Estimation of Prevalence of Hyperacusis in High School Students of Mysore District

Palaniandi Rajasekaran Sujeeth; Rachana Hanji; Kamalakannan Karupaiah; Prashanth Prabhu

doi:10.1007/s12070-024-04645-4

Estimation of Prevalence of Hyperacusis in High School Students of Mysore District

Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2024 Aug;76(4):3204-3207. doi: 10.1007/s12070-024-04645-4. Epub 2024 Mar 25.

Authors

Palaniandi Rajasekaran Sujeeth¹, Rachana Hanji¹, Kamalakannan Karupaiah², Prashanth Prabhu²

Affiliations

¹ All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysore, India.
² Department of Audiology, All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysore, 570006 Karnataka India.

PMID: 39130232
PMCID: PMC11306702 (available on 2025-08-01)
DOI: 10.1007/s12070-024-04645-4

Abstract

Objective: Hyperacusis, characterized by an abnormal sensitivity to everyday sounds, is a condition associated with subjective distress and physiological changes in the auditory system. Prevalence rates have varied significantly worldwide, emphasizing the need for standardized criteria. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hyperacusis among high school students in Mysore district and explore gender differences.

Methods: A diverse cohort of 597 high school students participated in this cross-sectional study. The Modified Khalfa Hyperacusis Questionnaire assessed hyperacusis symptoms. Demographic data included age, gender, and educational status. A cut-off score of 28 on the questionnaire identified hyperacusis cases. Data were analyzed descriptively.

Results: The study revealed a substantial hyperacusis prevalence of 17.25% among high school students in the Mysore district. Out of 103 identified cases, 43.69% were females, and 56.31% were males. These results suggest a potential gender disparity in hyperacusis prevalence. The study's findings highlight the high prevalence of hyperacusis among Indian high school students, emphasizing the need for attention to this issue in adolescent health. Gender differences observed in this study align with previous research, indicating a higher prevalence among males.

Conclusions: Hyperacusis is a prevalent condition among Indian high school students, warranting further research on its causes and co-occurrence across different age groups. These findings underscore the significance of addressing hyperacusis as a critical health concern among adolescents and emphasize the need for tailored interventions and increased awareness.

Keywords: Adolescents; Gender differences; High school students; Hyperacusis; India; Prevalence.

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