Noise anxiety

[ItsMeMelZ]

I have this too. My main triggers are nasal breathing, lip smacking, slopping while eating and any repetitive noise really. People think you're demented or you're making it up. I had someone tell me that I couldn't have misophonia because I'm a noisy person and therefore I'd drive myself insane Noone seems to understand this awful affliction. The sufferer rarely triggers themselves and its not one size fits all. Your ticks are not necessarily mine. Like other have said it gets worse when you have no control, like an inconsiderate neighbour allowing excess noise. A person without Misophonia can usually ignore it or drown it out, but for sufferers it can get in on you and send you into meltdown mode. I find I have no concentration in a meeting when someone breathes loudly or clicks a pen. If someone sits near me on public transport chewing gum I want to hurl myself out the window and I cant understand how grown adults chew with their mouth open or think its acceptable to snort snot into the back of their throat in public

 

[Souffle]

I’ve had a really bad day with this today. There’s something about a sunny bank holiday that brings out the noisiest, most inconsiderate holes. I’ve had to endure 12 hours of constant thudding music from across the road. I even called the police but they don’t deal with noise nuisance now - makes me think they’d rather I deal with it myself which probably wouldn’t end well.

Please does anyone have any advice. I actually wish I was deaf sometimes (sometimes I even feel suicidal) because other peoples noise can really affect me. I’ve been in tears and unable to concentrate all day, I snapped at my partner because I was so irritated, I had to stop work early as I couldn’t focus.

Do I need to be looking at some sort of therapy?

 

[whoareyouu]

I’ve had a really bad day with this today. There’s something about a sunny bank holiday that brings out the noisiest, most inconsiderate holes. I’ve had to endure 12 hours of constant thudding music from across the road. I even called the police but they don’t deal with noise nuisance now - makes me think they’d rather I deal with it myself which probably wouldn’t end well.

Please does anyone have any advice. I actually wish I was deaf sometimes (sometimes I even feel suicidal) because other peoples noise can really affect me. I’ve been in tears and unable to concentrate all day, I snapped at my partner because I was so irritated, I had to stop work early as I couldn’t focus.

Do I need to be looking at some sort of therapy?

Oh that sounds absolutely horrible. I think it you are having those suicidal thoughts that it is worth discussing things with your GP or a therapist. Perhaps there is some form of therapy that can help.

 

[Souffle]

Oh that sounds absolutely horrible. I think it you are having those suicidal thoughts that it is worth discussing things with your GP or a therapist. Perhaps there is some form of therapy that can help.

To be honest I have regular suicidal thoughts but always when I feel like I need to escape stress and obviously today has been very stressful for me. I recently bought this house and now I’m worried I’ll have a whole summer of disturbance

 

[Sheeeet]

I’ve had a really bad day with this today. There’s something about a sunny bank holiday that brings out the noisiest, most inconsiderate holes. I’ve had to endure 12 hours of constant thudding music from across the road. I even called the police but they don’t deal with noise nuisance now - makes me think they’d rather I deal with it myself which probably wouldn’t end well.

Please does anyone have any advice. I actually wish I was deaf sometimes (sometimes I even feel suicidal) because other peoples noise can really affect me. I’ve been in tears and unable to concentrate all day, I snapped at my partner because I was so irritated, I had to stop work early as I couldn’t focus.

Do I need to be looking at some sort of therapy?

So sorry to hear this, it sounds awful. As a first port of call you might want to try some noise cancelling headphones or earbuds. In acute situations I've been known to wear my earbuds with ear defenders over them so I don't have to have them very loud. If you can't concentrate listening to music whilst working, white, pink or brown noise can help.

Other than that, please google 'Misophonia'. There is probably a relaxation or exposure related therapy that would help but I don't know know anyone that's tried. [Edit- CBT as well as exposure therapy seems to be offered as I've just googled] You're not alone, but sadly that's not a huge comfort when actively dealing with the noise!

