Yuletide Can Be a Terrifying Experience for Individuals Living with Sound Sensitivity.
One young woman anticipates seeing her loved ones during the festive period, but says a key strategy she'll manage to get through it is by wearing her hearing protection - notably for Christmas dinner.
In her case, the holidays often feels like a especially challenging season as the noises of family members munching, sipping loudly and breathing heavily trigger intense distress.
"I experience this feeling of sudden panic, my every muscle will just tighten and it as though I'm in peril, and I need to manage these sounds."
She has experienced sound sensitivity from a young age and for her that causes the festive season "deeply taxing".
Misophonia is an intense sensitivity to specific noises, particularly those coming from other people.
It is prevalent amongst adults. A study discovered nearly 20% people are affected by it.
Often it's noises connected to bodily functions that cause distress, along with things like crunching, breathing, and repetitive finger tapping.
'Anxiety Inducing'
Lottie says: "You encounter so many different triggering sounds at Christmas and that can be anxiety inducing and make you want to avoid it.
"My relatives are supportive, but I'm very conscious that I don't want to make other people feel uncomfortable. It's like a really big battle of managing my symptoms to make sure others enjoy themselves."
So it's clear why the most wonderful season can rapidly become a source of agony for affected individuals.
Triggers that may be considered normal, like someone drinking champagne, opening presents, or tucking into a Christmas dinner can provoke a powerful reaction that can even cause them withdrawing from gatherings.
She, a 21-year-old student, who has experienced sound sensitivity for over a decade, explains currently her plan is to put her earphones in to cope. Usually, she would frequently go in a different room to minimize triggering sounds.
She notes her condition is more intense around people she's closest to, so Christmas is always "difficult".
"There's an expectation to socialize with loved ones, and I wish to, but it's draining.
"The sensation is this uncontrollable anger takes hold, which can feel shameful, or I'll feel anxious and begin to weep and then the stress response will kick in.
"It may seem as if I'm being difficult and overreacting, but it's tough to describe without firsthand experience."
A Few Techniques to Cope
If it's an issue then there are various strategies you can use to handle the situation, according to clinical psychologists.
- Visualise an Alternative: Creative thinking is essential. Work on connecting the specific noise causing distress with something completely different. For instance, try to imagine someone's noisy drinking is just a gentle stream. By doing this is to help your brain learn that the sound triggering you isn't harmful.
- Make it a Game: Have a bit of fun and turn the annoying sound into a challenge with the person. For instance, if someone is eating noisily try copying the noise. By mimicking, instead of feeling like the sound is being imposed on you, you become an willing part. And the game aspect should help redirect your focus and make you a little less affected.
- Craft a Story: One more method is to try to invent a reason about why the person making the noise is doing it. For example if someone was making a nasal sound, perhaps they're not in good health or are troubled. This approach is altering the perception of the sound. While the noise doesn't change, your interpretation of it moves from being irritating, to feeling a little more neutral about it.
