Hearing, Balance, Tinnitus – Assessment and Intervention: Adults

1318L - Release from Hyperacusis: Results of a novel therapeutic approach

Friday, November 18, 2022

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM CT

Format: 1-Hour Seminar (In-Person)

Audience: Students, International Affiliates, Public/Consumers, Researchers, Related Professionals, Assistants, Early Career Professionals (under 5 years)

Keywords: Hyperacusis, Treatment, Loudness Suppression, Audiology, Research

Presenting Author(s)

David Eddins

University of South Florida

Author Only (Not Presenting)(s)

Dana Cherri

University of South Florida
Carrie Secor

Auditory & Speech Sciences Laboratory, University of South Florida
Craig Formby

Auditory & Speech Sciences Laboratory, University of South Florida
Roger Juneau

SoftTouch Labs
Steve Armstrong

Soundsgood Labs

Patients with moderate to severe hyperacusis, an abnormal sensitivity to the loudness of everyday sounds, present a unique clinical challenge. Hyperacusis frequently is debilitating and life-altering, with patients engaged in self-treatment that involves limiting potential exposure to offending sounds through a combination of situational avoidance and use of hearing protection devices. They often present for assessment wearing earplugs, ear muffs, or both. Unfortunately, chronic use of earplugs exacerbates the condition. The clinical challenge, therefore, is to eliminate the use of counter-productive devices and introduce effective treatment. In this seminar, a novel treatment that overcomes these challenges and the underlying scientific principles will be introduced. Results from initial evaluation of the treatment indicate remarkable success based on objective and subjective outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

Define the hyperacusis condition.
Differentiate treatment methods combined into a novel therapeutic approach.
Describe the novel treatment and its positive impacts on participants.