Hyperacusis sensivity

[Guest guest]

Hyperacusis is a condition that arises from a problem in the way the brain's

central auditory processing center perceives noise. It can often lead to pain

and discomfort. Individuals with hyperacusis have difficulty tolerating sounds

which do not seem loud to others, such as the noise from running faucet water,

riding in a car, walking on leaves, dishwasher, fan on the refrigerator,

shuffling papers. Although all sounds may be perceived as too loud, high

frequency sounds may be particularly troublesome. As one might suspect, the

quality of life for individuals with hyperacusis can be greatly compromised. For

those with a severe intolerance to sound, it is difficult and sometimes

impossible to function in an every day environment with all its ambient noise.

Hyperacusis can contribute to social isolation, phonophobia (fear of normal

sounds), and depression. There are no specific corrective surgical or medical

treatments for hyperacusis. However, sound therapy may be used to " retrain " the

auditory processing center of the brain to accept every day sounds. Completion

of sound therapy may take up to 12 months, and usually improves sound tolerance.

Usual causes are head injury, EAR DAMAGE FROM TOXINS OR MEDICATION, WHICH

CERTAINLY COULD BE GLEEVEC or any other CML med. Also a possibility could be a

viral infection, or facial nerve such as Bell's palsy, or TMJ. I can't imagine

anyone having to live with something like that. My heart goes out to your

friend. I was surprised to learn that Otolaryngology is the oldest medical

specialty in the United States.

http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/hyperacusis-increasedsensitivity.cfm

Here is the personal story of Janus Ashby and how she copes with the condition.

You might want to refer your friend to this article.

http://deafness.about.com/od/guestarticles/a/hyperacusis.htm

FYI,

Lottie