Hearing health is not limited to the ability to perceive sounds. Experts note that some people may show extreme sensitivity to sounds even when their hearing thresholds are normal. Instructor Dr. Yeter Saçlı drew attention to hyperacusis, known as decreased sound tolerance, and stated that this condition causes even normal-level sounds to be perceived as disturbing and unbearable.
Dr. Saçlı also pointed out that some people experience intense discomfort when hearing certain body sounds, such as chewing, smacking, or breathing, which is a condition known as misophonia. She explained, “Hearing thresholds are usually normal; however, the underlying causes may be genetic, psychological, or neurological.”
Üsküdar University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Audiology Instructor Dr. Yeter Saçlı explained the concept of hearing threshold.
The concept of hearing threshold
Dr. Yeter Saçlı from Üsküdar University’s Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Audiology, explained the concept of hearing threshold. She said, “The hearing threshold refers to the lowest level of sound intensity a person can detect. These thresholds are determined through hearing tests performed by audiologists. In audiology clinics, taking into account the individual’s age and mental state, a hearing test known as pure tone audiometry is administered inside a soundproof booth. Based on these tests, it can be determined whether hearing thresholds are within normal limits and, if not, the type and degree of hearing loss can be identified. Although there are different classification systems, hearing thresholds up to 15 decibels are generally considered normal.”
Even normal sounds can be disturbing
Highlighting sound sensitivities, Dr. Saçlı said: “Having normal hearing thresholds does not guarantee that a person will have no difficulty understanding speech in noisy or challenging listening environments or that they will not show perceptual sensitivity to sounds. For example, some individuals cannot tolerate sounds that most people find acceptable. Hyperacusis, also known as decreased sound tolerance, refers to the physical discomfort or pain that arises when sounds perceived as normal by others are experienced as irritating or unbearably loud. People with this condition may not have hearing loss; however, they often experience accompanying auditory symptoms such as tinnitus. Although noise exposure is a major cause, other factors such as trauma can also lead to hyperacusis.”
Disturbed by chewing, smacking, or breathing sounds
Dr. Saçlı explained that another group of individuals who struggle to tolerate certain sounds are those with misophonia: “Misophonia is characterized by intense emotional reactions to specific sounds such as chewing, smacking, or breathing. People with this condition also typically have normal hearing thresholds. The underlying causes of misophonia may be genetic, psychological, or neurological. If a person has difficulty tolerating sounds, they should first undergo an ear, nose, and throat examination and then consult an audiologist. If no audiological problem is found, the person may be referred to relevant specialists such as psychiatry or neurology for further evaluation and treatment.”
Professional support is essential
Dr. Yeter Saçlı emphasized the importance of professional help for individuals who show excessive sensitivity to sounds: “The treatment or therapy methods to be applied may vary depending on the underlying cause of the problem, and these methods are planned on an individual basis. In addition to treatment, it is recommended that the person identify the specific sounds that trigger their discomfort and create a comfortable, consistent auditory environment to make daily life easier.”