NCT04705246

Role of Exposure in Hyperacusis

Effect of Psychoeducation Upon Exposure to Sounds and Hyperacusis Severity

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 5 (estimated)
• Sponsor: University Hospital, Antwerp · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study focuses on patients with a primary complaint of hyperacusis. Hyperacusis has been defined as 'abnormally reduced tolerance to sound'. It shows a high comorbidity with tinnitus, the perception of sound in the absence of a sound source. For the period of one month, hyperacusis and tinnitus severity and exposure to sounds will be evaluated by use of Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) in all participants. A novel approach to assessments, EMA prompts participants during their daily life to answer short questionnaires, increasing ecological validity and minimizing the risk for recall and memory biases. At a randomized time point during the one-month period, participants will individually receive a single psychoeducation session (1h) delivered by an experienced audiologist. The goal of the study is to investigate if the psychoeducation session leads to an increase in exposure to sound and a decrease in hyperacusis severity.

Conditions

• Hyperacusis

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Psychoeducation	The goal of the psychoeducation session is to provide insight in the hyperacusis symptoms, take away the fear of external noises, and encourage exposure to noise.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-12-07
• Primary completion: 2026-12-01
• Completion: 2026-12-01
• First posted: 2021-01-12
• Last updated: 2024-12-09