Clinical Interventions for Hyperacusis in Adults: A Scoping Review to Assess the Current Position and Determine Priorities for Research.
BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017;
2017:2723715. [PMID:
29312994 PMCID:
PMC5654244 DOI:
10.1155/2017/2723715]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
There is no universally accepted definition for hyperacusis, but in general it is characterised by decreased sound tolerance to ordinary environmental sounds. Despite hyperacusis being prevalent and having significant clinical implications, much remains unknown about current management strategies.
PURPOSE
To establish the current position of research on hyperacusis and identify research gaps to direct future research.
DESIGN AND SAMPLE
Using an established methodological framework, electronic and manual searches of databases and journals identified 43 records that met our inclusion criteria. Incorporating content and thematic analysis approaches, the definitions of hyperacusis, management strategies, and outcome measures were catalogued.
RESULTS
Only 67% of the studies provided a definition of hyperacusis, such as "reduced tolerance" or "oversensitivity to sound." Assessments and outcome measures included Loudness Discomfort Levels, the Hyperacusis Questionnaire, and Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) interview. Management strategies reported were Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, TRT, devices, pharmacological therapy, and surgery.
CONCLUSIONS
Management strategies were typically evaluated in patients reporting hyperacusis as a secondary complaint or as part of a symptom set. As such the outcomes reported only provided an indication of their effectiveness for hyperacusis. Randomised Controlled Trials are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of management strategies for patients experiencing hyperacusis.
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