Pathophysiology of tinnitus: a special case--hyperacusis and a proposed treatment.

The occurrence of hyperacusis is rare. In our Tinnitus Clinic, where more than 4,000 patients have been seen, hyperacusis has been seen only four times. Treatment of hyperacusis has been a combination of protection from external sounds along with desensitization to sound. Desensitization has been produced by very low intensity masking which is gradually increased every two to four weeks. The process of desensitization requires a great deal of time.