Christmas Can Be a Living Hell for Individuals Living with Sound Sensitivity.
One young woman anticipates being with her family during the festive period, but says one of the only ways she'll cope is by relying on her earplugs - notably for Christmas dinner.
For the 23-year-old, the holidays often feels like a especially challenging time as the noises of people eating, slurping and sniffling make her feel intense distress.
"There's this wave of immediate anxiety, my whole body will just tense up and it as though I'm in a threatening situation, and I need to manage these noises."
Lottie has experienced this condition for several years and for her that renders the holiday period "deeply taxing".
Misophonia is a decreased threshold to particular auditory triggers, particularly those coming from individuals.
It is prevalent amongst adults. Experts reported almost one in five people experience it.
Typically it's noises linked to bodily functions that lead to discomfort, including examples such as chewing, heavy breathing, and foot tapping.
A Source of Dread
She explains: "You encounter so many different triggering sounds at the holidays and that can be daunting and make you fear it.
"My relatives are understanding, but I'm very aware that I don't want to make other people feel uncomfortable. It's like a constant struggle of sacrificing my own sanity to make sure others enjoy themselves."
So it's obvious why the most wonderful season can transform into a source of agony for those with the condition.
Sounds that may appear innocuous, like someone drinking champagne, opening presents, or tucking into a Christmas dinner can cause a strong emotional response that can even cause them skipping events entirely.
The student, a 21-year-old student, who has dealt with sound sensitivity from childhood, explains currently her plan is to put her earphones in to cope. On any other day, she would usually isolate herself in a quiet area to minimize triggering sounds.
She explains her misophonia is more pronounced around people she's closest to, so Christmas is always "challenging".
"People assume you to be around family, and I want to, but it's draining.
"I feel as if this sudden rage washes over me, which can feel awkward, or I'll feel anxious and immediately start crying and then the stress response will activate.
"It can come across as if I'm being difficult and dramatic, but it's tough to describe if you haven't felt it."
Several Strategies to Cope
If you suffer then there are various strategies you can attempt to manage the situation, according to specialists.
- Visualise an Alternative: Creative thinking is crucial. Attempt to link the specific noise affecting you with a neutral concept. So for example, try to imagine someone's slurping is just a gentle stream. By doing this is to help your brain learn that the sound triggering you is neutral.
- Try a Competition: Have a bit of fun and turn the annoying sound into a competition with the culprit. For example, if someone is eating noisily attempt mimicking the sound. Through participation, instead of feeling like the sound is an attack, you become an willing part. And the game aspect should help shift your attention and make you a little less affected.
- Create a Scenario: One more method is to try to create a little story about why the person creating the sound is behaving that way. Imagine if someone was making a nasal sound, maybe they are not feeling well or are troubled. This approach is changing the meaning of the sound. Although the sound stays the same, your reaction of it changes from being irritating, to feeling a slightly more compassionate towards it.
