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Health-relevant personality is associated with sensitivity to sound (hyperacusis)

Authors :
Karin Villaume
Dan Hasson
Source :
Scandinavian Journal of Psychology. 58:158-169
Publication Year :
2017
Publisher :
Wiley, 2017.

Abstract

Hyperacusis, over-sensitivity to sounds, causes distress and disability and the etiology is not fully understood. The study aims to explore possible associations between health-relevant personality traits and hyperacusis. Hyperacusis was assessed using the Hyperacusis Questionnaire (HQ), and clinical uncomfortable loudness levels (ULL). Personality was measured with the Health-relevant Personality (HP5i) Inventory. The study sample was 348 (140 men and 208 women; age 23-71 years). Moderate correlations were found between the personality trait negative affectivity (NA; a facet of neuroticism) and dimensions of the HQ and weak correlations were found with the ULLs. Hedonic capacity (a facet of extraversion) was significantly correlated with the HQ but not with the ULLs. Impulsivity (a facet of conscientiousness) was correlated with the HQ and the ULLs. A significant difference in mean values was found in all hyperacusis measures and different levels of NA - those with higher levels displayed more severe signs of hyperacusis. A multiple logistic regression analysis showed that higher levels of NA increases the odds of having hyperacusis on average 4.6 times for men and 2.4 times for women. These findings imply that health-relevant personality traits should be considered in the diagnosis and treatment of hyperacusis.

Details

ISSN :
00365564
Volume :
58
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Scandinavian Journal of Psychology
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....b07601f4547fb7a10af262572f594abb
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1111/sjop.12350