Typically our brain will distinguish a note as one sound, but there is a form of hearing loss that can cause some people to hear sounds differently, at two different pitches. This troubling condition is known as diplacusis, and it’s when a person perceives a single auditory stimulus as two separate sounds. So instead of hearing just one sound, there is a dissonance in the timing or pitch of a sound, and a person often hears the correct tone in one ear, while the other ear detects the pitch as being either higher (sharp) or lower (flat). This abnormal perception is also known as “double-hearing,” so it should come to no surprise that many people find this condition to be disconcerting.
Diplacusis can occur suddenly, or it can gradually increase over time. For those who notice suddenly, it’s usually after a bout with an ear infection, exposure to loud noise, excess earwax, or from head trauma. However, not all cases are treated equal, as there are several forms of diplacusis.
Diplacusis binauralis – This form occurs when the same sound is heard differently in each ear. However, one ear hears sounds at a different timing or pitch than the other ear.
Diplacusis monauralis – In this form, one ear hears the same tone as two different sounds. There is no echo. Instead, sounds are perceived as different pitches or as a distortion.
Diplacusis echoica – With this form, the patient hears repeating sound in the same ear, with the first sound followed by the echo of the original sound. This occurs because the timing of the tones is perceived slightly different in each ear.
Diplacusis dysharmonica – This type is characterized by the differences in pitch heard in each ear. One ear hears the correct tone, while the other ear hears the sound either lower or higher than the actual pitch.
Treatment for diplacusis varies depending on the underlying cause. When diplacusis is from an obstruction or ear infection, your hearing may return to normal once the condition is treated. However, if your diplacusis is not caused by conductive hearing loss, the condition is likely to be permanent. Luckily, for some of these patients listening devices such as hearing aids and cochlear implants may be the answer.
If you notice the symptoms of diplacusis, don’t delay. Contact your hearing healthcare professional today to make an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Diplacusis is a form of hearing loss where a single sound is perceived as two different pitches or sounds. Instead of hearing one clear tone, individuals experience dissonance in timing or pitch, often hearing the correct tone in one ear and a higher or lower pitch in the other. This condition is also known as double-hearing and can be disconcerting for those affected.
There are several forms of diplacusis, including binauralis (different sound perception between ears), monauralis (one ear hears one tone as two different pitches), echoica (repeating sounds or echoes in the same ear), and dysharmonica (pitch differences between ears). Each type varies in how sounds are perceived differently in timing or pitch.
Sudden onset of diplacusis is usually linked to ear infections, loud noise exposure, excess earwax buildup, or head trauma. These factors can disrupt normal hearing and cause the brain to perceive sounds at different pitches or timing between the ears.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. If diplacusis results from an obstruction or ear infection, hearing may return to normal after treating the condition. However, if caused by sensorineural factors, the condition is likely permanent. Hearing aids or cochlear implants can help some patients manage symptoms effectively.
Diplacusis monauralis occurs when one ear hears the same tone as two different sounds or pitches without any echo. In contrast, diplacusis binauralis involves hearing the same sound differently in each ear, with one ear detecting a different pitch or timing compared to the other.
If you experience symptoms of diplacusis, such as hearing one sound as two different pitches or double-hearing, you should contact a hearing healthcare professional promptly. Early evaluation can help identify the cause and recommend appropriate treatment or management options.
