Call (952)-955-4338 Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Clinic http://tinnitus-minnesota.com 6444 Xerxes Ave Edina, MN 55423 Reduced Sound Tolerance is an atypical experience of discomfort to sound exposure. The severity of this reduction in acceptance of sounds that would otherwise be agreeable to those with normal tolerance levels can range from annoyance to severe disability. Some patients may even alter or stop daily activities due to the great sound discomfort experienced.

1. Reduced Sound Tolerance
Reduced Sound Tolerance is an atypical
experience of discomfort to sound exposure. The
severity of this reduction in acceptance of sounds
that would otherwise be agreeable to those with
normal tolerance levels can range from
annoyance to severe disability. Some patients
may even alter or stop daily activities due to the
great sound discomfort experienced. There are
three main types of intolerance: Hyperacusis,
Misophonia /Phonophobia, and Recruitment.
Hyperacusis is discomfort to normal or loud sounds, and occurs in
those with normal hearing sensitivity and those with hearing loss.
Misophonia/Phonophobia is discomfort to specific sounds, even at
a soft or normal volume. Misophonia characterizes those with a
great dislike for sound, while Phonophobia describes those who
fear the sound. Recruitment is an unusual discomfort to loud
sounds due to a reduced dynamic range of hearing in those with
hearing loss.
Discomfort in these patients is not imaginary! This intolerance is
due to changes in the auditory system or in the central auditory
processing centers in the brain. Therapies may be necessary to
alter the way the brain processes incoming signals. The brain
must be “retrained” to tolerance.
Treatment options may include: amplification (in those with
hearing loss), silence avoidance by creating an auditory rich
environment, wearable sound generators, and retraining
Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Clinic
6444 Xerxes Ave Edina, MN 55423 952-955-4338

2. therapies typically used for those suffering from tinnitus. Many
patients suffering from intolerance to sound also experience
sound inside their ears, also known as tinnitus. Ask your hearing
healthcare provider about your options for your specific needs.
Start improving your sound tolerance today!
Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Clinic
6444 Xerxes Ave Edina, MN 55423 952-955-4338