SOUNDS LIKE INTOLERANCE: : A BROADENINGOF HYPERACUSIS EVALUATION

Sammanfattning: Hyperacusis is a condition that is described by abnormal reactions to ordinary sounds, however, because of its complexity and newness, this diagnosis still lacks centralized definition and established prevalence rates. Previous research has attempted to define the condition and establish measurements. The Noise Sensitivity Scale (NSS) has been examined several times and new questionnaires have been produced, one being Umeå Hyperacusis Questionnaire (UHQ) produced by Paulin et al. (2019). The latter has not been analyzed in regards to its ability to measure hyperacusis. The current study used exposure data from Paulin et al. (2019) to compare UHQ and NSS abilities to measure the different elements of hyperacusis; the study aimed to a) compare ratings of intensity, concentration, and unpleasantness between UHQ and NSS; b) determine the validity of UHQ. The sample consisted of 64 participants and analyses conducted were linear regression, logistic regression, factor analysis and repeated measures ANOVA. The results indicate that UHQ was greater at measuring intensity, while NSS more accurately measured unpleasantness and concentration. The abilities of the former differed when time was taken in consideration and showed significance in relation to unpleasantness across the lab exposure. The studies suggest that future research should investigate and include more elements that constitute hyperacusis and attempt to increase the sample size.