# STAGING ## Posts - [Hello world!](https://ishush.ac.uk/hello-world/): Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing! ## Pages - [What are the possible treatments? ​](https://ishush.ac.uk/what-are-the-possible-treatments/): Main menu What are the possible treatments? There have been few clinical trials testing treatments for hyperacusis, and so the evidence for what works best, and who it will work for, is limited. ​ There are different treatments or therapies available. These treatments tend to focus on: ​ Improving your quality of life, ​ Managing […] - [What tests can be done?​](https://ishush.ac.uk/what-tests-can-be-done/): Main menu Section C: Seeking advice: What tests can be done?​ Information cards Medical assessment This involves a physical examination and history taking. Read more Hearing tests Your healthcare provider will perform hearing tests to determine your hearing levels. Read more Uncomfortable Loudness Levels, or ULLs. ULLs tests are used to evaluate the point when […] - [section b: Strategies and support ​](https://ishush.ac.uk/strategies-and-support-intro/): Section A: Learn about hyperacusis: Module 1. Introduction to hyperacusis​ Introduction to hyperacusis​ Main menu Physical and emotional reactions × Start Here Identify your reactions and begin the journey. Go to Section → How your body regulates itself × Body Regulation Understanding your nervous system. Learn More Relaxation strategies × Relaxation Tools Techniques to calm […] - [what happens in the brain](https://ishush.ac.uk/what-happens-in-the-brain-2/): Main menu What happens in the brain?​ The hearing system in the brain is quite complex and involves a number of areas that are responsible for different tasks. ​ Comprehension​ There are areas (e.g. Wernicke’s area) that are focused on processing speech or music Localisation​ The auditory cortex works out where the sound is coming […] - [Concerns about my hyperacusis](https://ishush.ac.uk/concerns-about-my-hyperacusis/): Main menu Section C: Seeking advice: Who do I go to for support and what do I discuss?​ Information cards Who do I go to for support and advice? There are several healthcare providers who can offer support and guidance. Read more Concerns about my hyperacusis It is important to recognise all the different ways […] - [Summary – what have I learnt?​ - Moduel 3](https://ishush.ac.uk/summary-what-have-i-learnt-moduel-3/): Main menu Section A: Learn about hyperacusis. Module 2. The ear and the brain​ Summary – what have I learnt?​ Congratulations! You have completed Module 3. Understanding sound. ​You have learnt in this module: ​ The loudness or intensity of sound is measured in decibels (dB) on a logarithmic scale: every increase of 3 dB […] - [Understanding Sound Intro](https://ishush.ac.uk/understanding-sound-intro/): Section A: Learn about hyperacusis: Module 3. Understanding sound​ Understanding sound​ Main menu Everyone experiences sound differently, especially with hyperacusis. This module explains: How sound is measured?​ The sound exposure time​ What are safe sound levels?​ Noise exposure at work​ Noise exposure in other situations​ How the experience of loudness differs in hyperacusis Having a […] - [Patient stories​](https://ishush.ac.uk/patient-stories/) - [Who do I go to for support and advice?​](https://ishush.ac.uk/who-do-i-go-to-for-support-and-advice/): Main menu Who do I go to for support and what do I discuss?​ Information cards Who do I go to for support and advice? There are several healthcare providers who can offer support and guidance. Read more Concerns about my hyperacusis It is important to recognise all the different ways in which hyperacusis can […] - [Section B: Seeking Advice (intro)](https://ishush.ac.uk/section-b-seeking-advice-intro/): Main menu Section A: Introduction to hyperacusis​ What conditions are commonly associated with hyperacusis?