Tinnitus
Hyperacusis and Noise Sensitivity
Hyperacusis is increased sensitivity to everyday sounds. Sounds that other people tolerate may feel uncomfortable, intrusive or painful, and it can occur alongside tinnitus, hearing change or noise exposure.
Common symptoms and signs
Symptoms can overlap between different ear conditions. A careful clinical assessment helps ensure treatment is guided by your symptoms, clinical history and examination findings.
- Everyday sounds feeling too loud
- Discomfort in noisy environments
- Sound sensitivity with tinnitus
- Avoiding social or noisy situations
- Ear discomfort after sound exposure
Common hearing-related associations
Sound sensitivity may occur alongside tinnitus, hearing change, noise exposure or ear-related discomfort. Your doctor will assess your ears and advise whether hearing assessment, tinnitus support or hearing protection advice is appropriate.
Hearing change
Noise exposure
Ear canal or middle-ear irritation
Sound sensitivity after ear symptoms
Doctor-led assessment at Nottingham Ear Clinic
Assessment starts by checking ear health and understanding your symptoms. Where appropriate, audiology assessment can help measure hearing and guide management or hearing protection advice.
When to seek urgent medical advice
Most ear symptoms can be assessed in a routine appointment, but some warning symptoms should not wait.
- Sudden hearing loss, especially in one ear
- Severe or rapidly worsening pain
- Facial weakness, confusion or severe headache
- Marked dizziness, collapse or severe balance disturbance
- Swelling, redness or tenderness spreading around the ear
- High temperature or feeling very unwell, particularly if you have diabetes or reduced immune function
If symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening or concerning, seek advice from your GP, NHS 111, an urgent treatment centre or 999 in an emergency.
Related ear care services
Private ENT Consultation
Doctor-led assessment for ear pain, discharge, tinnitus, dizziness and complex ear symptoms.
Microsuction Wax Removal
Safe, precise ear wax removal where wax is present and treatment is clinically appropriate.
Ear Infection Treatment
Assessment and treatment advice for painful, itchy, inflamed or discharging ears.
Private Hearing Care
Ear and hearing health checks with access to full hearing assessments from experienced audiologists.
Tinnitus Management
Assessment and support for ringing, buzzing, humming or whooshing sounds.
Hearing Protection
Custom hearing protection, ear impressions and advice for noise exposure.
Frequently asked questions
Helpful answers about hyperacusis and noise sensitivity and when to book an appointment.
Is hyperacusis the same as tinnitus?
No. Tinnitus is hearing sounds without an external source, while hyperacusis is increased sensitivity to external sounds. They can occur together.
Should I use earplugs all the time?
Overusing earplugs in normal environments can sometimes increase sound sensitivity. Advice should be tailored to your situation.
Can hearing protection help?
Appropriate hearing protection can help in genuinely noisy environments, but it should be chosen carefully to avoid overprotection.
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