Good luck

 

[Souffle]

So sorry to hear this, it sounds awful. As a first port of call you might want to try some noise cancelling headphones or earbuds. In acute situations I've been known to wear my earbuds with ear defenders over them so I don't have to have them very loud. If you can't concentrate listening to music whilst working, white, pink or brown noise can help.

Other than that, please google 'Misophonia'. There is probably a relaxation or exposure related therapy that would help but I don't know know anyone that's tried. [Edit- CBT as well as exposure therapy seems to be offered as I've just googled] You're not alone, but sadly that's not a huge comfort when actively dealing with the noise!

Good luck

Thank you. They started again at 9:30am this morning. They didn’t stop til about 1am. I’m going to be terrorised all summer aren’t I?

I will look at the therapy, thank you x

 

[Cosmo]

Thank you. They started again at 9:30am this morning. They didn’t stop til about 1am. I’m going to be terrorised all summer aren’t I?

I will look at the therapy, thank you x

You aren't alone. I dread Bank Holidays and the summer in general because of the endless noise. To me it becomes a survival exercise.

I've had years of therapy for PTSD and one thing I've learned is anticipating the fear/bad times will slowly make you much worse.

I find having a strategy in place so I hear the noise and immediately take action is much better. Ear plugs, noise cancelling headphones, removing yourself from the situation for a while. Whatever it is have a plan and then you are in control of your responses, which negates some of the power it has over you.

People can be mats and it's not fair but you can't change them. You can change your reactions to a certain extent.

I would recommend looking into therapy, it was the best decision I ever made. Hope some of this might help x

 

[Souffle]

You aren't alone. I dread Bank Holidays and the summer in general because of the endless noise. To me it becomes a survival exercise.

I've had years of therapy for PTSD and one thing I've learned is anticipating the fear/bad times will slowly make you much worse.

I find having a strategy in place so I hear the noise and immediately take action is much better. Ear plugs, noise cancelling headphones, removing yourself from the situation for a while. Whatever it is have a plan and then you are in control of your responses, which negates some of the power it has over you.

People can be mats and it's not fair but you can't change them. You can change your reactions to a certain extent.

I would recommend looking into therapy, it was the best decision I ever made. Hope some of this might help x

Thank you. I’ve been looking at Loop earplugs as they seem good. I tried white noise, loud tv, cooking etc yesterday but all I could focus on was the thudding xx

 

[Cosmo]

Thank you. I’ve been looking at Loop earplugs as they seem good. I tried white noise, loud tv, cooking etc yesterday but all I could focus on was the thudding xx

I have Bose QC Noise cancelling headphones (over ear ones). Pricey but I was at the end of my tether and wanted something that would work. I'm sure cheaper ones do the same thing.

If it's bad I wear ear plugs, headphones over ears and play music through them. Can't hear anything then. I live in Bournemouth by the sea and as an example I couldn't hear any of the jet planes from the air show when it was on and they are stupidly loud!

 

[dinosaursideways]

Thank you. I’ve been looking at Loop earplugs as they seem good. I tried white noise, loud tv, cooking etc yesterday but all I could focus on was the thudding xx

I actually just bought Loop earplugs this week! I got the Experience but have decided to add on the Mute pack, not received that yet though.

My most recent job, in an open plan office, has really hammered home how hugely noise impacts my wellbeing. I took to having my normal headphones in and playing music, but that's a bit frowned upon. I tried the Loop out this week at work and while I wouldn't say it blocks the sound out, I think it made it easier for my brain to switch away from the noise and so to stop getting as....affected/wound up, if that makes sense? That's also why I want to try adding Mute, to see if there is more 'deadening'.

I'm also going to try sleeping with them in too. The only place I sleep well is at my parents, in the middle of the remote countryside, where it is dead silent. And my newfound awareness of my noise issues makes me think maybe I'd help myself if I can make my normal sleep better (I live on a very bad road.....have had to ring 999 this evening for road based chaos ).

@Cosmo thank you for your detailed replies earlier in this thread. I've been trying to address the detrimental impact my past traumatic experiences are having on me, and it just really helped to read your words.

