Some people have difficulty tolerating everyday sounds. These people are hypersensitive to sound compared to the average person. The term hyperacusis is often used to describe a sound hypersensitivity disorder. Misophonia is also used, but it's a different disorder.

There are actually five sound hypersensitivity disorders. Each has unique characteristics. This book explains these disorders, how they differ, and how they can be diagnosed and treated.

What are the five sound hypersensitivity disorders?

• Loudness hyperacusis: Sounds are perceived as unbearably loud when they seem normal to other people.
• Pain hyperacusis: Sound causes piercing pain in or around the ears.
• Misophonia: Certain sounds cause emotional reactions, especially sounds from the mouth and nose of others.
• Noise sensitivity: Sound in general causes irritation/annoyance.
• Phonophobia: Person has excessive and persistent fear that sound will be too loud, distressing, or painful.

Who can benefit from this book?

The book is intended for both healthcare professionals and the general public. It is written with the rigor that is required for peer-reviewed scientific articles, and includes over 200 references that support the text. To make the book understandable to all, technical and medical terms are minimized, and they are explained when used.