Quick answer
Hyperacusis means an unusually high sensitivity to ordinary sounds. It is usually pronounced hy-per-uh-KYOO-sis, and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Hyperacusis
Hyperacusis means an unusually high sensitivity to ordinary sounds. It belongs to weird science and medical words and works best in playful writing, lively dialogue, and moments when plain wording feels too flat. It still feels usable today, especially when you want a word with more character than the plainest alternative.
At a glance
sciencemedicaltechnical
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
In plain English, hyperacusis refers to an unusually high sensitivity to ordinary sounds. It is most useful when a plain label would tell the truth but miss the tone, flavor, or comic edge.
Why this word feels absurd
Hyperacusis feels absurd because it has more texture than the plain alternative, giving the idea an extra bit of theatrical, comic, or overbuilt energy.
Origin and history
Hyperacusis is generally traced to from Greek elements meaning over and hearing. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
Hyperacusis is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
Example sentences
- The column dismissed the whole rumor as hyperacusis.
- In the novel, one hyperacusis is enough to derail the dinner party.
- She used hyperacusis in the essay because the plain modern word felt too bland.
- The teacher paused to explain hyperacusis before asking the class to use it in context.
- They kept repeating hyperacusis because the sound of it was almost as memorable as the meaning.
When should you use this word?
Use hyperacusis when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in playful writing, dialogue, and places where tone matters.
Similar words
sound sensitivity, auditory sensitivity, noise intolerance
Opposite or contrasting words
hearing loss
Common questions
- What does hyperacusis mean? An unusually high sensitivity to ordinary sounds.
- How do you pronounce hyperacusis? It is commonly pronounced hy-per-uh-KYOO-sis.
- Is hyperacusis still used today? Hyperacusis is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
- When should you use hyperacusis? Use hyperacusis when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in playful writing, dialogue, and places where tone matters.
- What words are similar to hyperacusis? Similar words include sound sensitivity, auditory sensitivity, and noise intolerance.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.