You may have come across several different terms that describe a sensitivity to sound, but they all mean very different things. First, hyperacusis is a hearing disorder that makes ordinary sounds seem intolerably loud. This is different from misophonia because individuals with misophonia are irritated by certain noises regardless of sound level.
Someone with hyperacusis may experience sounds like a running faucet or conversation far louder than they should. It’s a rare condition that affects only about one in 50,000 people, and most people who have it also have tinnitus. Hyperacusis is usually caused by a particular disease or health issue such a head injury or migraines. Sometimes, being around a loud noise or being exposed to loud noises over a long period can cause hyperacusis. ﻿
Phonophobia, also known as ligyrophobia, is a fear of loud noises. Phonophobia is most common in young children, but can also be found in adults. People with phonophobia may be afraid of sudden loud noises or ongoing noise. Phonophobia is highly treatable, and treatment depends on the level of severity. Treatment might include exposure therapy, counseling, meditation or other self-help techniques. Misophonia, on the other hand, is not a fear of sounds as much as it is an intolerance to specific sounds.