A study of the prevalence of auditory hypersensitivity in university students: Aspects of hyperacusis and misophonia

This study aims to reveal the characteristics of auditory hypersensitivity among Japanese university students with a particular focus on two elements of auditory hypersensitivity: hyperacusis and misophonia. We conducted an investigation of the prevalence and interrelationship of these conditions in a non-clinical sample of 439 individuals using self-reported measures. Additionally, we performed a meta-analysis to compare our findings on hyperacusis and misophonia with the existing literature. Our results revealed a prevalence of 8.2% for hyperacusis, 40% for misophonia, and a 7.2% comorbidity rate for both conditions. Our meta-analysis indicated that our hyperacusis and misophonia scores are consistent with those reported in previous studies, but also suggested variability in these conditions across different countries. This implies that cultural and gender-related factors might influence the prevalence rates of hyperacusis and misophonia in the general population.