[Rhiannonsmoon]

Things have been difficult for the last few days. I've realised I am triggered by noises and my thoughts have been racing so fast over things I can't even remember most of them.

I wasn't sure there was such a thing as being triggered by noises I thoughts I was just taking after mum who can't stand whistling sets her off horrid.

But I've found that there are noise triggers. The ones that affect me are cracking of bones (fingers, ankles, knees etc), whistling (which I may have inherited from mum), The tinitus in my ears that drowns out most other noises. DJ rubbing his feet together, and when he plays with chocolate wrappers folds them and crinkles them up and twirls them, making a constant crackling noise.

Theres also this thing he does with a callous type thing on the inside of his thumb and he flicks at it or picks at it and It makes me feel utterly sick to my stomach. In fact I am certain he has developed dermotillomania because he's always picking at some part of his hands or arms. He is allergic to sandfly & mossie bites so when they flare up he is always at them. He can get rid of them by taking a course of antibiotics but he seems to prefer picking. Lets face it though who can resist picking?

I've started working out what (and who) they're related to so hopefully I can desensitise myself (yes I can really see that happening)

But these things have had me taking xanax regularly over the past 3 days or so and still on the verge of a meltdown. I haven't gone into panic attacks but I've been in tears.

Any advice would be gratefully received

[sanityseeker]

I don't have any advice other then avoidance but that isn't always possible. I am incredibly noise sensitive when my anxiety is high. The sudden sound of a siren or a motor bike can bring me to my knees in a total meltdown within seconds. The sound of the chipmunks or birds singing outside my window have done the same. If my anxiety is low I may not even notice them but when its high I can be triggered into a total meltdown. It will paralyze me and I will cry for my son to come and close the window.

I was in Vegas in the spring for work and it was disasterous. Everything was triggering. It is not the place for someone who is hypersensitive to noises. Sometimes even the sound of someone's voice can flip me out. Between the competition with the voices in my head and being unable to focus and make sense of what they are saying to me in no time the effort just sends me over the edge.

My son likes to crack his knuckles and pick his nails. Drives me batty. And yes the crackling sounds of wrappers or chip bags brings my hands over my ears immediately. Even the sound of cars splashing water when it is raining can be too much for me to bare sometimes.

When my anxiety is high I just have to hide away. I will turn the tv onto a movie channel or pbs where there are no commercials. Why is it they still let commercials turn up the volume. arrggg! My best hide out is to go to the river where the rushing water drowns out everything else and I can just relax with its rythym.

Hypersensitivity is the pits. The degree of my reaction is dependent on my level of anxiety. I try to avoid going anywhere where there is a lot of noise.

[sundog]

I'm so sorry you've been having this problem ((((((Rhiannon)))))) I can relate. Just as Sanityseeker says here, if my anxiety level is high, certain noises trigger yet more anxiety in me. Even at the best of times I am someone who really appreciates silence. I am not someone who likes to have the radio on or even listen to music very much. By far the most peaceful thing for me is silence.

I think it sounds like a good plan to make the connection between the noise and the thing/person causing it (and establishing that there is no real cause of concern). Also, as Sanityseeker says perhaps trying to spend as much time as possible in a quiet environment right now.

Or, alternatively, if you are someone who enjoys music, perhaps putting some headphones on and listening to something soothing?

I really hope you feel better soon

[Rohag]

Thank you, Rhiannonsmoon, and everyone else for broaching this subject. In looking into sound sensitivity, I found the following topics/sites of initial value:

Hyperacusis

Hyperacusis Network
Hyperacusis.org
Wikipedia

Misophonia (AKA 4S)

Misophonia UK FAQ
Wikipedia

Though I haven't been diagnosed, I have good reason to believe I suffer from some sort of misophonia.

[sundog]

That's really interesting. Thanks for those links!

