Many of us wince when we hear noises that are exceptionally loud, but for some of us, almost every sound seems amplified. This can be due to various underlying causes.
Hyperacusis is one cause of sensitivity. It is usually a side effect of a disease, condition or injury. People with hyperacusis hear certain sounds as being unusually loud and may even perceive them as dangerous. 10% of people with tinnitus, a type of hearing loss associated with ringing in the ears, also have hyperacusis.
Misophonia is another condition associated with sensitivity to noise. People that have misophonia develop strong emotional responses to ordinary human sounds that include chewing, breathing, and lip smacking. The sounds evoke feelings like anger, anxiety, and disgust.
No matter what is causing your sensitivity to noise, there are ways to treat it. Read on to find out about some solutions.
5 Natural Ways to Manage Sensitivity to Noise
Don’t Overprotect Against Noise
People who are sensitive to noise should not try to avoid it. This will only make them more sensitive to sounds when they hear them. Instead, take the approach of minimizing the effect sound has to make it seem unimportant.
Expose Yourself to Sounds Systematically
Instead of avoiding sounds, try exposing yourself to them in a systematic fashion. Use mindful tactics like focusing on your breathing when listening to sounds. This will reduce the amount of stress the noise is causing.
Talk to a Health Professional
Sensitivity to sound is often stress related and can be a side effect of conditions like anxiety, depression, OCD, or PTSD. A professional counselor will get to the root of your problem and provide coping mechanisms that reduce stress and help relieve hearing issues.
In fact, there is even a therapy that can treat tinnitus. TRT or Tinnitus Retraining Therapy, involves introducing competing sounds that are more pleasant and/or just under the volume of the disturbing sounds. This allows the brain to begin ignoring the unpleasant noises so ringing becomes minimized.
Reduce Stress
Your therapist will provide you with strategies that help you reduce the stress that may be related to noise sensitivity issues. These include deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness. Employing these coping techniques in your daily life will minimize your hearing problems.
Use Ear Drops
Ear drops can also be used to stop ringing that may be associated with tinnitus and hyperacusis. If you are looking to take the all-natural route, NaturalCare Ring Stop Ear Drops are a reliable solution.
Natural Care is a maker of homeopathic dietary supplements made with high quality herbal blends. Their Ring Stop Ear Drops are designed to temporarily relieve minor ear ringing, buzzing, and sensitivity to noise. They are made of a rich solution that reaches deep inside the ear to deliver soothing relief to the affected area.
Sensitivity to noise can greatly reduce quality of life. Fortunately, there are all natural products and therapeutic methods that provide relief. Which do you think is best for dealing with your hearing issues?