WHY VEHICULAR HONKING IS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE TO SOME

Do you feel like covering your ears tightly , when exposed to sounds like vehicular honking, dog barking or at the sound of your door bell?  It is due to decreased or unusual tolerance to ordinary sounds or it could be a dislike to some sounds. This condition is known as HYPERACUSIS. 

WHAT CAUSES HYPERACUSIS? 

It is due to increased perception of the intensity of sound by the auditory or hearing area in the brain. Sometimes there will be a tingling sensation associated with hearing loss also. 

WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS WHERE HYPERACUSIS IS PRESENT? 

Facial paralysis ( Bells palsy, Ramsay hunt) as there is dysfunction of normal  protective mechanism (stapedial reflex) . People having migraine, depression, post traumatic stress disorder and hearing loss also will have this. 

WHAT TO DO  ? 

Perform an audiology test and find out the loudness discomfort level, but for some this will cause  discomfort. 

TREATMENT 

Use ear protection devices like ear plugs and  go for counselling and meditation .Tinnitus retraining therapy is also helpful in some cases.