Oh how I can relate! Loud noises set me off, too. It can take hours to recover and much longer if it repeats. In general, people do not understand.

My pdoc helped me with an example to share with people: Tell them how abused animals (often Greyhounds from race tracks) have to have quiet environments and are very startled if there is unexpected and/or loud noises introduced into their environments. For some reason, people tend to understand what animals might go through. This approach may or may not help?

If someone slams a door, slams anything, I am toast for hours.
Additionally, some days, any noise is overwhelming and also sets me off.
It must be very difficult to live with the noise.

I think it would be very important to help your wife to understand. Otherwise, your "avoidance" might well be misunderstood and may cause some resentment within your relationship.

It can be so very challenging to live with the many effects of PTSD. I am sorry you must deal with these effects. I hope you can find a way to cope and a way to educate your wife in a way that helps her to truly understand.

My best to you ~