Intervention for Reduced Sound Tolerance

The conventional sound therapy will be achieved with commercially available noise generators. Our clinic uses General Hearing Instruments (OHI) model Tranquil devices as noise sources for TRT. These flexible devices offer an adjustable volume control, with a frequency response extending from \~500 to 8000 Hz. Matched devices will be fitted binaurally and adjusted to each individual ear to achieve audibility of the noise sources (assessed by slight threshold shifts. typically 10- 15 dB, across the audiometric frequency range above 500 Hz). The sound pressure level output and frequency response of each noise source will be measured and documented using both real ear and standard electroacoustic methodologies. Each subject will be carefully instructed as to care of the instruments and correct volume setting. The bilateral noise generators will be used chronically during the intervention period except during sleep.

The directive counseling to be used will include an in-depth participatory discussion with the patient to review audiometric and functional test results, along with the anatomy and physiology of the auditory system. A minimum of two hours will be scheduled to impart this information to the patients so that they will have a clear understanding of the disorder based upon the most current scientific data. The counseling will be focused on educating the patient, neutralizing their negative emotional association with the hyperacusis, and discussing their treatment.

Patients who are enrolled in Arms 3 and 4 of this study will not be offered directive counseling, but will be fitted with either conventional or placebo noise generators for their sound therapy components. These patients will be told only that their treatment for hyperacusis uses sound therapy. Otherwise, in the instrument fitting appointment (either for the conventional instrument or the placebo device), these patients will receive the same instruction in the care and use of sound generators as those patients enrolled in Treatment Arms 1 and 2 of the clinical trial.

The placebo sound therapy will use factory-modified GHI Tranquil noise generators, which will appear identical to the conventional Tranquil devices. The placebo Tranquil devices will have a control sensor installed to detect insertion of the device in the ear canal. When the sensor detects the insertion of the placebo device into the ear canal it will trigger gradual decay of the sound output from the placebo device, The time constant of the decaying noise output will be sufficiently long to allow the clinician time to set the volume of each binaural set of devices and to instruct the patient in their use before any noticeable sound attenuation occurs.