 

[Lilithcatharsis]

I’ve had a really bad day with this today. There’s something about a sunny bank holiday that brings out the noisiest, most inconsiderate holes. I’ve had to endure 12 hours of constant thudding music from across the road. I even called the police but they don’t deal with noise nuisance now - makes me think they’d rather I deal with it myself which probably wouldn’t end well.

Please does anyone have any advice. I actually wish I was deaf sometimes (sometimes I even feel suicidal) because other peoples noise can really affect me. I’ve been in tears and unable to concentrate all day, I snapped at my partner because I was so irritated, I had to stop work early as I couldn’t focus.

Do I need to be looking at some sort of therapy?

I had neighbours like this and it got to the point it was genuinely destroying my life as I just couldn't relax in my own home anymore, environmental health were useless, even though she had reports to environmental health from previous tenants! I eventually just had to call it quits and move, my neighbours now are lovely and super quiet, so it can get better! The problem with bass music is NOTHING blocks it out, I tried everything, headphones, earplugs, white noise machine, and the only solution was to move. Unfortunately some people are just assholes and don't care how their actions effect you.

 

[Souffle]

I had neighbours like this and it got to the point it was genuinely destroying my life as I just couldn't relax in my own home anymore, environmental health were useless, even though she had reports to environmental health from previous tenants! I eventually just had to call it quits and move, my neighbours now are lovely and super quiet, so it can get better! The problem with bass music is NOTHING blocks it out, I tried everything, headphones, earplugs, white noise machine, and the only solution was to move. Unfortunately some people are just assholes and don't care how their actions effect you.

I’ve moved from bad neighbours before. This is the first house I’ve bought and have only lived here a few months so really can’t move again so soon. They’re not even really my neighbours, they’re on a different estate over the other side of a park. The police aren’t interested and I know that councils don’t care but I just think that’s asking for people to take matters into their own hands. I’m a complete wimp so I’d never confront them but someone else could and it could cause violence etc so I don’t know why the police don’t nip it in the bud before neighbours go to war

I actually just bought Loop earplugs this week! I got the Experience but have decided to add on the Mute pack, not received that yet though.

My most recent job, in an open plan office, has really hammered home how hugely noise impacts my wellbeing. I took to having my normal headphones in and playing music, but that's a bit frowned upon. I tried the Loop out this week at work and while I wouldn't say it blocks the sound out, I think it made it easier for my brain to switch away from the noise and so to stop getting as....affected/wound up, if that makes sense? That's also why I want to try adding Mute, to see if there is more 'deadening'.

I'm also going to try sleeping with them in too. The only place I sleep well is at my parents, in the middle of the remote countryside, where it is dead silent. And my newfound awareness of my noise issues makes me think maybe I'd help myself if I can make my normal sleep better (I live on a very bad road.....have had to ring 999 this evening for road based chaos ).

@Cosmo thank you for your detailed replies earlier in this thread. I've been trying to address the detrimental impact my past traumatic experiences are having on me, and it just really helped to read your words.

Can you please explain what Experience and Mute means?

 

[dinosaursideways]

Can you please explain what Experience and Mute means?

Loop have different kinds of earplugs. I bought the Experience ones, which they say decrease sound by 18db. Loop also do a kind of add on, Mute, which can decrease the sound further, and I've decided to buy that add on too.

 

[Get off my chest]

I have this too. My main triggers are nasal breathing, lip smacking, slopping while eating and any repetitive noise really. People think you're demented or you're making it up. I had someone tell me that I couldn't have misophonia because I'm a noisy person and therefore I'd drive myself insane Noone seems to understand this awful affliction. The sufferer rarely triggers themselves and its not one size fits all. Your ticks are not necessarily mine. Like other have said it gets worse when you have no control, like an inconsiderate neighbour allowing excess noise. A person without Misophonia can usually ignore it or drown it out, but for sufferers it can get in on you and send you into meltdown mode. I find I have no concentration in a meeting when someone breathes loudly or clicks a pen. If someone sits near me on public transport chewing gum I want to hurl myself out the window and I cant understand how grown adults chew with their mouth open or think its acceptable to snort snot into the back of their throat in public

Really can relate to you... the snot noise thing literally sends me into sensory overload and I start gagging... its like I can hear someone do it from miles away... even certain coughs drive me insane...

