Loudness
Moderate sounds feel much louder than they do to others.
When ordinary sounds feel too loud, painful or threatening.
Hyperacusis, also called sound or noise sensitivity, is a reduced tolerance to everyday sound. A closing door, cutlery or a busy street can feel overwhelming, even when your hearing tests normal. It shows up in different ways, often more than one.
Pain
Certain sounds cause discomfort or pain in or around the ear.
Fear
You start avoiding places and sounds because of how they might feel.
≈ 70 dB typical
Cutlery on plates at dinner
≈ 85 dB typical
A bus braking in the street
≈ 75 dB typical
Children playing next door
≈ 60 dB typical
An open-plan office
Common, and mostly undiagnosed.
9.2%
of adults reported hyperacusis in a Swedish population study
1.9%
had been diagnosed by a physician in that same study
17.2%
the highest estimate found across population studies
Widen your comfort zone.
Avoiding sound, or wearing ear protection all day, can keep sensitivity high. The programme gently does the opposite: steady, low-level sound and gradual exposure, so more of daily life fits inside your comfort range.
Week01
Comfort range45–60 dB
Everything for the programme, in one place.
- 01
Start with an assessment
A few minutes of questions about which sounds bother you, how much, and where it gets in the way.
- 02
Get a plan made for you
A specialist reviews your answers and sets up a programme around your starting point and goals.
- 03
Practise a little every day
Short lessons, relaxation and sound sessions at levels set for you, raised slowly week by week.
- 04
Check in with your specialist
Regular video sessions to look at your progress and adjust the plan, with a moderated community in between.
Understand what's going on.
All guides- What is hyperacusis?What sound sensitivity is, how it feels, what causes it and when to see a doctor.
- Hyperacusis treatmentSound therapy, CBT, counselling and careful ear protection: what helps and when to be careful.
- Sound therapyGentle sound, raised slowly, so everyday noise feels normal again. Pink noise, timelines, cautions.
Hyperacusis questions, answered.
What is hyperacusis?
Hyperacusis, also called sound or noise sensitivity, is when everyday sounds seem much louder than they should, or even painful. Ordinary noises that other people barely notice can feel overwhelming. Read the guide →
How is hyperacusis different from misophonia?
Hyperacusis is about sound in general feeling too loud or uncomfortable. Misophonia is a strong dislike of specific sounds, such as chewing or tapping, that triggers anger or disgust. They can overlap, and some techniques are shared. Read the guide →
What causes hyperacusis?
The cause is often unclear. It can start after exposure to a sudden loud noise, and it is linked to conditions such as tinnitus, migraine, Ménière's disease, Bell's palsy and autism. Read the guide →
Should I keep using earplugs?
Protection makes sense in genuinely loud places, but wearing earplugs or ear defenders all the time can make you more sensitive to noise. Your specialist helps you cut back in a way that feels safe. Read the guide →
How does sound therapy work?
You listen to low-level sound, such as soft broadband noise, for longer periods so your hearing system gets used to it again. Levels are raised gradually, week by week. Read the guide →
Does CBT help with hyperacusis?
Cognitive behavioural therapy works on the fear and avoidance that often come with sound sensitivity. In a randomised trial with 60 patients, CBT improved sound tolerance and quality of life compared with a waiting list. Read the guide →
What if sounds cause ear pain?
Speak to a doctor or audiologist before starting sound therapy. Some specialists warn that sound exposure can make pain hyperacusis worse, so the approach needs to be adjusted for you.
Can hyperacusis be cured?
No treatment can promise a cure. The aim is to raise your sound tolerance and reduce how much hyperacusis affects daily life. Many people improve with sound therapy and counselling, but progress differs from person to person.
Do I need a diagnosis first?
You can start with the online assessment. If you have ear pain, sudden changes in your hearing, hearing loss or dizziness, see your doctor or an ENT specialist first. Read the guide →
How much time does it take?
The programme is built around a short daily session and regular check-ins over several weeks. You go at your own pace.
Find out where your comfort zone is today.
Take the online assessment. It takes a few minutes and is the first step to a personal plan.
Start your assessment