Yep - heightened sensitivity -
It just means that your body thinks there is something "dangerous" and all it's defense mechanisms are on alert to protect you --
Same thing with startling easily - which I used to do all the time.
Your body is on "911" mode!
It will go away as your feelings of anxiety go down -- Pursah

of course. When you have anxiety-everything in your body is heighten. It is our survival mechanism. We need that . Just think if some one was approaching you and you sense danger: Your body instinctively gets ready: Your vision gets so focused, things appear louder, you notice every detail of your body and your environment. That is a good thing.

Don't worry , your body cannot stay in that state for long and you will naturally calm down.
This is where learning how to relax helps. You can not be on alert and relaxed at the same time. Just like you can not stressed and calm at the same time. So relax, calm yourself (your mind, your body and your environment).. You will be ok.

I know exactly what you are talking about. I do not hear things louder, but every sudden sound startles me. I also have that sensation of depersonalization, where famiiar things seem not that familiar.

I would like to say in passing that I have never engaged in writing or chatting with people I do not know, but I feel this is truly fantastic when you have people who unselfishly give of their time to make us feel better. Thank you to all.

I have this almost every time I have a panic attack :( But it also happens sometimes when I just have a really high anxiety day, my kids will sound really really noises, and my house feels like it's closing in! It's a horrible symptom and it always freaks me out. I just keep breathing through it and telling myself that I'm ok, and it will go away soon! The less I dwell on it, the better it is! Just remind yourself it will go away! :)