Glad I found this thread.
.

Sending everyone my hugs

 

[Savewaterdrinkgin]

Hi everyone came along for a rant/ beg for advice… I have very noisy heavy handed neighbours all they do is bang doors, cupboards and stomp around all day and night. We’re woken up constantly by it and knowing it affects us makes them do it more. I’ve got cptsd so banging is a trigger for me and sends me into an anxiety attack. Our old neighbours done it too and the reason we moved to this house not knowing it would repeat. I can sympathise with all those who get sensory overload and stress from certain noises. Pretty sure I also Have misophonia as I hate the sound of chewing or heavy breathing. Just wish people would be more considerate with their noise! Onto house hunting yet again to escape these irritating guys, hopefully one day I find us a house with quiet, respectful neighbours!

 

[SingingMonkeyTunes]

Hi everyone came along for a rant/ beg for advice… I have very noisy heavy handed neighbours all they do is bang doors, cupboards and stomp around all day and night. We’re woken up constantly by it and knowing it affects us makes them do it more. I’ve got cptsd so banging is a trigger for me and sends me into an anxiety attack. Our old neighbours done it too and the reason we moved to this house not knowing it would repeat. I can sympathise with all those who get sensory overload and stress from certain noises. Pretty sure I also Have misophonia as I hate the sound of chewing or heavy breathing. Just wish people would be more considerate with their noise! Onto house hunting yet again to escape these irritating guys, hopefully one day I find us a house with quiet, respectful neighbours!

Detached house will probably be your only option that will guarantee no noise. My partner is quite loud and just doesn't consider other people when walking around or shutting doors... but he says he's just living normally. Which I also kinda understand to an extent. But I feel you, it's so tough.

 

[simbi123]

Wow, I've finally found people that understand.

I wfh and we have very thin walls and I hear my brother shouting and walking across his room all day (sounds like the floor is going to cave in), and the noise absolutely drives me insane and leads me to even cry sometimes.

No one else seems to understand the stress it causes

 

[Savewaterdrinkgin]

I’d love a detached house but sadly as we rent and can’t afford a mortgage it’s proving impossible to find one. I know people should live their life’s how they please, but no one NEEDS to slam doors, or shout rather than talk to the person next to them, or stomp their feet when they can walk how they would in public. Normal noises would still make me jumpy but I’d know they’re not malicious, however when someone intentionally makes noises they don’t need to then it triggers me quite badly. I just don’t understand why bad neighbours exist! Surely everyone wants to be civil and friendly with people they have to live next to! Community spirit seems long gone in London based on when I was younger.

 

[Souffle]

I’d love a detached house but sadly as we rent and can’t afford a mortgage it’s proving impossible to find one. I know people should live their life’s how they please, but no one NEEDS to slam doors, or shout rather than talk to the person next to them, or stomp their feet when they can walk how they would in public. Normal noises would still make me jumpy but I’d know they’re not malicious, however when someone intentionally makes noises they don’t need to then it triggers me quite badly. I just don’t understand why bad neighbours exist! Surely everyone wants to be civil and friendly with people they have to live next to! Community spirit seems long gone in London based on when I was younger.

I’m sorry you’re going through this. I’ve been on this thread a few times whilst being at my wits end. I have a detached house, I bought it this year on a quiet little cul de sac full of what seems to be mainly elderly people so I thought it’d be peaceful and lovely. However the estate over the other side of the park has some really noisy and inconsiderate holes. Their constant bass music sends me into a meltdown - the volume doesn’t even have to be that loud, the bass just seems to travel and I can’t block it out. So whilst a detached house does help just be careful about the area and even the surrounding areas.

 

[TakeYourMama]

Has anyone actually purchased Loop earplugs? have they helped? I was tempted but when I see Instagram ads I kind of feel the product is scammy.