​ Whilst we may not fully understand what causes hyperacusis. There are several riskfactors or triggers that make hyperacusis more likely. These include: ​ Tinnitus 80% of people who have hyperacusis also experience tinnitus​ Williams syndrome​ Pain syndromes such as migraine and fibromyalgia​ Exhaustion or chronic fatigue syndrome ​ Posttraumatic […] - [How the experience of loudness differs in hyperacusis ​](https://ishush.ac.uk/how-the-experience-of-loudness-differs-in-hyperacusis/): Main menu Section A: Learn about hyperacusis. Module 3. Understanding sound​ How the experience of loudness differs in hyperacusis Generally, people have a tolerance threshold of about 120 dB (loud bar or nightclub music) before sound starts to cause physical pain. ​People generally reach a point where they feel that sound is too loud and […] - [Noise exposure in other situations ​](https://ishush.ac.uk/noise-exposure-in-other-situations/): Main menu Section A: Learn about hyperacusis. Module 3. Understanding sound​ Noise exposure in other situations Unlike workplaces, there are no legal noise limits in social settings such as concerts, nightclubs, or bars. ​ Employees or volunteers at a venue should be given training about noise exposure and offered hearing protection. Yet it is up […] - [Noise exposure at work​](https://ishush.ac.uk/noise-exposure-at-work/): Main menu Section A: Learn about hyperacusis. Module 3. Understanding sound​ Noise exposure at work​ Employers Employers have a duty to protect their employees and should be taking steps to reduce the risks associated with noisy environment or noisy equipment. These steps include: ​ Checking sound levels to make sure they meet requirements​ Providing hearing […] - [What are safe sound levels? ​](https://ishush.ac.uk/what-are-safe-sound-levels/): Main menu Section A: Learn about hyperacusis. Module 3. Understanding sound​ What are safe sound levels? Most of the time, sound is not harmful, but when sound levels are too high and you are exposed to this for a prolonged period of time, hearing can be damaged. ​ If someone is exposure to sounds that […] - [Distance matters!!​](https://ishush.ac.uk/distance-matters/): Main menu Section A: Learn about hyperacusis. Module 3. Understanding sound​ Distance matters!!​ The closer you are to a sound, the louder it is! ​Doubling your distance from the sound will reduce the level of sound by 6dB. Back Main menu Next - [The sound exposure time​](https://ishush.ac.uk/the-sound-exposure-time/): Main menu Section A: Learn about hyperacusis. Module 3. Understanding sound​ The sound exposure time​ The seconds, minutes, and hours that you are exposed to different sounds levels can affect your hearing health. ​ Sound exposure levels need to take account of both the sound intensity and duration of exposure. ​ The potential for hearing […] - [How sound is measured? ​](https://ishush.ac.uk/how-sound-is-measured/): Main menu Section A: Learn about hyperacusis. Module 3. Understanding sound​ How sound is measured? The human ear hears a wide range of sounds. How loud a sound is (the intensity of sound) is measured in decibels (dB), which is based on a logarithmic scale. This scale corresponds to the way our ears interpret sound […] - [Module 3. Understanding sound​](https://ishush.ac.uk/module-3-understanding-sound/): Main menu Module 3. Understanding sound​ Understanding sound​ Living with hyperacusis, you may feel that the world is too loud, or that all sound is dangerous or uncomfortable. It is understandable and rational that you want to reduce your exposure to sound. However, this can increase your sensitivity to sound. ​ Being aware of how […] - [Mechanism 8. Genetics​](https://ishush.ac.uk/mechanism-8-genetics/): Main menu Section A: Learn about hyperacusis. Module 2. The ear and the brain​ Mechanism 8. Genetics​ Some people are more likely to develop hyperacusis due to their genetics or how their  brains develop. ​ Neurodiversity can be associated with increased sensitivity to stimuli, including sound. For example, research has shown that people with autism […] - [Mechanism 7. Chemical imbalances in the brain​](https://ishush.ac.uk/mechanism-6-differences-in-the-limbic-system-copy/): Main menu Section A: Learn about hyperacusis. Module 2. The ear and the brain​ Mechanism 7. Chemical imbalances in the brain​ One possible reason why some people develop hyperacusis is due to chemical imbalances in the brain. ​ Research has shown that serotonin, the chemical that helps regulate mood and sensory processing, plays an important […] - [Mechanism 6. Differences in the limbic system​](https://ishush.ac.uk/mechanism-6-differences-in-the-limbic-system/): Main menu Section A: Learn about hyperacusis. Module 2. The ear and the brain​ Mechanism 6. Differences in the limbic system​ As you have learnt on the ‘What happens in the brain?’ pages, the limbic system plays an important role in our emotional responses to sounds and the behavioural reaction we can have due to those […] - [Mechanism 5. Dysfunction or damage to the hearing system​](https://ishush.ac.uk/mechanism-5-dysfunction-or-damage-to-the-hearing-system/): Main menu Section A: Learn about hyperacusis. Module 2. The ear and the brain​ Mechanism 5. Dysfunction or damage to hearing system Hyperacusis may also result from dysfunction of the hearing centres in the brain. ​The inner ear and hearing system in the brain are organised according to sound frequency, from low to high frequencies. […] - [Mechanism 4. Dysfunction or damage to the ear​](https://ishush.ac.uk/mechanism-4-dysfunction-or-damage-to-the-ear/): Main menu Section A: Learn about hyperacusis. Module 2. The ear and the brain​ Mechanism 4. Dysfunction or damage to the ear​ Not all causes of hyperacusis are found in the brain. Some are due to dysfunction or damage to the ear. ​ The facial nerve runs from the brainstem to the muscles in the […] - [Mechanism 3. Pain and nerve cells​](https://ishush.ac.uk/mechanism-3-pain-and-nerve-cells/): Main menu Section A: Learn about hyperacusis. Module 2. The ear and the brain​ Mechanism 3. Pain and nerve cells​ An alternative explanation for pain hyperacusis is that there may be a problem with nerve cells in the ear (Type II auditory nerve fibres) which run from the ear to the brain including areas involved […] - [Mechanism 2. Pain and hearing signals mixing​](https://ishush.ac.uk/mechanism-2-pain-and-hearing-signals-mixing/): Main menu Section A: Learn about hyperacusis. Module 2. The ear and the brain​ Mechanism 2. Pain and hearing signals mixing​ Another explanation for hyperacusis comes from the way the brain processes pain. Pain is a common symptom of hyperacusis for many people. ​ Our brains let us know when sounds are too loud. Most […] - [Mechanism 1. Adapting the volume​](https://ishush.ac.uk/mechanism-1-adapting-the-volume/): Main menu Section A: Learn about hyperacusis. Module 2. The ear and the brain​ Mechanism 1. Adapting the volume​ One leading theory of hyperacusis is that it is the result of ‘excessively increased central gain’, called the Central Gain Theory. ​ The hearing areas of the brain have a built-in system to control how sounds […] - [What are the possible mechanisms for hyperacusis?​](https://ishush.ac.uk/what-are-the-possible-mechanisms-for-hyperacusis/): Main menu Section A: Learn about hyperacusis. Module 2. The ear and the brain​ What are the possible mechanisms for hyperacusis?​ Hyperacusis is a condition that may arise from multiple causes, including changes in the brain, damage to the ear, emotional responses, or genetics. ​ Several possible processes or mechanisms have been suggested to explain […] - [What happens in the brain?](https://ishush.ac.uk/what-happens-in-the-brain/): Main menu Section A: Learn about hyperacusis. Module 2. The ear and the brain​ Emotions and hearing There are times when people can be stressed, anxious, overwhelmed or be under multiple pressures. When this happens, our brain can really struggle to effectively filter, or process sounds. ​ When stressed or overwhelmed, some people with or […] - [The ear and the brain ​](https://ishush.ac.uk/the-ear-and-the-brain/): Section A: Learn about hyperacusis. Module 2. The ear and the brain​ The ear and the brain Main menu The module aims to deepen your understanding of hyperacusis and explain how processes or mechanisms in our brain can create and maintain hyperacusis. This module explains: ​ How do we hear?​ What happens in the brain? […] - [How do we hear?​](https://ishush.ac.uk/how-do-we-hear/): Main menu Section A: Learn about hyperacusis. Module 2. The ear and the brain​ How do we hear? ​ In simple terms hearing involves sound reaching the ears and corresponding signals reaching the brain. The hearing system is quite complex. Sound waves in the air are detected, filtered, and processed in various ways on their […] - [Stories from other experiencing hyperacusis: Emma, 34​](https://ishush.ac.uk/stories-from-other-experiencing-hyperacusis-emma-34/): Main menu Section A: Introduction to hyperacusis​ Stories from others experiencing hyperacusis: Emma, 34​ “I developed hyperacusis about a year following an accident. I had a head injury that left me with terrible tinnitus and sensitivity to light as well. Frequent headaches too. The hyperacusis affects me daily really – things like having the children […] - [Stories from other experiencing hyperacusis: James, 44](https://ishush.ac.uk/stories-from-other-experiencing-hyperacusis-james-44/): Main menu Section A: Introduction to hyperacusis​ Stories from others experiencing hyperacusis: James, 44​ “Hyperacusis started the same time as tinnitus for me, just over 2 years ago. I was so anxious to begin with I didn’t leave the house, unless I had a doctor’s appointment. I completely isolated myself. Literally every sound became terrifying, […] - [end of module 1](https://ishush.ac.uk/end-of-module-1/): Main menu Module 1: Introduction to hyperacusis​ Summary – what have I learnt?