Role of Exposure in Hyperacusis

This study focuses on patients with a primary complaint of hyperacusis. Hyperacusis has been defined as 'abnormally reduced tolerance to sound'. It shows a high comorbidity with tinnitus, the perception of sound in the absence of a sound source. For the period of one month, hyperacusis and tinnitus severity and exposure to sounds will be evaluated by use of Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) in all participants. A novel approach to assessments, EMA prompts participants during their daily life to answer short questionnaires, increasing ecological validity and minimizing the risk for recall and memory biases. At a randomized time point during the one-month period, participants will individually receive a single psychoeducation session (1h) delivered by an experienced audiologist. The goal of the study is to investigate if the psychoeducation session leads to an increase in exposure to sound and a decrease in hyperacusis severity.