This is going to be a weird question, but have you hit your head recently? (even small impacts can accumulate over time, people have "sub-concussive" impacts without even realizing it) I know that this is a very common symptom of those of us with Post-Concussive Syndrome. I avoid social settings for this (along with other) reasons, it is so overwhelming because I can't sort through anything anyone is saying, like in a restaurant, or a crowded room, etc.

But if you haven't, then I am not sure? It could be a form of that "hypervigilance" we get told we have...(just a hypothesis, I have NO medical basis for that guess).

I did see an Ear Nose and Throat doctor, but everything is fine with me physiologically as far as my ears are concerned. No harm in seeing one if you feel that this might help?

My solution for my ongoing issue is to wear earplugs. You can get the little white waxy ones that aren't too obvious, and no one sees them on me since I have longer hair.

I hope this helps? If not, I am sorry! I am curious to see what others have to say!