New online support for people with hyperacusis

A new online resource designed to support people living with hyperacusis has been launched by researchers at the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC): Nottingham.

ishush – internet Self-Help, Understanding and Support for Hyperacusis – has been developed as part of a programme of research into hyperacusis and aims to provide accessible information, practical self-help and support for people affected by the condition.

Hyperacusis is a reduced tolerance to everyday sounds, where sounds that other people find comfortable can feel uncomfortably or painfully loud. It can have a significant impact on day-to-day life and wellbeing.

The ishush website brings together information and self-help resources developed through the research programme, including tools to support relaxation and self-management. The resource has been developed with close input from people living with hyperacusis and the healthcare professionals who support them.

Dr Kathryn Fackrell, who leads a research programme looking at hyperacusis assessment and treatment at the NIHR BRC Nottingham, said:

“The key objective is the desire for people with hyperacusis to be able to enjoy more of the things and activities that matter to them, and new experiences, rather than retreat from situations they usually find stressful because of their reaction to sounds.”

The website is free to use. To access the full range of support and resources, users need to create an account using an email address and password.