Institute of Art Design + Technology
Dún Laoghaire

Roya Golchini 

BA [Hons] Creative Music Production

Originally when I began this course in 2017, I was a musician who solely wanted to learn to record my own music. But over my final two years at IADT, I discovered my passion for studying the psychology of sound and how it affects us. With my honours degree, I hope to be able to go on to do a master's in audiology at some point in the future and for the time being work in broadcasting.


Is There a Benefit to Hypersensitive Hearing?

This thesis explored the potential benefits and drawbacks of having hypersensitive hearing, which involved studying multiple different hearing conditions, both physical and psychological. These conditions included hyperacusis, tinnitus, misophonia, phonophobia, hearing loss, and general sound sensitivity. These conditions are usually viewed as a negative affliction to possess as they can cause stress or even pain. It was concluded from the information shared in the research survey by seventy-five participants that in those with mild hyperacusis, mild tinnitus and general sound sensitivity that there was a noted improvement in critical listening skills that benefited their music listening experience, music composition, and environmental spatial awareness.