Acoustic Shock Treatment

Evaluation and Management

At DWM Audiology, we provide unique expertise for acoustic shock patients, with the evaluation and management of this disorder.

Myriam Westcott is an internationally-recognised audiologist, leading the field in the provision of acoustic shock evaluation and therapy.
Philippa James specialises in hyperacusis, TTS and tinnitus evaluation and management, the dominant symptoms of acoustic shock disorder. Philippa trained under Myriam Westcott and has developed a similar clinical approach.

Our program involves:

Diagnosis
Hearing assessment
Evaluation of the emotional impact
Detailed and personalised explanations
Detailed report

Diagnosis

A detailed medical history provides a definitive diagnosis of acoustic shock/acoustic shock disorder. As the symptoms are involuntary and subjective, evaluation and diagnosis is carefully considered for each patient.

Hearing Assessment

For patients with severe acoustic shock, many sounds are painful, potentially leading to a temporary exacerbation of their TTS symptoms. Additionally, patients with severe acoustic shock are often unable to tolerate anything placed in or over their ears without temporary exacerbation of their symptoms.

As a result, an audiological assessment requiring the patient to listen to sounds via headphones/earphones is threatening and can lead to a significant temporary increase in symptoms. This can be a traumatic experience for the patient if the acoustic incident was sustained via headphones or a headset.

Suprathreshold audiological testing, including loudness discomfort testing, and acoustic reflex testing should not be carried out with acoustic shock patients. An involuntary functional hearing loss emerging in the test condition is rare but not an unknown occurrence in these patients.

Evaluation of the Emotional Impact

As part of our program, we carry out an evaluation of the emotional impact of acoustic shock/acoustic shock disorder. This screens for clinically significant levels of depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder or trauma reaction.

Detailed and Personalised Explanations

Acoustic shock patients are often bewildered and distressed by their symptoms. To provide understanding and reassurance, a detailed explanation of acoustic shock is provided to our patients. This includes a personalised explanation of:

The peripheral and central auditory system, including TTS
Hearing test results
The neurophysiological basis of hyperacusis and tinnitus-related distress.

Detailed Report

A detailed report is provided when acoustic shock/acoustic shock disorder has been evaluated. This will include:

Fitness for workplace duties
Recommendations for a personalised rehabilitation program
Onward referral for further evaluation and management of medical and psychological symptoms as required.

Acoustic Shock Disorder Rehabilitation

Symptoms are managed as follows:

We provide therapy for the dominant symptoms of tinnitus and hyperacusis
We provide audiological management of hearing loss, including hearing aid fitting if required
We recommend medical management of symptoms such as pain and vertigo
We provide management of psychological symptoms. These can include stress and sleep management strategies; and the personalised development of cognitive behavioural strategies to manage auditory hypervigilance. For severe acoustic shock disorder, psychological/psychiatric evaluation and treatment for anxiety, depression and post traumatic stress disorder may be required and referral will then be recommended.

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Hearing Tests for Adults

A reduced capacity to communicate has a significant impact on relationships, career opportunities, social connection, independent living and quality of life.