[ariesmars]

Oh good...someone else is affected by sounds. well not good, it is torture! i cant go outside during cricket season, i will curse, scream, cover ears, ect...i killed 2 of the damn bugs today at work behind the trash can. sorry bug lovers.

[sunsetsunrise]

(((((( Rhiannon )))))) I just saw this post now. However yesterday I sent you a message with a paragraph that has information with suggestion that might well lead to help. I am sorry this is happening.

I am a "HSP" (highly sensitive person). Do you know what that is? Sounds and other stimuli can be very challenging for HSP's. If you are not familiar with it, you might want to google. In the USA I was able to find the book " The Higly Sensitive person" by Elaine Aaron, in my tiny public library and read more about it. Elaine Aaron believes that people who are HSPs are born that way. For me, its part of the mosaic that is my life. Huge hugs for you wonderful woman.

[Sabrina]

I am highly sensitive to repetitive sounds like dogs barking, lawnmowers, vacuum cleaners, power tools, revving motorbikes. All of these things send my anxiety into overdrive. I am glad there are others who are sensitive to noises. Makes me feel more normal. I can only sympathize with you all.

[snowgoose]

I sympathize with anyone else who suffers noise sensitivity. It really gets in the way of living a normal life.

[BrokenNBeautiful]

I am so glad I am not the only one who hates certain noises!

I can esp. relate to "repetitive noises", such as dogs, lawnmovers, snoring, power tools, hammering, cars idling outside, vrooming. Ugh.

Other sounds, too, like people hollering, tapping, whistling, also don't like nail-picking, knuckle-cracking (I was in a group of people one night and the man sitting next to me systematically cracked every knuckle on his hands and I looked over at him and I wanted to crush him; he looked back at me, as if to say, "Billi, I'm not doing anything." But I wanted to say, "Would you please *not do that*!")

I will close with this: Our neighbors have a toddler who likes to jump around in his room all night and it shakes the entire building! Arrggg...

So thanks, ppl!

Thought I was just nuts. lol

Billi

[boodles]

Oh my, I feel for you. I have recently developed hypersensitivity to sound and movement (vibration). I have lived in my house for over 15 years and never heard airplanes until this past winter. They start at 5:30 AM. I called the airport and asked if the flight paths had recently changed, and he said nothing has changed in years.

I can't have the TV on, even on low volume, while on the computer or talking on the phone. I hear every truck that goes by and doors slamming in the neighborhood.

I can also feel the floor shake when the air conditioner is running. It makes being at home unbearable.

I talked to my doctor, and he said this is a common issue during depression because of something going on in the brain (thalamus). He prescribed two meds to augment zoloft. He said it means my depression is worse (oh, joy!).

I'm afraid to read the links others posted above. I fear if I read and learn more, I will become even more hypersensitive.

I bought earplugs, and could also buy Bose headphones, but I don't know what to do about feeling the house vibrating.

I hope we all find relief from this.....

[BlueEyes too]

Hi billi Leli, I had to laugh at your post. I know how you feel. I can't stand the loud base drum noise when a neighbor has a party. It drives me up a wall. I call the sheriff dept. and report it. Also, I have tinitus as well. Does tinitus go with the territory so to speak? Well, I don't have any good suggestions but I sure can sympathize.

[ariesmars]

Originally Posted by BlueEyes too

Hi billi Leli, I had to laugh at your post. I know how you feel. I can't stand the loud base drum noise when a neighbor has a party. It drives me up a wall. I call the sheriff dept. and report it. Also, I have tinitus as well. Does tinitus go with the territory so to speak? Well, I don't have any good suggestions but I sure can sympathize.

i called the cops on a neighbor playing a band (they sucked, any loud music sucks anyway) thankfully they $#%^& moved away 4 yrs ago. now it is a @#$% grass cutting women who cuts every other day and freaking leaves! But there is a sale sign in the yard now. no one stays in that house more than a few years?? nice to get crap out of there, but new crap always seems to move in?? And likely even worse!

