A professional musician develops hyperacusis (increased sensitivity to certain frequencies) following prolonged exposure to loud music. Which mechanism explains why specific frequencies trigger acute discomfort in this condition?

💡 Explanation

Hyperacusis can arise from altered tonotopic map plasticity within the auditory cortex, where specific frequencies gain expanded representation, thereby amplifying perceived loudness and discomfort. This occurs because the brain re-maps auditory space due to excessive stimulation; therefore, specific frequencies trigger disproportionate responses rather than general auditory amplification.

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