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Investigation of Frequency-Specific Loudness Discomfort Levels in Listeners With Migraine: A Case-Control Study
Angeliki Mourgela1, Michail Vikelis2, Joshua D Reiss1
1Queen Mary University of London, Bethnal Green, London.
Ear and Hearing
|February 15, 2023
Summary
Listeners with migraine experience heightened sensitivity to sound, with lower mild discomfort thresholds across most tested frequencies. This auditory hypersensitivity in migraineurs warrants further investigation into its characteristics and potential links to migraine severity.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Neuroscience
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Hypersensitivity to auditory stimuli is a common migraine symptom, but research is limited.
- Understanding loudness discomfort levels (LDLs) in migraineurs is crucial for managing auditory sensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate loudness discomfort levels in individuals with migraine.
- To identify specific frequencies affected by auditory hypersensitivity in migraine.
Main Methods:
- An online listening test compared loudness discomfort levels in participants with and without migraine.
- The study analyzed 13 frequencies (100–12,000 Hz) across UK, Greek, and Prolific participants.
- Threshold ranges between just audible and mildly uncomfortable levels were assessed.
Main Results:
- Migraineurs showed significantly smaller ranges between audible and mildly uncomfortable levels.
- Lower mild discomfort thresholds were observed in migraineurs across 12 of 13 frequencies.
- Higher migraine severity correlated with larger ranges within the migraineur group.
Conclusions:
- Migraineurs tend to have lower mild discomfort thresholds, extending previous findings to more frequencies.
- No direct relationship was found between loudness discomfort ranges and migraine medication or attack frequency.
- Further research is needed to explore potential links between auditory sensitivity, migraine factors, and medication.
