Hyperacusis is a condition that can affect people of all ages. It is characterised by an extreme sensitivity to sound. The condition results from a difficulty in how the brain’s auditory processing centre perceives noises and sounds.
The condition makes it difficult for sufferers to cope with sounds that seem normal to others – things like running water, engine noise, walking in dry leaves and the shuffling of paper. Someone with hyperacusis will perceive all sounds too loudly but may encounter particular difficulty with high frequency sound. This condition can have a huge impact on enjoyment of life and can contribute to social isolation and depression.