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Sub-Category:

Pitch Perception Disorders (or Other Hearing Disorders)

Number of Conditions: 1

Diplacusis (Distorted Hearing of Pitch)

Specialty: Ear

Category: Hearing Disorders

Sub-category: Pitch Perception Disorders (or Other Hearing Disorders)

Symptoms:
hearing the same sound at different pitches in each ear; difficulty with musical harmony or tuning instruments; possible confusion or disorientation in noisy environments; reduced sound clarity or distortion

Root Cause:
Often related to a mismatch in how each ear’s cochlea or auditory nerve processes certain frequencies. Diplacusis can be caused by sensorineural hearing loss, inner ear damage, or conditions like Ménière’s disease.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed via audiometric testing.

Treatment:
Treated by addressing the underlying cause, such as hearing aids for hearing loss.

Medications:
Corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory) can be prescribed if an inner ear inflammation is suspected as a contributing factor. Diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide ) may be used to manage fluid imbalance in Ménière’s disease, which can reduce pitch distortion in some patients.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Not precisely known; occurs most frequently in individuals with some degree of sensorineural hearing loss. Ménière’s disease and other inner ear pathologies can increase the likelihood.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Noise-induced hearing loss; Age-related hearing decline (presbycusis); Inner ear disorders (e.g., Ménière’s disease); History of ear trauma or infections

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Depends on the underlying cause. If the triggering factor (e.g., an infection) is resolved or well-managed, symptoms may improve. Long-term use of hearing aids or other therapies can help patients cope with persistent pitch distortion.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Difficulty enjoying music or conversation; Potential social withdrawal due to frustration; Emotional distress related to distorted sound perception