Sensitivity to High Pitched SoundsThe questions below were raised by visitors to the STOMP (Straits Times Online Mobile Print) website in the AskST section of the website. eMenders doctors provided the answers to the questions raised as a public health education project. The information provided below is of a general nature and should not be treated as a replacement for medical advice. You should seek consultation from a medical or healthcare professional about your specific medical condition.
Question:
My son, who is 15 years old, is very sensitive to high pitched sounds. He can even hear sounds we cannot hear. He also complains of headaches every time he hears a high pitched sound. What's wrong with him?
Answer:
Your son may have hyperacusis, which means that he has good hearing and is hypersensitive to sound. He will learn to cope with it over time.
If you are still concerned about this problem, please arrange for a consultation with an ENT (Ear Nose Throat) specialist.
DR LAU CHEE CHONG is a Consultant ENT Surgeon at the Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre.