Trying the most commonly reported frequency of ~8,000 Hz on a tone generator[1] provides a good example of how distressing this can be. If you give it a try, I would recommend you turn the volume almost all the way down before pressing play.
My GP has a theory it's due to damage to my eardrums, from the tubes put in when I was a gradeschooler. Dr was a bit of a butcher but it was the 'deference to authority' age so all the adults were fine with him.