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A systematic review on sound-based therapy for individuals with hyperacusis

A dispatch from PubMed — filed

Hyperacusis is marked by an abnormal sensitivity to everyday sounds, causing considerable distress and hindrance in daily life. It is frequently linked with other hearing disorders like tinnitus and may occur alongside neurological and psychiatric conditions such as autism, migraines, and depression....

Clinical Takeaway

This systematic review may offer updated guidance on sound-based therapies for hyperacusis; audiologists managing hyperacusis patients should review the full findings to assess whether current protocols align with the evidence summarized.

Why It Matters

Hyperacusis is under-researched relative to its impact on patients' quality of life, and a systematic review of sound-based therapies could help standardize clinical management.

Key Points
  1. 01Systematic review evaluates sound-based therapies for hyperacusis (abnormal sound sensitivity) published in Acta Otorrinolaringológica Española.
  2. 02Hyperacusis is characterized by significant daily-life impairment from intolerance to ordinary sounds.
  3. 03Review synthesizes existing evidence to assess efficacy of sound-based therapeutic approaches.
  4. 04Sound-based therapy includes approaches such as sound desensitization and broadband noise exposure.
  5. 05Findings could inform standardization of hyperacusis treatment protocols in audiology clinics.
Claims & Evidence

Sound-based therapies are used to treat hyperacusis and reduce abnormal sensitivity to everyday sounds.

studypartially supported

Hyperacusis is linked to significant daily impairment.

guidelinesupported
Research metadata
PMID
42309185
DOI
10.1016/j.otoeng.2026.512375.
Journal
Acta Otorrinolaringológica Española
Publication type
meta_analysis
Evidence level
1a
Population
Individuals with hyperacusis (abnormal sensitivity to everyday sounds)
Intervention
Sound-based therapy for hyperacusis

Primary outcomes

Reduction in hyperacusis severity; Daily-life functional impairment

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