Effectiveness of White Noise Generators as a Treatment for Hyperacusis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Effectiveness of White Noise Generators as a Treatment for Hyperacusis
IRAS ID
282592
Contact name
Jade Wilkinson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 26 days
Research summary
This study aims to investigate if the use of white noise generators can significantly improve/reduce hyperacusis.
Hyperacusis is an increased loudness perception and generally regarded as an abnormally lowered tolerance to everyday environmental sounds that a typical person would not experience as uncomfortably loud (Vernon, 1987; Klein et al., 1990; Baguley, 2007). Hyperacusis has a wide range of effects from very mild to severe; some patients can have symptoms which only impact specific situations, while other patients find their hyperacusis debilitating. Severe hyperacusis can lead to patients becoming increasingly distressed, isolated and unable to go about their day-to-day activities. Rehabilitation of the majority of patients seen for hyperacusis in Audiology focusses on sound therapy aimed at decreasing the sensitivity of the auditory system. This sound therapy is provided by using White Noise Generators (WNGs) that patients wear in both ears. In clinic we see the vast majority of these patients’ symptoms improve to the extent where they are discharged. However, there is limited research to support the sole use of white noise generator treatment for hyperacusis as the primary concern.
This study will use retrospective data which was recorded during routine audiology appointments. The study will focus on 2 measures of hyperacusis; Uncomfortable Loudness Limits (ULLs) and discharge status (i.e. patients no longer required ongoing hyperacusis treatment). A regression analysis will be used to compare these outcome measures against these variables; WNG usage (hours/day), Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) questionnaire score, hearing profile, age and gender.
Baguley, D. (2007). Hyperacusis : mechanisms, diagnosis, and therapies. San Diego: Plural Pub.
Klein, A. J., Armstrong, B. L., Greer, M. K. & Brown, F. R. (1990). 'HYPERACUSIS AND OTITIS-MEDIA IN INDIVIDUALS WITH WILLIAMS SYNDROME', Journal of Speech and Hearing Disorders, 55(2), pp. 339-344.
Vernon, J. A. (1987). 'Pathophysiology of tinnitus: a special case--hyperacusis and a proposed treatment', The American journal of otology, 8(3), pp. 201-202.REC name
London - Brent Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/PR/0135
Date of REC Opinion
13 Jul 2020
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion