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Is central hyperacusis a symptom of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) dysfunction?
1Department of Audiology, Addenbrooke's NHS Trust, Cambridge, UK.
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
|October 1, 1995
Summary
Hyperacusis, or increased sound sensitivity, may stem from peripheral hearing issues or central nervous system dysfunction. Serotonin (5-HT) imbalance is a likely cause of central hyperacusis and phonophobia.
Area of Science:
- Auditory Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Hyperacusis is a subjective symptom of sound intolerance.
- The terms hyperacusis and phonophobia are often used interchangeably.
- Peripheral auditory pathologies can cause increased hearing sensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review peripheral auditory pathologies associated with hyperacusis.
- To propose a distinct etiology for central hyperacusis.
- To investigate the role of serotonin (5-HT) in hyperacusis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of peripheral auditory pathologies and neurological conditions associated with hyperacusis.
- Analysis of the role of 5-HT in sensory modulation, specifically auditory startle responses in animal models.
Main Results:
- Peripheral auditory pathologies and their mechanisms in hyperacusis are detailed.
- Neurological conditions linked to hyperacusis are reviewed.
- A distinct central hyperacusis etiology is proposed, differing from peripheral causes.
Conclusions:
- Disturbance in serotonin (5-HT) function is common in neurological conditions with hyperacusis.
- 5-HT dysfunction is a probable cause of the increased auditory sensitivity seen in central hyperacusis or phonophobia.