Struggling for a new self: in-depth interviews with 21 patients with hyperacusis after an acute head trauma

The aim of the study was to gain a better understanding of what suffering from hyperacusis means. Twenty-one out-patients referred to a hearing clinic due to persisting hypersensitivity to sounds after an acute head trauma were interviewed. Before the head trauma, they had lived an independent, active and externally oriented life. As a consequence of the trauma, the patients became psychosocially vulnerable and suffered from a variety of symptoms: hypersensitivity to sounds, difficulties with concentrating and remembering, increased anxiety and sensitivity to stress. Structuring everyday life and using a variety of coping strategies was necessary for reducing life stress and symptoms in the process of adjusting to the changed life situation.