Decreased Sound Tolerance and Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)
Decreased sound tolerance is a condition where you experience discomfort, irritation, or pain due to sounds that others may find normal. Causes of decreased sound tolerance include:
Long-term exposure to loud noises
Sudden exposure to loud noise
Head injury
Certain syndromes and medical conditions
In this blog we will explore the concept of decreased sound tolerance and intervention options.
What is Decreased Sound Tolerance?
Decreased sound tolerance can include both hyperacusis and misophonia. Hyperacusis is an increased sensitivity where normal sounds are considered uncomfortably loud, such as dishes clinking. In the case of misophonia, specific sounds are bothersome, such as your spouse chewing dinner.
The Role of Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy is a well-established and evidence-based intervention aimed at helping individuals manage decreased sound tolerance. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy focuses on retraining the brain’s response to sound by combining sound therapy with directive counseling.
How Tinnitus Retraining Therapy Works:
Sound Therapy: Low-level background noise or soothing sounds are introduced to your environment. These sounds can include nature sounds, white noise, and other neutral sounds. The goal is to recondition the brain to decrease its hypersensitivity to sound.
Education: This component addresses the psychological and emotional aspects of sound intolerance. Through education, you can learn to reframe your perception of sound, reduce anxiety and distress around it, and in turn, lessen the overall sensitivity to sound.
Benefits of Tinnitus Retraining Therapy:
Reduces Anxiety: By gradually reconditioning the brain to accept sound, Tinnitus Retraining Therapy helps reduce the emotional distress and anxiety that often accompanies decreased sound tolerance.
Improves Sound Tolerance: As you undergo sound therapy, you can slowly begin to tolerate a broader range of sounds, improving your quality of life.
Long-Term Results: Tinnitus retraining therapy offers long-term benefits, with many individuals experiencing lasting improvements in sound tolerance, even after the therapy ends.
The Risk of Overprotecting Your Hearing
In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of protecting hearing, especially in noisy environments. While protecting the ears from loud sounds is important to prevent hearing loss, overprotecting hearing can have unintended consequences.
Increased Sensitivity to Sound:
Consistently using earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, especially in moderate noise environments, may lead to an oversensitivity to sound. The auditory system needs exposure to a range of sounds to function normally. If you protect your ears too much, you may hinder the brain’s ability to process and tolerate natural sounds.
Striking the Right Balance:
The key is to balance protecting your ears from harmful noise and allowing your auditory system to engage with everyday sounds. It’s important to use hearing protection where the risk of damage is high, such as at concerts, construction sites, or while using loud machinery. Outside of those situations, exposure to natural sounds can help reduce sound intolerance and foster better tolerance over time.
Conclusion: Finding Relief from Decreased Sound Tolerance
Hyperacusis and misophonia can be disruptive conditions. However, with interventions like Tinnitus Retraining Therapy, you can experience improvements in your ability to tolerate sound.
It’s also important to remember that overprotecting your hearing can have the opposite effect and increase sensitivity to sound. A balanced approach to hearing protection, coupled with therapies like Tinnitus Retraining Therapy, can help you regain control over your auditory experiences and improve your quality of life.
If you or someone you know is struggling with tinnitus or decreased sound tolerance, it’s essential to consult with an audiologist. We can guide you through appropriate treatments and help you find strategies to manage your symptoms effectively. Reach out to learn more about how Tinnitus Retraining Therapy can help you regain comfort in your auditory world.
