An intense and immediate emotional and physiological reaction (possibly rage, frustration, sadness, or panic) upon hearing certain sounds - most prominently noises associated with oral functions such as eating, breathing, chewing or other noises such as typing sounds or pencils scratching-are the defining symptoms of a little known and poorly understood condition called "Selective Sound Sensitivity Syndrome" or "4S".

Onset is typically around the time of puberty and appears to persist and in some cases, trigger noises expand, as time passes. Reactions can dominate lifestyle and occupational choices, lead to social isolation or psychological difficulties.

There appears to be evidence of a genetic component as the condition appears in family members. A certain percentage of people with 4S have also demonstrated signs of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and 4S has been also associated with other pervasive conditions such as the Autism Spectrum. However, the vast majority of people with 4S do not appear to have other pervasive or obviously identifiable disorder.

This syndrome was first recognized by audiologist Dr. Marsha Johnson in 2002. Since that time, there has been no known research conducted by the scientific community, and to date there is no known cure. Medical and psychological therapies have included the use of medicine to address the secondary symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other symptoms, counseling to address the social and personal difficulties associated with the symptoms, alternative therapies including acupuncture, hypnosis, or natural remedies. To date, a single effective therapy has not been discovered.

Dr. Johnson adapted the use of 'sound therapy' to counteract the auditory symptoms of 4S in children and adults. Sound therapy for auditory conditions was originally developed by Dr. Jack Vernon (1970s), later Dr. Pawel Jastreboff (1980s) modified the approach to include a broadband signal therapy in the form of small hearing-aid like devices known as white-noise generators. Dr. Johnson modified the use of this approach in 1997 to address the needs of 4S patients, and has accumulated 11 years of clinical date related to this syndrome and the effects of the use of sound therapy.

Is There a Cure?

Unfortunately, there currently is no known cure for 4S. However, there are resources for learning about 4S and finding remedial and coping measures. The Community Forum and the 4S Yahoo group are great places to start.

Is There a Cure?

Unfortunately, there currently is no known cure for 4S. However, there are resources for learning about 4S and finding remedial and coping measures. The Community Forum here and the 4S Yahoo group are great places to start.