Yuletide Transforms Into a Terrifying Experience for Individuals Living with Sound Sensitivity.
A 23-year-old is looking forward to being with her loved ones during the festive period, but says a primary method she'll cope is by using her noise-cancelling devices - particularly at the main festive feast.
For her, the holidays often feels like a particularly difficult period as the auditory triggers of people eating, slurping and nose-blowing trigger profound anxiety.
"There's this feeling of sudden panic, my every muscle will just tense up and it as though I'm in a threatening situation, and I need to somehow control these triggers."
The individual has experienced sound sensitivity for several years and for her that makes the Christmas time "deeply taxing".
Misophonia is an intense sensitivity to specific noises, notably sounds made by other people.
The condition is widespread across the population. A study reported nearly 20% people suffer from it.
Typically it's noises connected to eating or drinking that trigger a reaction, as well as things like crunching, heavy breathing, and foot tapping.
A Source of Dread
The sufferer notes: "You encounter so many various auditory triggers at the holidays and that can be daunting and make you dread it.
"Those close to me are aware, but I'm very conscious that I don't want to spoil the mood. It's like a constant struggle of managing my symptoms to make sure the event goes smoothly."
So it's clear why the most wonderful season can rapidly become a stressful ordeal for sufferers.
Noises that may appear innocuous, like someone slurping a Buck's fizz, opening presents, or enjoying festive food can cause a visceral feeling that can even result in them withdrawing from gatherings.
Jenna, a 21-year-old student, who has experienced sound sensitivity for over a decade, says her strategy is to use headphones to manage the meal. Usually, she would often retreat in a separate space to avoid distressing triggers.
She notes her misophonia is more pronounced around people she's most comfortable with, so the holidays is always "hard".
"People assume you to socialize with family, and I wish to, but it's exhausting on all levels.
"I feel as if this intense irritation washes over me, which can feel embarrassing, or I'll feel panicked and begin to weep and then panic will take over.
"It can come across as if I'm being difficult and overreacting, but it's hard to explain unless you've experienced it."
Three Ways to Manage
For those affected then there are a few methods you can try to cope the situation, as suggested by specialists.
- Picture a Different Scenario: Mental imagery is key. Attempt to link the triggering sound causing distress with a neutral concept. As an illustration, try to picture someone's slurping is just a waterfall. By doing this is to retrain your mind that the sound triggering you is neutral.
- Try a Competition: Use lightheartedness and make the irritating noise into a game involving the source. For example, if someone is eating noisily attempt copying the noise. Through participation, rather than feeling like the sound is unwanted, you become an active participant. And the game aspect should help distract your brain and make you somewhat less sensitive.
- Craft a Story: One more method is to try to create a little story about the reason someone making the noise is having to make that sound. Imagine if someone was sniffing, perhaps they're not in good health or are troubled. This approach is changing the meaning of the sound. While the noise remains identical, your understanding of it changes from being irritating, to feeling a little more neutral about it.