​ Congratulations! You have completed Module 1: Introduction to hyperacusis. ​ You have learnt in this module: ​ Hyperacusis is a condition where people experience a reduced tolerance to sound(s).​ It is experienced by as many as 1 in 7 adults but affects […] - [Summary – what have I learnt?​-module2](https://ishush.ac.uk/summary-what-have-i-learnt-module2/): Main menu Section A: Learn about hyperacusis. Module 2. The ear and the brain​ Summary – what have I learnt?​ Congratulations! You have completed Module 2: The ear and the brain. ​ You have learnt in this module: ​ Hearing involves sound waves in the air being detected, filtered, and processed in various ways on […] - [Will my hyperacusis improve? ​](https://ishush.ac.uk/will-my-hyperacusis-improve/): Main menu Module 1: Introduction to hyperacusis​ Will my hyperacusis improve? Your sensitivity to sound can change over time. You may find that at the beginning you are sensitive to lots of different sounds. This can change. As time goes, you may find that you are not as sensitive to as many sounds as you […] - [Can anything make my hyperacusis worse? ​](https://ishush.ac.uk/can-anything-make-my-hyperacusis-worse/): Main menu Module 1: Introduction to hyperacusis​ Can anything make my hyperacusis worse? ​ It is common for people experiencing hyperacusis to avoid sounds or use ear plugs or sound-cancelling headphones when doing normal everyday activities, such as doing the washing up. ​ If you experience hyperacusis, protecting yourself seems like a rational and common-sense […] - [What conditions are commonly associated with hyperacusis?​](https://ishush.ac.uk/what-conditions-are-commonly-associated-with-hyperacusis/): Main menu Module 1: Introduction to hyperacusis​ What conditions are commonly associated with hyperacusis?​ Tinnitus ​ 80% of people who have hyperacusis also experience tinnitus​ Pain syndromes such as migraine and fibromyalgia Exhaustion or chronic fatigue syndrome ​ Posttraumatic stress disorder.​ Conditions associated with damage or paralysis to facial nerves, such as Bell’s palsy and […] - [What are the causes of hyperacusis? ​](https://ishush.ac.uk/what-are-the-causes-of-hyperacusis/): Main menu Module 1: Introduction to hyperacusis​ What are the causes of hyperacusis? Researchers still do not fully understand what causes hyperacusis. A number of possible processes and theories have been suggested to explain how hyperacusis works, from changes in the brain or damage to ears to genetics. ​ For example, it is possible that the areas of the […] - [Is hyperacusis common?​](https://ishush.ac.uk/is-hyperacusis-common/): Main menu Module 1: Introduction to hyperacusis​ Is hyperacusis common?​ Research has shown that hyperacusis is possibly more common than you might think. ​ Although we do not know exactly how many people experience hyperacusis, an estimated 1 in every 7 adults experience hyperacusis. ​ However, most people are not severely affected by it. Approximately […] - [What other sound sensitivities are there?​](https://ishush.ac.uk/what-other-sound-sensitivities-are-there/): Main menu Module 1: Introduction to hyperacusis​ What other sound sensitivities are there?​ In addition to hyperacusis, there are other sound intolerances that can be experienced either on their own or in combination with hyperacusis. ​ Phonophobia is an intense, persistent and excessive fear of sounds. This fear can be triggered by sudden loud sounds, certain types of […] - [What are the categories of hyperacusis?​](https://ishush.ac.uk/what-are-the-categories-of-hyperacusis/): Main menu Module 1: Introduction to hyperacusis​ What are the categories of hyperacusis?