Auditory Hypersensitivity/AW-di-to-ree HY-per-sen-si-TIV-i-tee/
Extreme sensitivity to sound where everyday noises feel painful or overwhelming.
Andy says:
It’s like someone turned the world’s volume and treble to max.
Detailed Explanation
Sudden or sustained sounds (sirens, hand dryers, clattering cutlery) can trigger pain, panic, or shutdown. Supports reduce input and add control.
Community Context
Common in autism/ADHD and migraine communities. Practical tools matter most.
Quick Tips
- Noise‑canceling, soft earplugs, hats/hoods
- Choose low‑noise times/places; ask for quiet seating
- Use captions and written instructions
Do / Don't
- Do: offer quiet rooms and predictable soundscapes
- Don't: dismiss reactions as overreacting
Scientific Context
Linked with sensory gating and hyperacusis; environment design is first‑line support.
Language Notes
Related: SPD, overload, APD.
Related Terms
Sensory Overload
When sensory input (sound, light, touch, smell, movement) exceeds the brain’s capacity to process it comfortably, leading to distress and reduced functioning.
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
Differences in how the brain processes sound, leading to difficulty understanding speech (especially in noise) despite typical hearing.
Accommodations
Changes to the environment, tools, timing, or expectations that remove barriers so a person can participate on an equal basis.
Sensory Diet
A planned set of activities and inputs designed to give the nervous system the right amount of stimulation across the day.
Sources
Help Improve This Term
NDlexicon is community-driven. Your contributions help make definitions more accurate and accessible.