Struggling for a new self: in-depth interviews with 21 patients with hyperacusis after an acute head trauma.
The aim of the study was to gain a better understanding of what suffering from hyperacusis means. Twenty-one out-patients referred to a hearing clinic due to persisting hypersensitivity to sounds after an acute head trauma were interviewed. Before the head trauma, they had lived an independent, active and externally oriented life. As a consequence of the trauma, the patients became psychosocially vulnerable and suffered from a variety of symptoms: hypersensitivity to sounds, difficulties with concentrating and remembering, increased anxiety and sensitivity to stress. Structuring everyday life and using a variety of coping strategies was necessary for reducing life stress and symptoms in the process of adjusting to the changed life situation.
Trulsson
Ulrika
U
Nordic School of Public Health, Göteborg, Sweden.
Johansson
Mattias
M
Jansson
Gunilla
G
Wiberg
Agne
A
Hallberg
Lillemor R M
LR
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012001:Hyperacusis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012649:Self Concept