Open-field treatment of hyperacusis

Abstract

Objective

Prospective study of the effectiveness of treatment in patients with hyperacusis by means of an open-field technique of acoustic treatment with nature sounds.

Material and methods

Thirty-four patients were referred to a tinnitus and hyperacusis clinic at a private Otorhinolaryngology Unit. Clinical and exploratory ENT studies were performed. Open-field nature sounds were applied by means of a compact disk for half an hour each day during a period of several weeks.

Results

By the end of treatment, the 34 patients studied had reached normal discomfort thresholds in a maximum of 9 weeks.

Conclusions

The progressive open-field application of nature sounds has been effective in eliminating hyperacusis in a short space of time.

Resumen

Objetivo

Estudio prospectivo de la eficacia del tratamiento de pacientes con hiperacusia mediante técnica de tratamiento acústico con sonidos de la naturaleza en campo abierto.

Material y métodos

Acudieron 34 pacientes a consulta de acufenos e hiperacusia de una unidad de otorrinolaringología de una clínica privada. Se realizó estudio otorrinolaringológico clínico y exploratorio. Se aplican sonidos de la naturaleza mediante un disco compacto en campo abierto, media hora al día y durante varias semanas de duración.

Resultados

Al finalizar el tratamiento, los 34 pacientes estudiados consiguieron unos umbrales de malestar normales en un plazo máximo de 9 semanas.

Conclusiones

La aplicación progresiva de sonidos de la naturaleza en campo abierto ha sido efectiva a corto plazo para eliminar la hiperacusia.