Role of Exposure in Hyperacusis

N/ANot Yet RecruitingNCT04705246

University Hospital, Antwerp5 enrolled

Overview

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.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Hyperacusis

Interventions

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in EMA questions from baseline to end of the study

Change in questions concerning exposure, hyperacusis and tinnitus during the day from baseline measurement to last day of the study period

Time frame: 8 random time points each day during the period of the study, from baseline and after intervention, though study completion for an average of 1 month

Secondary Outcomes

Hyperacusis Questionnaire

Hyperacusis severity self-report questionnaire, ranging from 0-42 with a higher score representing a higher sensitivity to sounds. A score of 28 is the cut-off for auditory hypersensitivity.

Time frame: before intervention, immediately post intervention

Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI)

Tinnitus severity self-report questionnaire, ranging from 0-100 with a higher score representing a more severe tinnitus