Auditory object identification and localisation training for hyperacusis: preliminary effects on sound tolerance and noise acceptance.

BACKGROUND

Hyperacusis is characterised by reduced tolerance to everyday sounds and can substantially affect quality of life. This study investigated whether an auditory training programme designed to enhance auditory attention, auditory object identification, and sound localisation would reduce hyperacusis.

METHODS

Sixteen adults with hyperacusis completed a two-week auditory training intervention delivered through the QCore™ Tinnitus Therapy Platform. Participants completed 20 min of training daily using game-based sound identification and localisation tasks. Outcome measures were obtained before and after the intervention and included Loudness Discomfort Levels (LDLs), Acceptable Noise Levels (ANLs), and Noise Sensitivity Questionnaire (NoiSeQ) scores. Pre- and post-intervention performance was compared to evaluate changes in sound tolerance, acceptance of background noise, and perceived noise sensitivity.

RESULTS

Following the intervention, participants demonstrated significant improvements across all outcome measures. LDLs increased, indicating greater tolerance of tones. ANLs decreased, reflecting improved acceptance of background noise during listening tasks. NoiSeQ scores also improved, suggesting a reduction in self-reported noise sensitivity. Collectively, these findings indicate enhanced auditory tolerance and reduced sensitivity to environmental sounds were associated with training.

CONCLUSION

A two-week auditory training programme was associated with improvements in objective and subjective measures of hyperacusis. The findings support the hypothesis that targeting auditory attention and auditory scene analysis may enhance sound tolerance and listening comfort in individuals with hyperacusis. The training represents a promising adjunct to existing hyperacusis management approaches. Controlled studies with larger samples and longer follow-up periods are warranted to confirm these findings and investigate their underlying mechanisms.