Following a concussion, many individuals find that everyday sounds become overwhelming or painful. This heightened sensitivity to sound, known medically as hyperacusis or phonophobia, is a frequent symptom of a brain injury. Sounds that were once part of the normal background noise, like conversations in a restaurant or the hum of a grocery store, can become intensely stimulating.
The Brain’s Response to Sound After Injury
A concussion can alter the brain’s ability to process and filter auditory information, leading to an overreaction to everyday sound levels. The injury can impact the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary bodily processes. Specifically, the sympathetic system, responsible for heightening hearing acuity, can become overactive after a concussion, causing this increased sensitivity.
The thalamus, a structure deep in the brain, acts as a sensory gatekeeper, sorting incoming information before it reaches the cortex for processing. A concussion can interfere with this function, allowing an unfiltered flood of auditory data to reach the brain. The injury can also damage the tiny hair cells in the inner ear that are responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals for the brain, further disrupting sound processing.
Expected Duration of Sound Sensitivity
For most people, sound sensitivity is a temporary issue that resolves as the brain heals. Significant improvement is often seen within the first few days to three weeks following the injury. During this initial phase, the brain is actively working to restore its normal sensory filtering capabilities.
In some cases, symptoms can persist for several weeks or even a few months. When concussion symptoms, including sound sensitivity, last longer than three months, a diagnosis of Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) may be considered. While less common, a smaller percentage of individuals may struggle with auditory sensitivities for an extended period after the initial injury.
Factors That Affect Recovery Time
The timeline for recovery from sound sensitivity varies significantly from person to person due to several influencing factors. The severity of the initial concussion plays a substantial role; a more significant injury may lead to a longer recovery period. A history of previous concussions is another factor, as each successive injury can increase the risk of prolonged symptoms. An individual’s age can also affect the healing process, and the presence of co-occurring conditions can complicate and extend recovery. Issues such as pre-existing migraine disorders, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances can all make tinnitus and sound sensitivity worse.
Managing Symptoms and Seeking Medical Advice
Managing sound sensitivity effectively involves a balanced approach of initial rest followed by gradual re-exposure to sound. Immediately after the injury, it is helpful to create “quiet zones” and avoid noisy environments to allow the brain to rest. This does not mean complete silence, but rather a reduction in overwhelming auditory stimulation.
For situations where loud noise is unavoidable, using earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can be beneficial. However, it is important not to overuse them, as this can sometimes increase the brain’s sensitivity over time. If symptoms of sound sensitivity do not show improvement after a month, worsen significantly, or begin to interfere with daily functioning, it is important to seek medical advice. A healthcare provider can rule out other issues and may recommend specific therapies to help restore the brain’s ability to process sound normally.