Occasionally, I get a client complaining about noises that others (for example, a spouse) cannot hear, or that do not bother others. The client insists that I test the noise level and devise a way of reducing it. Is the client oversensitive to noise?
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To answer the question, we must ask: How much noise is too much?
Noise level criteria
ASHRAE recommends a maximum noise level in a bedroom of 35 dBA or NC 30. WHO recommends a maximum noise level of 30 dBA in sleeping quarters.
The noise complaint
The client complained that she can hear a constant buzz. She had an ENT specialist check her for tinnitus, but she does not have it.
Noise level test
This is the noise level that I have tested in the client's bedroom:
This chart shows that the sound pressure level averaged over one minute is 23.3 dBA, or NC 21. The red bars show the octave-band frequency spectrum (unweighted).
To put it in context, ASHRAE recommends a maximum noise level in a bedroom of 35 dBA or NC 30. WHO recommends a maximum noise level of 30 dBA in sleeping quarters. The tested noise level is significantly below the recommended limits.
Oversensitivity to sound
Yes — oversensitivity to sound does exist as a recognized medical condition. In my layman’s opinion (I am not a medical doctor), the client is oversensitive to sound. This condition can occur under several related names, depending on the underlying cause or presentation:
Definition: A condition in which everyday sounds (like running water, chewing, or traffic noise) seem painfully loud or overwhelming, even though they’re at a normal volume for others.
Symptoms: Discomfort or pain from ordinary sounds, avoidance of noisy places, emotional distress, tinnitus (ringing in the ears).Phonophobia (sound-related anxiety)
Definition: A condition in which everyday sounds (like running water, chewing, or traffic noise) seem painfully loud or overwhelming, even though they’re at a normal volume for others.
Common in: anxiety disorders, migraine, and sometimes autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Misophonia
Definition: A strong emotional or physical reaction (anger, disgust, panic) to specific trigger sounds, such as chewing or breathing.
Mechanism: Believed to involve abnormal connections between the auditory and emotional regulation centers in the brain.
Auditory Hypersensitivity in Neurodevelopmental Conditions
This condition is seen in: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD and Sensory processing disorder.
My question
Does my client have any of these medical conditions? I was hired as an acoustic consultant. Is it my place to tell the client to seek psychiatric help? What do you think? Please let me know by filling in the feedback form below.
