What condition is characterized by extreme sensitivity to sound?

Hyperacusis is characterized by an abnormal sensitivity to sound, where individuals experience discomfort or pain from sounds that are typically considered unoffensive or moderately loud to most people. This condition can significantly affect a person’s quality of life, as everyday sounds may become overwhelming or intolerable. People with hyperacusis often find that their perception of loudness is altered, making sounds feel much louder than they actually are.

In contrast, tinnitus involves the perception of sound in the absence of external stimuli, often described as ringing or buzzing in the ears. Auditory processing disorder is a condition affecting how the brain processes auditory information, which can lead to difficulties in understanding sounds but does not inherently involve hypersensitivity to them. Acoustic trauma refers to hearing damage caused by exposure to loud sounds, leading to conditions such as tinnitus or hearing loss, rather than increased sensitivity.