Symptom 4. Sensitivity to Sound (Phonophobia): When Noise Becomes Unbearable
Migraines have an uncanny way of heightening our senses. Another common symptom that emerges during these neurological storms is phonophobia, a term that describes an extreme sensitivity to sounds. It’s as though your hearing has suddenly been amplified, transforming even the softest whispers into unbearable roars.
Imagine this: The gentle hum of a ceiling fan now sounds like a propeller in full swing. The clinking of utensils in the kitchen resembles a blacksmith’s hammer striking an anvil. Sounds that typically go unnoticed suddenly seem intrusive and overwhelming, adding fuel to the already burning fire of a migraine.
Phonophobia during a migraine isn’t merely a matter of intolerance to noise. It’s the nervous system’s response to an overexcited state, where the usual noise filters in the brain are practically turned off, leaving you exposed to the full intensity of sounds around you. It’s another demonstration of the widespread involvement of the nervous system during a migraine episode.
But phonophobia doesn’t just enhance sounds; it compounds the other migraine symptoms. Each sound wave that hits your eardrums feels like a ripple spreading through your brain, escalating the throbbing headache, stirring up the nausea. It’s a cruel symphony that plays on a loop, with no pause button in sight.
Living with phonophobia during a migraine episode is a daunting experience. The world becomes a cacophony of sounds, each one sharper and louder than the last. It’s a debilitating facet of migraines that reinforces the necessity for a quiet, serene environment during these episodes. (4)
