What Are The Symptoms Of Hyperacusis?

Loss Of Balance

Some individuals with hyperacusis can experience a total loss of balance or ability to sit upright when they're exposed to their trigger sounds, which may cause them to slump or to collapse. Typically, the loss of balance will be accompanied by serious ear pain. The most severe cases lead to seizure activity in the brain. There are two main types of hyperacusis: cochlear and vestibular. Cochlear is the type that causes discomfort when hearing sounds, while vestibular is the type that affects balance. An individual with vestibular hyperacusis may also experience discomfort or pain with certain sounds, along with feelings of dizziness and vertigo. Nausea can also be caused by dizziness. The exact cause of vestibular hyperacusis is unknown, but researchers theorize it may be related to nerve damage of the balance system in the inner ear.