Yuletide Transforms Into a Living Hell for Individuals Living with Sound Sensitivity.

One young woman hopes for spending time with her loved ones this Christmas, but says a primary method she'll manage to get through it is by using her hearing protection - particularly at Christmas dinner.

In her case, this time of year can be a notably tough time as the sounds of other people chewing, drinking noisily and nose-blowing cause her profound anxiety.

"I get this wave of instant dread, my every muscle will just freeze and it feels like I'm in danger, and I need to stop these noises."

The individual has lived with sound sensitivity for several years and for her that makes the festive season "deeply taxing".

Misophonia is a decreased threshold to particular auditory triggers, notably sounds produced by individuals.

It's surprisingly common amongst adults. Experts discovered almost one in five people are affected by it.

Often it's noises associated with eating or drinking that lead to discomfort, as well as things like chewing, breathing, and foot tapping.

'Anxiety Inducing'

The sufferer notes: "There are so many assorted problematic noises at Christmas and that can be daunting and make you fear it.

"My family are supportive, but I'm very mindful that I don't want to upset others. It's like a really big battle of managing my symptoms to make sure everyone else is happy."

So it's obvious why the traditionally happy season can quickly turn into a stressful ordeal for those with the condition.

Noises that may seem harmless, like someone slurping a Buck's fizz, rustling a roll of wrapping paper, or eating the holiday meal can cause a strong emotional response that can even result in them skipping events entirely.

Jenna, a 21-year-old student, who has struggled with sound sensitivity for over a decade, explains the approach she intends to use is to put her earphones in to manage the meal. Typically, she would frequently go in a separate space to minimize distressing triggers.

She explains her sensitivity is worse around people she's closest to, so Christmas is always "challenging".

"There is pressure to be around family, and I wish to, but it's draining.

"It's like this sudden rage takes hold, which can feel awkward, or I'll feel anxious and begin to weep and then fight-or-flight will take over.

"To others it appears as if I'm being difficult and dramatic, but it's tough to describe if you haven't felt it."

Three Ways to Cope

If it's an issue then there are some different techniques you can attempt to manage the situation, based on advice from specialists.

1. Imagine Something Else: Imagination is key. Try to associate the specific noise causing distress with a neutral concept. For instance, try to picture someone's slurping is just a sink draining water. This technique is to teach your brain that the sound affecting you isn't harmful.
2. Make it a Game: Have a bit of fun and make the irritating noise into a challenge involving the source. For example, if someone is crunching loudly try joining in. By joining in, rather than feeling like the sound is being imposed on you, you become an active participant. And the challenge should help distract your brain and make you somewhat less sensitive.
3. Craft a Story: A further strategy is to try to create a little story about the reason someone making the noise is having to make that sound. So if someone was sniffing, perhaps they're not in good health or are troubled. This approach is changing the meaning of the sound. Even though the sound stays the same, your understanding of it changes from being aggravating, to feeling a bit more accepting about it.