Hyperacusis In Nigeria: A Scoping Review Volume 6 - Issue 3

Osuji AE* and Nwogbo A

• Ear, Nose and Throat Department, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Received: May 01, 2021   Published: May 10, 2021

Corresponding author: Osuji AE, Ear, Nose and Throat Department, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

DOI: 10.32474/SJO.2021.06.000239

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Abstract

Introduction: Hyperacusis is the sensitivity or intolerance to some everyday sound in such a way that it causes significant distress to the person, and impairs their social, recreational, occupational and day to day life. Most patients have a normal or nearnormal pure tone hearing threshold, with a decreased loudness discomfort level. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has been reported to be effective in relieving the distress caused by hyperacusis in patients. There is a rarity of data on hyperacusis in Nigeria, probably being submerged in the general perception as incidents of delusive tendency. This scoping review aimed to examine the range and nature of available research on hyperacusis in Nigeria and to identify the research gap in the literature to aid conception of future hyperacusis research in Nigeria.

Method: A systematic widespread internet-based search of available literature on “Hyperacusis in Nigeria” was carried out using Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar, Embase, Ecosia, UCL Web of Science, African Index Medicus Database, and outcome of search reported. GOOGLE NGRAM was used to depict history of literature on hyperacusis.

Results: Seven search engines applied, Scopus and African index medicus database found one article each for ‘hyperacusis in Nigeria’. Google NGRAM showed that hyperacusis was first reported in the 19th century.

Conclusion: The paucity of research on hyperacusis in Nigeria is a reveille to scholarly researchers to take a deep dive into the swirling pool of hyperacusis research. The onus is not just otorhinolaryngologists, but also on audiologists, psychotherapists, mental health physicians, family physicians and others allied professionals to have a high index of suspicion and to report cases of hyperacusis to build up research database.

Keywords: Hyperacusis; sound sensitivity; tinnitus; misophonia; recruitment; Nigeria

Abbreviations: LDLs: Loudness Discomfort Levels; ULLs: Uncomfortable Loudness Levels; CBT: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

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