my 8 year old has had intermittent hearing problems. At times sounds seem to be very loud and fast (i.e. everyone is shouting and talking really fast). We have an appointment with the pediatrician this week, and I'm just trying to get informed a bit. It seems to be some type of sound wave distortion. Does anyone have any information or experience with this>?

Hi:
I'm not an expert, but it sounds like: "Hyperacusis: Loss of tolerance to background noise; ears lose their dynamic range, or quick shifts in sound loudness. Patients experience a fullness in the inner ear." But then, there are a number of hearing disorders that are very similar. Try these web sites for more info; the first one has a children's section:

http://www.hear-it.org
http://www.bcm.tmc.edu/oto/otologyprimer/handp.html

Best of luck.
- Jim A.