What term describes an extreme sensitivity to sound and an ability to make fine auditory discriminations?

The term that describes an extreme sensitivity to sound and an ability to make fine auditory discriminations is hyperacusis. This phenomenon is not just about a heightened sensitivity to sounds in general; it also involves an increased ability to detect and differentiate between various sounds, often leading to discomfort or pain in response to sounds that most people would find tolerable.

Hyperacusis can significantly impact an individual's daily life, as they may react strongly to noises that others do not find bothersome. This condition is often associated with hearing disorders, but it can also occur in individuals without any underlying hearing loss, making it a distinct auditory experience.

In contrast to hyperacusis, auditory processing disorder refers to difficulties in understanding and processing auditory information, which is different from sensitivity. Tinnitus involves hearing ringing or buzzing in the ears, while auditory agnosia is characterized by an inability to recognize or make sense of sounds despite normal hearing abilities. These distinctions help clarify why hyperacusis is the correct answer in this context.