Are you hearing double?
Are you hearing double?
In the same way that it’s possible to experience double vision, people can experience double hearing, or diplacusis. This is when one sound is perceived as two distinct pitches or at two distinct speeds. It may or may not be accompanied by tinnitus, or ringing in the ears and it can occur in both ears or just one.
Diplacusis can have different causes. It may be due to asymmetrical hearing loss – when the loss is worse in one ear than the other. It may be the result of sensorineural hearing loss – hearing loss that affects both ears evenly and is caused by ageing or exposure to loud noise. Diplacusis may also be caused by an obstruction in the ear, or by head or ear trauma that has impacted the inner ear and affected the brain’s ability to process sound.
How do you treat diplacusis?
If your diplacusis is caused by an obstruction like earwax buildup or fluid from an ear infection, your hearing should resolve once the earwax has been removed or the infection clears up. If double hearing is the result of hearing loss, hearing aids may enable you to hear better and balance the sound input in both ears. Most hearing aids can be programmed to suit your individual hearing needs and will compensate for any asymmetrical hearing loss.
The brain is extremely adaptable and can be ‘trained’ to become desensitised to the different pitches created by diplacusis. At The Hearing Clinic we provide auditory rehabilitation training and sound therapy to support this process. We also use cognitive behavioural therapy to help manage the stress you can feel if you experience double hearing.
Please talk to us if you are experiencing diplacusis or any problems with your hearing.
We’ll perform a hearing test and look into your ears to determine what the issues are before creating a management plan to help you on the way to better hearing.
Here to help
We take a fully tailored approach to supporting you. We’ll listen to your experiences and work with you to find the best technology and management plan for you. Above all, we’ll help you to adapt to your new technology at your pace. Call or email us today.
