title: Hypersensitivity to sound (hyperacusis): a prevalence study conducted via the Internet and post.
abstract: The present study explored the prevalence and descriptive characteristics of hyperacusis, defined as unusual intolerance of ordinary environmental sounds. Two ways of collecting data were used in the study: the first was a postal survey of a random sample, to which 589 responded (59.7% response rate); the second was the internet, and 595 self-recruited individuals responded to a call for participants via a banner on a web page (51.9% response rate). The point prevalence rates of hyperacusis were 9% in the internet group and 8% in the postal group. Exclusion of participants who reported hearing impairment resulted in point prevalence rates of 7.7% (n = 39) and 5.9% (n = 28) respectively. The data collection format did not result in any substantial differences. Hyperacusis was associated with concentration difficulties, use of ear protection, avoidance, tension, and sensitivity to light/colours. The present data suggest that hyperacusis is a common problem.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden. Gerhard.Andersson@psyk.uu.se
authors.forename: Gerhard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Andersson
authors.forename: Nina
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Lindvall
authors.forename: Timo
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hursti
authors.forename: Per
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Carlbring
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012001:Hyperacusis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011177:Postal Service / Q000379:methods*; D015995:Prevalence; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires