Hyperacusis is a condition where every day sounds appear overly loud and can be painful.
It arises from the way that the brain’s central auditory processing centre perceives noise. It could be that all sounds appear too loud, or high frequency sounds may be particularly acute. It is common for people with tinnitus to also have hyperacusis but it may occur without tinnitus.
Hyperacusis can be a minor annoyance but for some it can be difficult to lead a normal life without it’s interference, and can contribute to social isolation, phonophobia (fear of normal sounds), and depression.