Understanding hyperacusis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding the experiences, needs and requirements of adults living with hyperacusis
IRAS ID
272146
Contact name
Kathryn Fackrell
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Nottingham
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 0 days
Research summary
Some people have real difficulty coping with everyday sounds such as car noise, dishwashers, or talking. This is a hearing problem called hyperacusis. People with hyperacusis report that everyday sounds are frightening, painful, or overwhelming. This often leads to feelings of fear, distress, or anxiety. Every aspect of life, work, education, relationships with family and friends can be affected. Research has shown that underpinning a lot of these problems is a lack of knowledge of the condition or how best to cope with it.
The internet is a useful way to provide high-quality information to a large number of people who have hyperacusis. It offers the means to educate and support people, for example by teaching about self-help. Self-help tools involve people working through a set of materials designed to educate and reassure. They offer an alternative option for those unable or unwilling to attend clinics or to access counselling or other face-to-face therapy. Since hyperacusis affects about one in ten adults, there is an urgent need to develop a reliable educational tool to support people with hyperacusis to learn about hyperacusis and the best ways to help themselves in certain situations. However, there is limited understanding of the experiences of adults living with hyperacusis, and what is the best information and support to provide them. This research will carry out one-on-one discussions with people experiencing hyperacusis and healthcare professionals that support and manage them to find out more about the experiences, everyday needs and challenges of hyperacusis, how best to support these needs and the best possible information that would help them engage with an online educational and self-help tool. The findings from this research will be used to guide the development of online education on hyperacusis, support, and techniques to improve the lives of people with hyperacusis.
REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/NE/0075
Date of REC Opinion
20 Mar 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion