Will there be a "cure" for hyperacusis?

We received an interesting email recently from an individual active within the hyperacusis community. The person "[is looking] forward to the day when there is a cure."

This is a difficult matter to approach, even from a layperson's perspective. We at The Daily Decibel are not sure whether hyperacusis is a condition for which there will ever be a "cure" in the most basic sense of the word.

First, there is debate as how exactly to classify hyperacusis. Do we really know what it is, exactly? How well do we know what factors can cause it? Can it be a single factor, or must it be a multitude of factors? It is a condition, but in our judgment it is more accurately expressed as a set of symptoms of one or more conditions -- perhaps symptoms arising from a dysfunctional autonomic system and/or limbic system. And the symptoms are characterized by high sensitivity to certain sounds or combinations of sounds -- and perhaps marked by unpleasant reactions to those sounds or combinations of sounds.

Perhaps what the person meant by a "cure", was (is) a "fix" to the relevant dysfunctional properties of bodily organs and/or bodily symptoms, such as perhaps the autonomic and/or limbic systems. But would that truly be a "cure"?

By no means are we fatalistic about treatments for hyperacusis and its related conditions, such as tinnitus, misophonia, and phonophobia. But strictly speaking, we don't think it appropriate to suggest a "cure" for hyperacusis. Perhaps it can be remedied. For our hyperacusis and/or misophonia, we use NRR 32 and NRR 33 earplugs and we take Klonopin (Clonazepam), a benzodiazepine, to relieve the discomforts caused by the hearing of the sounds. We practice avoidance. We have not been trained to undergo a very sophisticated and painstaking (long and drawn-out) system of retraining therapy. Currently, although there are professionals practicing retraining therapy, there are relatively few of them in the United States, and it is currently an inconvenience for us to spend much time in travel to participate in lengthy retraining sessions. We don't have anything against retraining therapy. But it's simply not an option for us at this time.

Instead, as we mentioned, we use remedies. Remedies are not cures. We don't expect a magical tablet, patch, or cream to be developed that would eliminate hyperacusis symptoms forever. But we will continue our methods of avoidance and using benzodiazepines.

Klonopin, contrary to what some claim, is *not* a narcotic drug. It is administered by top-ranking, distinguished, and experienced health professionals across the U.S. And it certainly isn't illegal. Some public entities ban the use of certain benzodiazepines, but Klonopin (Clonazepam) works for us. We're not ashamed to take it daily.

In our view here, we think more must be learned about hyperacusis before we can talk at length about a scientific-based cure. What is the root of the problem of hyperacusis in an individual? At The Daily Decibel, we believe that once we agree upon what hyperacusis actually is -- and what is its actual root -- we can determine more about how to treat it and determine whether a "cure" is within the reach of science.

Quiet Regards,

The Daily Decibel