​ The experience of hyperacusis varies widely between individuals and over time. ​ To try and explain the variability, clinicians and researchers have been discussing the possibility of sub-categories for hyperacusis related to the symptoms experienced. The below are categories that have been […] - [(no title)](https://ishush.ac.uk/no-title/) - [Introduction to hyperacusis - What are the effects of hyperacusis? ​](https://ishush.ac.uk/introduction-to-hyperacusis-what-are-the-effects-of-hyperacusis/): Main menu In strategies and support, you will learn about how your feelings and emotions play a role in managing hyperacusis Module 1: Introduction to hyperacusis​ What are the effects of hyperacusis? ​ Hyperacusis exists across a range of severities. For example, some people might only mildly be annoyed by sounds and can continue with their […] - [Introduction to hyperacusis - What is hyperacusis](https://ishush.ac.uk/hyperacusis-intro-what-is-hyperacusis/): Main menu Module 1: Introduction to hyperacusis​ What is hyperacusis?​ Some people respond different to everyday sounds, such as car noise, dishwashers, or other people talking. They find these everyday sounds can be intense, loud, or overwhelming. This is a hearing problem called hyperacusis. Hyperacusis is a condition where people experience a reduced tolerance to […] - [Introduction to hyperacusis](https://ishush.ac.uk/hyperacusis-intro/): Main menu Section A Learn about hyperacusis Module 1. Introduction to hyperacusis​ Section A. Learn about hyperacusis​ 1. Introduction to hyperacusis ​ 2. The ear and the brain​ 3. Understanding sound​ Introduction to hyperacusis​ This module will provide a brief overview on the basics of hyperacusis​ What is hyperacusis?​ What are the effects of hyperacusis?​ […] - [module introduction](https://ishush.ac.uk/module-introduction/): Click on a box to start a module: ​ Section A Learn about hyperacusis​ Introduction to hyperacusis ​ The ear and the brain​ Understanding sound​ Section B Strategies and support ​ Protection from sound Engaging with sound Relaxation exercises ​ Support Section C Seeking advice​ Who do I go to for support and what do […] - [Welcome to ishush](https://ishush.ac.uk/welcome-to-ishush/): Welcome to ishush The ishush programme includes three main sections with different modules providing a brief introduction to hyperacusis followed by information on the possible causes and process involved in hyperacusis, on how we measure sound, where to seek support, and strategies and relaxation techniques to help you manage hyperacusis. ​   Section A: Learn […] - [Study 1 - Interview Study](https://ishush.ac.uk/study-1-interview-study/): Study 1 – Interview study We are looking for adults experiencing hyperacusis to review some pages and content from the website and share their thoughts, views, and opinions about it in a one-on-one interview session.   How do I sign up? If after reading the information provided, you would like to take part in the study, […] - [Study 2 - Testing Study](https://ishush.ac.uk/study-2-testing-study/): Study 2 – Testing Study(coming Soon) We are looking for adults experiencing hyperacusis to try out the ishush website for 2-3 weeks, read the information and try the strategies available in their own time review and share their experiences, thoughts, views, and opinions about it in a one-on-one interview session.   How do I sign up? […] - [About](https://ishush.ac.uk/about/): About our Research Ishush Some people have difficulty dealing with everyday sounds such as car noise, dishwashers, or other people talking. They find everyday sounds to be intense, frightening, painful, or overwhelming. This is a hearing problem called hyperacusis. Every aspect of life, work, education, and spending time with family and friends can be affected. […] - [Home](https://ishush.ac.uk/): Welcome to ishush Get Started Meet the Team Find out more about research Introduction Some people respond differently to everyday sounds such as car noise, dishwashers, or other people talking. They find everyday sounds to be intense, overwhelming, loud and even painful. This is a hearing problem called hyperacusis. For people who experience hyperacusis, every […] - [Contact](https://ishush.ac.uk/contact/): Contact Make an Appointment Get in Touch Email info@example.com Phone +1 910-626-85255 Address 123 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10160, USA Message Us Free Appointment crocothemes - [Meet the Team](https://ishush.ac.uk/ishush-team/): Meet the Team Meet The ishush team Dr Kathryn Fackrell Kathryn is a senior researcher at NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Nottingham and is leading a programme of research in hyperacusis management and assessment. She is experienced in research methodology used to develop and evaluate digital interventions. ​ Dr Derek Hoare  Derek is […] [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)