The Holiday Season Transforms Into a Nightmare for Individuals Living with Sound Sensitivity.
A 23-year-old is looking forward to being with her loved ones over the holidays, but admits one of the only ways she'll endure is by wearing her hearing protection - notably for Christmas dinner.
For the 23-year-old, Christmas often feels like a notably tough time as the auditory triggers of other people chewing, drinking noisily and nose-blowing trigger extremely uncomfortable.
"I get this feeling of instant dread, my whole body will just freeze and it seems as if I'm in danger, and I need to manage these noises."
The individual has lived with this condition for several years and for her that causes the Christmas time "deeply taxing".
Misophonia is a decreased threshold to particular auditory triggers, particularly those made by those around you.
The condition is widespread amongst adults. Experts found almost one in five people are affected by it.
Typically it's noises associated with eating or drinking that cause distress, as well as things like crunching, heavy breathing, and repetitive finger tapping.
A Source of Dread
Lottie says: "You encounter so many assorted problematic noises at the holidays and that can be daunting and make you fear it.
"My family are aware, but I'm very mindful that I don't want to spoil the mood. It's like a constant struggle of managing my symptoms to ensure everyone else is happy."
So it's clear why the traditionally happy period can quickly turn into a source of agony for those with the condition.
Sounds that may appear innocuous, like someone drinking champagne, opening presents, or enjoying festive food can trigger a visceral feeling that can even lead to them avoiding social settings altogether.
She, a young adult, who has experienced sound sensitivity since aged 10, states her strategy is to use headphones to cope. Typically, she would usually isolate herself in a different room to escape triggering sounds.
She explains her sensitivity is more pronounced around people she's most comfortable with, so the holidays is always "challenging".
"There is pressure to socialize with loved ones, and I desire to, but it's draining.
"The sensation is this sudden rage comes over me, which can feel shameful, or I'll feel stressed 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 tough to describe without firsthand experience."
Three Ways to Cope
If you suffer then there are some different techniques you can attempt to manage the situation, according to experts.
- Visualise an Alternative: Creative thinking is essential. Try to associate the triggering sound causing distress with something completely different. For instance, try to imagine someone's noisy drinking is just a waterfall. By doing this is to teach your brain that the sound affecting you isn't harmful.
- Use Humor: Introduce playfulness and turn the annoying sound into a challenge involving the source. For instance, if someone is crunching loudly have a go at mimicking the sound. Through participation, instead of feeling like the sound is unwanted, you become an willing part. And the challenge should help shift your attention and make you a little less affected.
- Create a Scenario: One more method is to try to fabricate an explanation about the reason someone creating the sound is having to make that sound. Imagine if someone was making a nasal sound, perhaps they're not in good health or could be emotional. By doing this is re-framing the context of the sound. While the sound remains identical, your understanding of it moves from being annoying, to feeling a bit more accepting about it.
