Hyperacusis

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˌhaɪ.pəɹ.əˈkjuː.sɪs/

Definitions

1. An abnormal sensitivity to a range of sounds can result in discomfort or pain for affected individuals, distinguishing this auditory disorder from common hearing issues
2. This auditory condition involves an excessive reaction to sounds that would usually be perceived as normal, causing unease and discomfort for those experiencing it
3. A heightened sensitivity to sounds can lead to significant discomfort or pain, distinguishing this condition from typical auditory perceptions and experiences

Etymology: Hyperacusis is a plain compound of two Greek-derived pieces: the prefix "hyper", meaning "over" or "beyond", and "-acusis", from Greek "akousis", meaning "hearing" (from "akouein", "to hear"). Put together, the term names an abnormally heightened sensitivity to ordinary sounds, so that everyday noises can seem painfully loud. The second element is the more interesting one for English speakers, because it shows up in a whole family of medical terms. "Akousis" relates to words such as "acoustic" and "auditory" and appears in other clinical coinages like "presbyacusis", the age-related hearing loss named by combining the Greek "presbys", "old man", with the same root. Hyperacusis follows that pattern of pairing a Greek prefix with the "hearing" stem to describe a specific auditory condition.