What is the difference between tinnitus and hyperacusis?

Tinnitus and hyperacusis often show up together, but they are different problems.

• Tinnitus means hearing a sound that is not coming from an external source, such as ringing, buzzing, or hissing.
• Hyperacusis means increased sensitivity to sound, where everyday noises can feel uncomfortably loud, sharp, or even painful.

What tinnitus is

Tinnitus is a sound perception. Your brain is generating or amplifying a noise signal even when there is no outside sound. People describe it as ringing, whistling, humming, static, or sometimes a pulsing sensation.

What hyperacusis is

Hyperacusis is sound sensitivity. Your auditory system has a reduced tolerance to sound, so normal volumes can feel too intense. Common triggers include clattering dishes, hand dryers, traffic noise, or loud voices.

Can you have both?

Yes. Some people have tinnitus without hyperacusis, some have hyperacusis without tinnitus, and some experience both. When they occur together, sound sensitivity can make tinnitus feel more intrusive, and stress about sound can keep the system on high alert.

When to get checked

Seek medical advice promptly if your tinnitus is new or sudden, only in one ear, pulsatile, or linked with hearing loss, dizziness, severe headache, or new neurological symptoms.