by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. © November, 2020 Being hypersensitive to sound is not particularly high on my list of enjoyable activities to put it mildly! When you are hypersensitive to sounds, you discover to your consternation that certain sounds, many sounds or all sounds are so loud that they make you wince, jump, […]
When You Have Hyperacusis, How Do You Know When Loud Sounds are “Ear-Damaging Loud” or Just “Hyperacusis-Loud”?
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. A lady wrote, How can I tell when I’m just over-reacting to sound, or when I have actually been subjected to an acoustic trauma (which requires immediate treatment)? I never know, and as a result, I am never quite sure whether I should just wait it out or run to the […]
This Is Not Recruitment
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. A lady wrote, I came across your website while researching the term ‘recruitment’ which the audiologist mentioned to me this week. She tested me and I have mild/moderate hearing loss. The reason I had hearing tested is because I have sensitivity to noise and also tinnitus (low drum/bass sound). I live […]
Recruitment from Hearing Loss Explained
Some people can’t wear hearing aids because of severe recruitment. Recruitment seems to be such a weird word for this problem. The word means “to enlist.” The dictionary doesn’t describe anything to do with hearing loss and hearing aids. So what really is recruitment and how did it get this strange name? This article explains what recruitment really is and why it bothers so many hard of hearing people.
Coping with Recruitment
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. A lady explained: My audiologist says I have severe recruitment and hyperacusis—sound really hurts my ears. I’ve worn ear plugs most of my life, not so much to guard my hearing against sounds that would do more damage (though it’s common sense to wear ear plugs during those events that would […]
Here’s Why Chronic Anxiety Can Result in Tinnitus and Hyperacusis
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. A lady explained: I find that my tinnitus is worse if I am stressed about something. Sometimes the pitch changes and sometimes I can hear more than one sound at a time. My tinnitus is always worse when I’m trying to get to sleep and that’s when I get anxious. I […]
Will Extreme Sensitivity to Sound Ever Go Away?
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. A man wrote: I have extreme sensitivity in my hearing and some distortion as well. My ears buzz slightly to my own voice and others that have a deep tone in their voice. I believe this was sound-induced from my iPod and loud video gaming with head phones. My hearing is […]
Tinny Sounds, iPods and Hearing Loss
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. A man wrote: I’m curious about some increased ringing in my ears and a peculiar off again, on again, sensation that is quite distressing, namely when I am at work, if I open a map for instance (I work with maps all day), just the process of opening the maps, can […]
Losing Balance from Loud Sounds and Sensitivity to Sound
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. A veteran wrote: My hearing loss and tinnitus is service-connected. I was exposed to constant cannon fire while in the Marine corp. No hearing protection. Marines were expected to tough it out. Now I’m paying for that silly theory with my hearing problems. I am trying to explain to the […]
Sounds That Hurt—Recruitment Kicking In
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. The parents of a hard of hearing boy wrote: We had a weird experience this last weekend and wanted to see if anyone else has had something similar happen to them or their child. Our son (age 10) has a mild to moderate hearing loss in his left ear, and a […]
Hearing Aids to Control Severe Recruitment
Severe recruitment often makes it highly uncomfortable or impossible to wear hearing aids, but it can be done. Learn more.
Super-Sensitivity to Sounds
Super-sensitivity to normal sounds (recruitment & hyperacusis) are not easy to live with, and often accompany hearing loss. Read more.
When Everyday Sounds Seem Too Loud
Ear damage can make you even more sensitive to sounds. If this happens you likely have hyperacusis.
