[Open-field treatment of hyperacusis].

OBJECTIVE Prospective study of the effectiveness of treatment in patients with hyperacusis by means of an open-field technique of acoustic treatment with nature sounds. MATERIAL AND METHODS 34 patients were referred to a tinnitus and hyperacusis clinic at a private Otorhinolaryngology Department. Clinical and exploratory ENT studies were performed. Open-field nature sounds were applied by means of a compact disk for half an hour each day during a period of several weeks. RESULTS By the end of treatment, the 34 patients studied had reached normal discomfort thresholds in a maximum of 9 weeks. CONCLUSIONS The progressive open-field application of nature sounds has been effective in eliminating hyperacusis in a short space of time.