High School Science Project: Understanding Sound Sensitivity in Tinnitus and Misophonia

Introduction

Some people are more sensitive to certain sounds than others, and this can affect their daily lives. Tinnitus (a ringing or buzzing in the ears) and misophonia (a strong dislike for certain sounds, like chewing) are two conditions that involve sound sensitivity. This project aims to explore how these conditions are related and whether people with tinnitus are more likely to experience other sound sensitivities, like hyperacusis (when normal sounds feel uncomfortably loud).

The idea is based on a 2021 study that found a connection between tinnitus and hyperacusis but not misophonia. This project will test these findings with a larger group of people and look at how emotions like stress or anxiety might affect sound sensitivity.

Hypothesis

People with tinnitus will also have hyperacusis, but not all will have misophonia. Stress or anxiety might make sound sensitivity worse for people with these conditions.

Objectives

1. Test the Relationship Between Tinnitus, Hyperacusis, and Misophonia:
   • Investigate if people with tinnitus also experience hyperacusis or misophonia
2. Understand Emotional Impact:
   • See if feelings like stress or anxiety are linked to sound sensitivity
3. Explore How Sound Sensitivity Changes Over Time:
   • Study whether sound tolerance improves or worsens over a few weeks
4. Improve Measurement Tools:
   • Use updated questionnaires and sound tests to get better data

Materials

• Surveys about tinnitus, misophonia, and hyperacusis
• Stress and anxiety questionnaires
• Audio clips of different sounds and volumes (e.g., talking, chewing, white noise)
• Quiet space to conduct sound tests
• Optional: A smartphone app or device to measure stress responses like heart rate

Methods

1. Recruit Participants:
   • Find at least 20-30 people with tinnitus, hyperacusis, or misophonia
   • Explain the project and get permission (informed consent)
2. Initial Surveys:
   • Have participants answer questions about their sound sensitivity and emotional health
3. Sound Sensitivity Test:
   • Play audio clips of different sounds at increasing volumes
   • Ask participants to rate how uncomfortable each sound is (1-10)
   • Record the loudest volume participants can tolerate
4. Follow-Up Testing:
   • After 2-3 weeks, repeat the sound tests and surveys
5. Analyze Results:
   • Compare sound sensitivity and emotional scores
   • Look for patterns between stress levels and sensitivity

Data Collection

• Surveys: Record participants' scores for tinnitus, misophonia, hyperacusis, stress, and anxiety
• Sound Tests: Note the loudest sounds participants can tolerate and their discomfort ratings
• Follow-Up Changes: Compare scores and sound tolerances from week 1 to week 3

Results (Example)

• Participants with tinnitus reported higher sensitivity to loud sounds (hyperacusis) but not to specific sounds like chewing (misophonia)
• Stress levels were linked to more sensitivity for some participants
• After 3 weeks, participants who practiced relaxation techniques had slightly lower stress levels and improved sound tolerance

Conclusion

This project found that tinnitus and hyperacusis are often linked, but misophonia might be a separate condition. Emotional stress can make sound sensitivity worse, suggesting that managing stress might help people with these conditions. Over time, some participants showed improvement, which could be due to better coping strategies or adjustments to sound sensitivity.

Future Directions

• Test more participants for stronger results
• Study whether specific treatments, like mindfulness or sound therapy, can improve sound tolerance
• Explore how sound sensitivity affects people of different ages or cultural backgrounds

Why This Matters

This project helps us understand how sound sensitivity works and how it connects to conditions like tinnitus and misophonia. By learning more about these relationships, we can improve ways to help people feel more comfortable in noisy environments and improve their quality of life.