Hyperacusis: Understanding Sound Sensitivity and How Medications May Affect It

When a dishwasher, a door slam, or even a whisper feels like a drill in your skull, you might be dealing with hyperacusis, a condition where normal sounds are perceived as unbearably loud. It’s not just being sensitive — it’s your nervous system misfiring, turning harmless noise into pain. Also known as sound sensitivity, hyperacusis often shows up alongside tinnitus, a ringing or buzzing in the ears, and can be triggered by head injuries, chronic ear infections, or long-term exposure to loud environments.

What many don’t realize is that some medications can make hyperacusis worse. Drugs that affect the central nervous system — like certain antidepressants, anti-anxiety meds, or even high-dose antibiotics — can alter how your brain processes sound. For example, anticholinergic burden, the cumulative effect of drugs that block acetylcholine, has been linked to changes in auditory processing, especially in older adults. Even common OTC sleep aids like doxylamine or diphenhydramine, often used for allergies or insomnia, can dull your brain’s ability to filter noise, making loud sounds feel more jarring. If you’ve noticed sounds becoming intolerable after starting a new medication, it’s not all in your head — it might be in your pharmacology.

Hyperacusis isn’t just about volume. It’s about control. Your brain normally tunes out background noise — traffic, fans, footsteps — but with hyperacusis, that filter breaks. This can lead to anxiety, social withdrawal, and even avoidance of everyday places like grocery stores or restaurants. The good news? Many people find relief by working with specialists who combine sound therapy, cognitive behavioral techniques, and careful medication reviews. If you’re on multiple drugs, especially for mental health or chronic pain, it’s worth asking whether any of them could be contributing to your sound sensitivity. You don’t have to live with the world feeling too loud. There are ways to reset your auditory system, and the right combination of treatment and medication adjustments can make a real difference.

Below, you’ll find real-world insights from people who’ve navigated this condition — from how specific drugs impact hearing to what alternatives might help. Whether you’re trying to understand why your ears hurt after starting a new pill, or you’re looking for ways to reduce your reliance on meds that worsen sound sensitivity, the posts here offer practical, no-fluff guidance you can use today.