Acoustic Shock Disorder

Very regularly we see people who, after exposure to sudden and loud noise, are bothered by tinnitus, hyperacusis, hearing loss, pressure in the ear, aversion and fear of sounds, depression, etc.. However, a hearing test does not show signs of hearing damage or a noise trauma. This is characteristic of an "Acoustic Shock". Usually the symptoms disappear quite quickly, but when the symptoms persist, they speak of an Acoustic Shock Disorder (ASD).

The mechanism behind ASD is probably a combination of sustained load on the ear and excessive stress. The stress network in the brain (e.g. amygdala, parahippocampus, anterior cingulate cortex, insula, frontal cortex, etc.) can go into 'overdrive' through prolonged stress, causing muscles of the neck, jaws and shoulders to stretch. When exposed to a sound, especially if it occurs suddenly and unexpectedly, the muscles that are used during the pricking of the ears would cramp (Tensor Tympani syndrome).