[CindyLuWho]

[quote=sunsetsunrise;1506202]For me, its part of the mosaic that is my life. quote]

I LOVE THIS! It makes my life seem more like art and less like some unfinished puzzle with half the pieces missing or borken.

[BrokenNBeautiful]

I'm gonna move to a senior bldg when I get my rental assitance.

B.

[sunsetsunrise]

[quote=CindyLuWho;1510691]

Originally Posted by sunsetsunrise

For me, its part of the mosaic that is my life. quote]

I LOVE THIS! It makes my life seem more like art and less like some unfinished puzzle with half the pieces missing or borken.

Yes, you ARE art for sure !!! We all are. Or thats how I see it.

[BlueEyes too]

Hi billi leli, I, too, am sensitive to certain sounds and I think I was born that way. The one sound that really drives me up the wall is the low, constant, beat of a drum when a band is playing outside in my neighborhood when a neighbor is having a party. I can hear it from pretty far away. I always end up calling the Sheriff Dept. as they are disturbing the peace. It sets my teeth on edge so much I can hardly stand it. I notice that my grandson is also sensitive to noises. I wish I had some suggestions for coping but I don't.

[Rhiannonsmoon]

The only thing we've come up with is earplugs plus with insomnia we have the telly on loud to give the partygoers the shiv they are so loud thursday through sunday ALL night and all we can hear is the duff duff of their speakers I can't believe so many people can go so long without sleep then I think of my being insomniac and laugh

Heleni

[sunsetsunrise]

yes I too am sensitive to sounds. can be like fingernails on a chalkboard. However, twice I heard the most beautiful sound coming from a neighbors home. It was a tenor saxaphone. I had the visceral response, but this time it was a huge ahhhhhhhh. I had a feeling that it was a young, very sweet, college student living two doors down. when I saw him, I asked. And yes, it was he. It was whistful and unaccomplished. A lone saxophone player's music wafting from an open window. So my body reacts very strongly to sound. Fingernails on a chalkboard and opening of the heart, depending.

[BlueEyes too]

Hi billi leli, I'm so sorry that noises are causing you anxiety. I know what you mean. There is one noise that is particularly vexing to me. It is the low repetitive beat of the big drum in a live band. Once in awhile, someone at least a half a block away will have a party. I usually end up calling the Sheriff Dept and making a disturbing the peace report and they are pretty good about going over there to quiet things down. I wish I could offer some ways to cope other then getting in the car and going to a movie.

[nonightowl]

Well, I found this thread comforting in that I have so much company. I sympathize as well.

Like you, Billi Leli, when I'm old enough I'm getting into a senior building too. Miserable 20 somethings and their loud music.

I think I'm also sensitive to noise and was born that way. Certain sounds, like a high-pitched drill, will drive me batty. I have to wear earplugs to bed cause I can hear EVERYBODY's footsteps (esp. women in their high heels), cars coming & going, door slamming, people talking, the shower & toilet above me. It's especially bad when I'm already in a bad mood or anxious. My building is NOT peaceful and so poorly constructed & thin it should be illegal to build them like that. No privacy & no quiet. It has an "echo" to it. If maintenance is banging away, you'll hear it throughout the WHOLE *&%^$#@! building!

People tell me they build apartments this way cause it would be too costly to make them more soundproof. Of course, the owners don't have to live in the crap buildings they own.

My upstairs neighbor is a slammer. Slam the doors, the windows, the cabinets. When I tried to talk to her about it, she said I NEED TO BE MORE REASONABLE. I'M THE ONE MESSED UP. Mean ol' lady. She walks like a lumberjack too, making the floor creak and I hear every single thump she makes. Turns on the water FULL BLAST everymorning at a predictable time, so I'm waiting for it. It sounds SO LOUD. The people before her didn't do all this. I hated to see them leave.

