Tinnitus, hyperacusis and misophonia are conditions that are often misunderstood and can be very frustrating. Tinnitus is any sound that you perceive that does not have an external source. Tinnitus can originate in the middle ear (behind the eardrum) or in the sensorineural auditory system. Some people with tinnitus hear music or singing (musical ear). Hyperacusis is an increased sensitivity to sound that can make tolerating everyday sounds difficult. Misophonia is a strong dislike of certain sounds and differs from hyperacusis because it is not always related to volume but usually a particular sound that one finds annoying like smacking of gum, certain voices or opening a candy wrapper.
There is something that can be done! Each condition can be diagnosed and individual treatment plans can be crafted with your Audiologist. Audiology by Accent uses Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) as part of our intervention. Our Audiologist is certified in TRT and has trained with Dr. Pavel Jastreboff who developed the theory. It is recommended that you get a diagnostic hearing evaluation and see an Ear, Nose and Throat physician to rule out the possibility that it is caused by a medical condition or medications.