Yuletide Transforms Into a Terrifying Experience for Individuals Living with Sound Sensitivity.

One young woman hopes for being with her family over the holidays, but notes one of the only ways she'll manage to get through it is by relying on her hearing protection - especially during the holiday meal.

In her case, this time of year is a especially challenging season as the noises of other people chewing, sipping loudly and nose-blowing make her feel extremely uncomfortable.

"I experience this wave of instant dread, my every muscle will just tighten and it seems as if I'm in a threatening situation, and I need to stop these sounds."

Lottie has lived with this condition since she was 16 and for her that makes the holiday period "deeply taxing".

Misophonia is a reduced tolerance to certain sounds, particularly those produced by individuals.

It is prevalent amongst adults. A study discovered a significant portion of people suffer from it.

Frequently it's sounds connected to bodily functions that lead to discomfort, as well as things like chewing, breathing, and pen clicking.

Triggering Stress

Lottie says: "I face so many assorted problematic noises at Christmas 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 upset others. It's like a constant struggle of managing my symptoms to ensure the event goes smoothly."

So it's obvious why the most wonderful period can transform into a source of agony for sufferers.

Sounds that may be considered normal, like someone sipping a beverage, rustling a roll of wrapping paper, or eating the holiday meal can provoke a powerful reaction that can even cause them avoiding social settings altogether.

Jenna, a young adult, who has struggled with sound sensitivity since aged 10, says currently her plan is to listen to music to get through dinner. Usually, she would usually isolate herself in a quiet area to minimize problematic noises.

She says her sensitivity is more intense around people she's closest to, so the holidays is always "hard".

"There's an expectation to be around loved ones, and I want to, but it's exhausting on all levels.

"It's like this sudden rage takes hold, which can feel awkward, or I'll feel anxious and immediately start crying and then the stress response will kick in.

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

Three Ways to Cope

If it's an issue then there are various strategies you can try to cope the situation, according to clinical psychologists.

1. Picture a Different Scenario: Mental imagery is crucial. Try to associate the triggering sound bothering you with something completely different. So for example, try to envision someone's slurping is just a sink draining water. This technique is to retrain your mind that the sound triggering you is neutral.
2. Try a Competition: Use lightheartedness and turn the annoying sound into a challenge involving the source. For instance, if someone is crunching loudly have a go at mimicking the sound. By joining in, rather than feeling like the sound is being imposed on you, you become an active participant. And the game aspect should help distract your brain and make you somewhat less sensitive.
3. Develop a Narrative: One more method is to try to fabricate an explanation about the reason someone creating the sound is having to make that sound. Imagine if someone was making a nasal sound, perhaps they're not in good health or are troubled. This approach is altering the perception of the sound. While the noise stays the same, your reaction of it moves from being aggravating, to feeling a bit more accepting about it.