Treatment options There is usually no cure once noise sensitivity has started because the common causes are noise damage and ageing damage to the inner ear. It is wise to avoid exposure to noise in the first place. There are disorders of the inner ear, which are treatable, so prompt assessment of the ears may be critical to manage the tolerance. Generally, sound sensitivity is managed in a number of ways. Avoid raising your voice to someone with inner ear deafness. It not only irritates but also distorts the message. The use of personal hearing protection such as earplugs and ear muffs in genuinely noisy environments is advised. Reassurance that the disorder of the inner ear is not caused by a sinister disorder can restore the tolerance significantly. Counselling may help the person overcome their fear of loud noises. This could include the person coming to understand that their response to noise has been ‘learned’ and could be modified. Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) involves wearing special hearing aids called ‘noise generators’ which can, over time, reduce the person’s sensitivity to noise. The ears become accustomed to the barely audible ‘white noise’ and eventually ignore it. Medication to help the person sleep may be needed in the short term.
Posted on: Sat, 03 Aug 2013 21:56:22 +0000
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