What condition is characterized by abnormal sensitivity to sound?

Hyperacusis is correctly identified as the condition characterized by abnormal sensitivity to sound, where individuals experience discomfort or pain at sound levels that are typically tolerable for most people. This heightened sensitivity can lead to significant distress and interference in daily activities. Often, individuals with hyperacusis may react strongly to certain frequencies or volumes, experiencing sounds as excessively loud or intrusive.

In contrast, tinnitus refers to the perception of noise or ringing in the ears that is not related to external sounds. Recruitment is a phenomenon associated with hearing loss where a mild sound is inaudible, but once a certain threshold is reached, sounds become excessively loud. Presbycusis is the gradual loss of hearing that occurs with aging, often affecting higher frequencies and not characterized by heightened sensitivity to sound. Understanding these distinctions highlights why hyperacusis is the specific condition that describes abnormal sensitivity to sound.