Noise levels above 80 dB can cause hearing damage, especially with prolonged or repeated exposure. However, some people are extra sensitive to noise. They perceive external sounds, which others consider normal, as irritating or even painful.
For those with noise sensitivity, hearing protection is crucial to dampen ambient sounds, making them more bearable so you can fully enjoy life!
Noise sensitivity, also known as hyperacusis (a Greek term meaning 'hearing too much'), occurs when exposure to a certain volume activates the amygdala. The amygdala, part of our primitive 'reptilian brain,' is responsible for our reflexive responses to (potential) danger. Sometimes, the amygdala's reaction is so intense that it triggers a fight, flight, or freeze response, which can lead to various other issues like (chronic) stress, anxiety, and depression. Noise sensitivity can develop at any age and often occurs alongside conditions like Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), ADHD, autism, migraines, Lyme disease, and Meniere's disease. The severity varies from person to person and can be accompanied by related issues like tinnitus (ringing in the ears). When exposure to certain frequencies or volumes causes pain, it's called noxacusis.
