Some people with fibromyalgia experience greater discomfort from low-level and moderate noise, which can have a profound effect on their wellbeing and quality of life. Some patients may struggle with everyday activities because of this increased discomfort, and may even avoid speaking to other people.  Changes in hearing have so far been under-researched in people with fibromyalgia. Thus, we hope this study will shed some light on the specific brain mechanisms that can cause this discomfort.

Thus, we are especially interested in talking to fibromyalgia patients and healthy, pain-free females who are between 35 and 65 years of age about participation in this study.

Testing involves standard tests to examine sensitivity to pinprick and pressure stimuli, as well as an assessment of blink-reflexes to weak electrical stimuli and noise. A major part of this study will include audiometric tests to determine the lowest and highest intensity of sound that the participant can detect/tolerate, and an electrophysiological test to record brain activity in response to ‘click’ sounds.

If you are interested in participating in this study, or have any query please contact:

Dr Lechi Vo  (L.Vo@murdoch.edu.au) on (08) 9360 7840 or

Professor Peter Drummond (P.Drummond@murdoch.edu.au) on (08) 9360 2415.