Correlation between hyperacusis measurements in daily ENT practice.

The aim of this study was to investigate hyperacusis measurement tools and to assess the correlation between diagnostic methods for hyperacusis in daily ENT practice. We studied two hyperacusis questionnaires: the Hyperacusis Questionnaire (HQ) and the Multiple-Activity Scale for Hyperacusis (MASH), audiometric measurements (uncomfortable loudness level (ULL) and dynamic range (DR)), and the questions 'Do you have a lower tolerance for noise... ?' and 'Are you afraid of noise?' Hyperacusis was assessed in 46 patients presenting with primary complaints of tinnitus. A validated Dutch version of the HQ is provided. A correlation was found between scores on the HQ and the MASH (p=0.000, R(2)=0.34). Significantly higher scores for both questionnaires were found in patients reporting decreased sound tolerance (p=0.000 and 0.002, respectively) or fear of noise (p=0.002 and 0.004, respectively). Overall, no correlations were found between scores on questionnaires and audiometric values including ULL and DR. The HQ and MASH were confirmed to be valid measurement tools for hyperacusis complaints. No correlations were found between audiometric measurements and hyperacusis complaints.