Investigation of the relationship between hyperacusis and auditory processing difficulties in individuals with normal hearing.

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of hyperacusis and auditory processing (listening) difficulties (APDiff) in normal-hearing young adults and to explore the relationship between these two conditions. A total of 333 participants aged 18-24 underwent pure-tone audiometry tests and completed the Khalfa Hyperacusis Questionnaire (KHQ) and the University of Cincinnati Auditory Processing Inventory (UCAPI) online. Hyperacusis was identified in 26.43% of participants, and APDiff in 36.04%. A strong, positive correlation was found between KHQ and UCAPI scores (r = 0.603, p < 0.001). Logistic regression models indicated that hyperacusis significantly increased the likelihood of having APDiff (OR 7.688, p < 0.001). Despite the high prevalence of hyperacusis and APDiff in young adults, few seek help from audiology clinics. Our findings highlight a significant link between hyperacusis and APDiff, emphasizing the need for screening protocols for auditory processing skills in young adults due to these conditions' potential social and academic impacts.