Hyperphonia vs. Hypophonia: And Why I Love My Hearing Aids
Let’s talk about the difference between hyperphonia and hypophonia—two very different experiences related to vocal tone and volume, often shaped by neurological or sensory processing differences.
🔊 Hyperphonia refers to abnormally increased vocal pitch or loudness. It can be a nervous system in overdrive—your voice is louder, sharper, maybe even strained. It’s often a response to anxiety or overstimulation.
🔇 Hypophonia, by contrast, is abnormally low vocal volume. It’s not about being shy or reserved—it’s about not having the energy or capacity to project. It’s common in people with Parkinson’s, or in neurodivergent folks who are fatigued or overwhelmed.
I’ve experienced both.
🖖🏾
Some days I’m trying not to overwhelm others; some days I just don’t have it in me to push sound out at all. But recently, I got new hearing aids—and I love them.
These hearing aids help me hear clearly, but more importantly, they help me regulate.
I’m less overstimulated.
I no longer have to strain to hear or to be heard. I’m not shouting.
I’m not guessing.
I’m just…here.
And relationally, it’s clarifying.
These headphones help me quickly see who has the patience to speak with care and presence—and who doesn’t.
And honestly?
If our connection depends on me straining my body or nervous system to keep up, that’s not a relationship I can afford to honor.
Because it’s clearly not honoring me. It just is.
Emotionally, sure—there are lonely moments. Moments where I feel the distance between myself and others who don’t understand or can’t adapt.
I’m grateful to have ways to process that. Writing helps. Movement helps. Silence helps.
So thank you for listening.
And if you’re learning how to listen—not just with your ears, but with your energy, sosongo (thank you) for that too.
