Christmas Often Proves to Be a Living Hell for Individuals Living with Sound Sensitivity.
A 23-year-old hopes for seeing her family during the festive period, but admits a primary method she'll manage to get through it is by wearing her earplugs - particularly at the main festive feast.
In her case, this time of year can be a particularly difficult period as the noises of people eating, slurping and sniffling trigger intense distress.
"I experience this wave of sudden panic, my every muscle will just freeze and it seems as if I'm in danger, and I need to stop these sounds."
She has experienced misophonia since she was 16 and for her that makes the festive season "exceptionally stressful".
Misophonia is a reduced tolerance to particular auditory triggers, notably sounds coming from other people.
The condition is widespread across the population. Researchers reported nearly 20% people suffer from it.
Typically it's noises connected to mouth, throat or facial movements that trigger a reaction, as well as examples such as crunching, heavy breathing, and foot tapping.
A Source of Dread
She explains: "I face so many various auditory triggers at Christmas and that can be stressful and make you dread it.
"Those close to me are understanding, but I'm very aware that I don't want to make other people feel uncomfortable. It's like a internal conflict of sacrificing my own sanity to make sure the event goes smoothly."
So it's clear why the traditionally happy period can rapidly become a source of agony for affected individuals.
Noises that may seem harmless, like someone drinking champagne, unwrapping gifts, or eating the holiday meal can trigger a powerful reaction that can even lead to them withdrawing from gatherings.
She, a 21-year-old student, who has struggled with sound sensitivity since aged 10, says currently her plan is to put her earphones in to cope. Usually, she would often retreat in a different room to minimize problematic noises.
She explains her condition is more pronounced around people she's most comfortable with, so the holidays is always "challenging".
"There is pressure to spend time with loved ones, and I wish to, but it's draining.
"It's like this sudden rage comes over me, which can feel embarrassing, or I'll feel panicked and immediately start crying and then panic will take over.
"It may seem as if I'm being difficult and dramatic, but it's tough to describe if you haven't felt it."
Three Ways to Handle It
For those affected then there are a few methods you can attempt to manage the situation, based on advice from experts.
- Visualise an Alternative: Creative thinking is crucial. Try to associate the particular sound bothering you with an unrelated image. So for example, try to picture someone's slurping is just a sink draining water. The goal is to help your brain learn that the sound triggering you poses no threat.
- Make it a Game: Introduce playfulness and turn the annoying sound into a competition with the culprit. For instance, if someone is eating noisily have a go at joining in. By joining in, instead of feeling like the sound is unwanted, you become an active participant. And the competition element should help distract your brain and make you slightly more tolerant.
- Develop a Narrative: One more method is to try to fabricate an explanation about why the person making the noise is doing it. So if someone was making a nasal sound, maybe they are not feeling well or are troubled. By doing this is altering the perception of the sound. Although the noise remains identical, your understanding of it moves from being annoying, to feeling a slightly more compassionate towards it.