Now I have a new neighbor next to me, and I'm waiting for the noise. I get so much anxiety when people move in/out. I HATE IT. I hate not knowing what kind of neighbor I'll get this time.

[hayward]

I am HIGHLY sensitive to noises and sounds of any kind. I hear everything, and its funny, because it still surprises me when people around me do not notice the same things.

I am really tired of people (my family) acting like there is something wrong with me because of this. Geez, I have enough problems, and I certainly don't CHOOSE to feel this way. To me, it's kind of like a food aversion- you can want to like something, but you can't help it if you don't.

I use a fan or a white noise machine a lot, especially at night. And I am trying really hard to just walk away from the sound instead of just getting through it- since it just makes me more anxious.

What I really don't like is hearing the same old patterns of my husband, for example. When he walks in the door, I know every single thing he does, and since I am so pissed at him right now, it makes it all worse.

Distraction distraction distraction....

[Mustkeepjob32]

There are certain sounds that get me too. Certain people that talk loud by nature rattle me. Also, abruptly opening doors can do it. Or something that my partner does, loud clapping out of the blue. It can send my heart into this fast, pounding rhythm and I hate it!
I don't think there is much I can do about it, except just try to stay calm after the fact...

[nonightowl]

I can't stand people who talk too loud either, even though they may not be a bad person. I just don't want to HEAR them. LOL

I hate squeaky hinges on a door (I'm the only one who hears this sort of thing), doors slamming, toddlers running & screaming, high heels clicking, leaf blowers, garbage & delivery trucks like UPS (I know they won't be there long, but they are SO NOISY!!!) One time someone was printing all day in this office I volunteer at, and I had to work in a different cubicle cause the printer was next to me. The sound of those wheels or rollers going constantly made me feel like I was going to have a breakdown.

One time there was something rattling around in my trunk. I couldn't wait till I got to my destination to check it out. I had to pull over and look. No way could I drive like that.

I KNOW I must be one of these people born this way, but it seems to get worse as I get older for some reason. Yet, there are some sounds I can easily tune out; others I cannot no matter what. Of course the sounds I cannot tune out are the most aggravating to me.

Sorry, Aries..I love the sound of crickets singing, though I am phobic of insects in general. I mean, crickets are ugly & scary looking, so I'd probably kill it if it was in my apartment. LOL

A couple of nights ago, someone on the third floor was taking a shower (2 floors above me). I had to wait until they are DONE with their #$%&*! shower cause I KNEW the noise of the sudden force of water when they finally SHUT IT OFF will startle me AWAKE anyway. This was late too, around midnight. Late for ME....

[kikki27]

Originally Posted by Rhiannonsmoon

Things have been difficult for the last few days. I've realised I am triggered by noises and my thoughts have been racing so fast over things I can't even remember most of them.

I wasn't sure there was such a thing as being triggered by noises I thoughts I was just taking after mum who can't stand whistling sets her off horrid.

But I've found that there are noise triggers. The ones that affect me are cracking of bones (fingers, ankles, knees etc), whistling (which I may have inherited from mum), The tinitus in my ears that drowns out most other noises. DJ rubbing his feet together, and when he plays with chocolate wrappers folds them and crinkles them up and twirls them, making a constant crackling noise.

Theres also this thing he does with a callous type thing on the inside of his thumb and he flicks at it or picks at it and It makes me feel utterly sick to my stomach. In fact I am certain he has developed dermotillomania because he's always picking at some part of his hands or arms. He is allergic to sandfly & mossie bites so when they flare up he is always at them. He can get rid of them by taking a course of antibiotics but he seems to prefer picking. Lets face it though who can resist picking?

I've started working out what (and who) they're related to so hopefully I can desensitise myself (yes I can really see that happening)

But these things have had me taking xanax regularly over the past 3 days or so and still on the verge of a meltdown. I haven't gone into panic attacks but I've been in tears.

Any advice would be gratefully received

The washing dryer is a trigger and dogs barking