View Single Post
 
Old Aug 03, 2008, 01:03 AM
Rapunzel's Avatar
Rapunzel Rapunzel is offline
Legendary
 
Member Since: Jun 2003
Location: noplace
Posts: 10,284
See if anything in this article helps:

http://www.hsperson.com/pages/cz_art2.htm

Noise really can get to me too. There are days when I am so overstimulated that I can't stand for anyone to talk to me. I have made my family write me a note if they had to say something to me, because I couldn't deal with any noise at all. I don't go to large public events like sports and concerts because I would turn into a crumpled heap on the floor because they are too loud and I would be in pain.

I discovered when i was an audiology student that most people have a reflex that dampens loud noises, and I do not have that reflex, so I do hear noises louder than others. It was validating to find out about that, because it was so frustrating as a child when everyone around me was yelling and making noise (particularly involving sports, and the lunch line that was in an enclosed place and they sent everyone at the same time so the whole school was lined up all up and down the hallway for what seemed like an hour, and they all seemed to be making as much noise as they possibly could). The noise startled me sometimes, but it actually physically hurt, and I was made fun of and ridiculed by kids and teachers too when I asked people not to be so loud because it hurt my ears.

So, read the article and see if there is anything you might want to try. Also, although it seems counter-intuitive, fighting noise with noise is very effective. A steady low random noise, like electronic whirring or the sound of running water, masks other noises that bother us. You can get a "white noise generator" that produces those low masking tones. Either one to put in your room for sleep and peace at home, or a portable one with earphones that you can take with you.
__________________
“We should always pray for help, but we should always listen for inspiration and impression to proceed in ways different from those we may have thought of.”
– John H. Groberg