Tinnitus and Hyperacusis in the Arts
In preparation for a possible future exhibition once we are out of lockdown, we have gathered some information on Tinnitus, Hyperacusis and other hearing related conditions. Below are some of the artists, writers, musicians, performers and practitioners who have explored these themes in their work. Please feel free to contribute to this growing database. Just email us your suggestions for inclusion, with links.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the term for the sensation of hearing a sound in the absence of any external sound. The person may hear an unexplained constant buzzing, ringing, whooshing or humming sound in the ear.
Hyperacusis
Hyperacusis is an increased sensitivity to normal environmental sounds.
There are two types of hyperacusis: cochlear and vestibular. Cochlear, the most common form, causes pain in the ear, frustration, and a general feeling of intolerance to everyday sounds. Vestibular hyperacusis, on the other hand, causes feelings of nausea, dizziness, and imbalance when particular sounds are present. Both types of hyperacusis can cause anxiety, stress, depression, social isolation, and phonophobia.
Phonophobia
A fear of normal sounds.
Misophonia
A recently proposed disorder characterized by extreme sensitivity to noises that are generated by others (e.g. other people’s chewing, smacking lips, or tapping fingers).