounds—dishes clinking, a
child’s voice, a coffee grinder, traffic, announcements on Caltrain/BART—feel disproportionately intense,
uncomfortable, or painful.
It’s also common to feel “stuck” between avoiding sound (because it hurts) and needing sound
(because silence can make tinnitus or anxiety feel worse). That’s why we focus on a plan that’s
both safe and realistic for daily Bay Area life.
Hyperacusis vs. misophonia vs. phonophobia
Hyperacusis is mainly about volume tolerance. Misophonia is a strong reaction to specific trigger sounds.
Phonophobia is fear-based avoidance that can develop when sound feels threatening.
Can you have hyperacusis with “normal” hearing?
Yes. Some people have normal hearing thresholds but reduced tolerance. Others have hearing loss,
tinnitus, migraine patterns, or stress physiology contributing to sensitivity.
Do earplugs help or hurt?
Hearing protection is appropriate for truly loud environments. But all-day overprotection can
backfire for some people by increasing sensitivity. We’ll help you find the right balance.
Common hyperacusis symptoms
People describe sound sensitivity in different ways. Some feel pain, some feel overwhelm, and some
feel a “fight-or-flight” response to sound. Common experiences include:
- Everyday sounds feel too loud, sharp, or physically uncomfortable
- Fatigue or irritability after restaurants, meetings, or errands
- Avoiding social settings, open offices, transit, or family events
- Feeling anxious about unpredictable sound environments
- Sound sensitivity alongside tinnitus, jaw/neck tension, or migraine patterns
Why sound sensitivity happens
Hyperacusis isn’t one single diagnosis with one single cause. It can follow noise exposure, develop alongside
tinnitus, appear with migraine patterns, or become reinforced by stress and avoidance. The most helpful next step
is a careful evaluation that separates the “sound tolerance problem” from other factors that can amplify it.
Noise exposure / acoustic shock
A loud event or repeated exposure can be a turning point for sensitivity. We’ll map your sound history
and identify patterns that matter for recovery planning.
Overlap with tinnitus
Tinnitus and hyperacusis often occur together. Addressing both sides—internal sound and external sensitivity—
can be key to real relief.
Stress + sound “alarm” loop
When your nervous system is on high alert, sound can feel more threatening. We build strategies that
reduce reactivity while improving tolerance gradually.
What actually helps (evidence-based approach)
Hyperacusis care typically combines education, counseling, and a structured plan to rebuild tolerance with
sound enrichment and gradual exposure—without pushing you into painful spikes. We tailor the plan to your
triggers, your daily environments, and your goals (sleep, work, social life, commuting, etc.).
Sound enrichment & gradual tolerance-building
The goal isn’t “tough it out.” It’s repeatable, safe exposure that steadily improves comfort with everyday sound.
Counseling & retraining strategies
Education and coaching reduce fear and avoidance loops, and help your brain treat sound as non-threatening again.
Hearing evaluation & personalized plan
Plan for about 60–90 minutes for an initial visit (time varies). You’ll leave with clear next steps—not vague advice.
Important note on hearing protection
If sound feels painful, it’s normal to reach for earplugs everywhere. But constant protection can sometimes
increase sensitivity over time. We’ll help you protect your ears in loud settings while keeping day-to-day sound
exposure safe enough to support recovery.
Hyperacusis guides (start here)
Use these pages to understand your symptoms and choose the next right step.
Tinnitus + hyperacusis
When ringing in the ears and sound sensitivity show up together, treatment often needs to address both.
Coping & gradual exposure
Practical steps to reduce reactivity and rebuild tolerance—without triggering major setbacks.
When to seek help (red flags)
Some symptoms require urgent medical evaluation—especially sudden changes, severe vertigo, or one-sided issues.
Hearing testing
A hearing evaluation helps clarify what’s going on and what options are most likely to help.
Hearing protection (custom options)
For loud environments, custom solutions can protect hearing without over-isolating you from daily sound.
Care across the Bay Area
We serve patients across the Peninsula, San Francisco, East Bay, and South Bay with visits in San Mateo & San Carlos.
Ready to feel comfortable with sound again?
You don’t have to figure this out alone. If sound sensitivity is affecting your life, our Bay Area audiologists can
help you understand what’s happening and build a plan you can actually follow.
Most insurance plans accepted • Same-week appointments available • Serving the Bay Area since 1990
Set Up Your FREE Hearing Consultation with an Expert Today
SEE A HEARING DOCTOR IN SAN MATEO
San Mateo – Main Office
88 N. San Mateo Drive
San Mateo, CA 94401
Phone: (650) 342-9449
Fax: (650) 342-4435