Noise sensitivity? What is this called?

[QuentinWinters]

Massively struggling today in a house with 3 other people all on different conferebce calls
I've always had a thing where I feel overwhelmed by lots of sources of noise. Not the volume but the amounts. So for example if I'm watching TV in one room, radio on somewhere else then someone starts speaking it makes me feel really agitated and on edge.
Does anyone else get this and have you got any tips? Lockdown with "live learning" is driving me demented

I have this too.. if we’re in the car with the radio on I have to switch it off to have a conversation - can’t stand doing both at the same time, it just stresses me out.

I don’t have any tips unfortunately... I just have to make sure doors are shut etc to block out the noise.

Can you get headphones for everyone in the house to listen to their own calls so you can’t hear them all?

hyperacusis

I wear earplugs most of the day. Can still hear everything but not so ‘much’

I get like this, especially if I’m tired or stressed. I actually think it’s pretty normal, we’re not designed to be listening to lots of different sources of noise at once. Open plan living/working has a lot to answer for!

I’d just remove sources of noise as much as possible. Headphones for people on calls is a good one, and if eg the radio is but no one is sitting listening to it, does it need to be on? In my house it’s my DP who is awful for wandering off leaving the tv blaring out, so if he’s not watching it I’ll make sure to turn it off. Also, noise cancelling headphones are a godsend, especially if you need to focus on something. I got a pair about a year ago and I’ve used them so much more than I thought I would, they are great.

King-Kopetzky syndrome?

Misophonia...

I second noise cancelling headphones. DH is an extrovert personality and is unable to conduct his calls quietly so these have been a boon. Sometimes I just have to pack myself off for a walk or get out of the house when it becomes overwhelming. I thought I was in a minority, so glad to understand I am not!

@Lockdownlovernotfromliverpool

Misophonia...

This!

I need periods of quiet every day. There are lots of noises which cause me real anxiety and when I’ve latched into them I can’t unlatch easily.

Eating sounds is one which is know is misphonia.

But another example would be DH came to bed later than me last night, I was reading, and he was talking about the news and I just found his level of voice intolerable. Then he went into our bathroom and I couldn’t unhear his teeth being cleaned, having a wee or flushing the loo, then him rustling the quilt and breathing, all of which meant I couldn’t focus on the book. And it’s not just DH to be clear - any other noise, human or otherwise, can do this.

I also (randomly) struggle to sleep without focusing on a gently ticking clock. I get great comfort conversely from sounds like clocks. But someone chewing or tapping, or having to listen to someone else’s music or TV which I can’t control will send me to the brink.

Misophonia is quite different.

It sounds more like hyperacusis than Misophonia but ultimately you’re receiving sensory overload

Currently we’re shut in with 1 severe Misophonia sufferer and 2 mild sufferers the fourth person is a loud autistic man!

I get you’re pain, good noise cancelling headphones are a god send, the teens who are online schooling have Bose ones, dd who is a very severe sufferer also has AirPods that noise cancel

White pink and brown noise are very soothing

DH has Jabra noise cancelling headphones which are brilliant but unfortunately stop him being aware that he is talking too loudly so I spend quite a bit of my time reminding him

It probably sounds silly but reminding family members to close doors will also reduce overall household noise

Sometimes I just go and sit in the car in peace

I hadn't even thought of noise cancelling headphones, duh. Might order some now :) glad to know it isn't just me.
mykittens what you say about DH is spot on. I'll be fine e.g. watching TV while a child has music on in their room, then another child will start talking and it just gives me the rage. Can't concentrate.
Lockdown is a nightmare7

I also (randomly) struggle to sleep without focusing on a gently ticking clock

See this would tip me over the edge. A gently ticking clock would become my brain's sole focus until it ended up sounding like someone was banging a gong next to my head.

I can't sleep with any noise or light. Getting worse as I get old. Even a tiny charging light keeps me awake

@QuentinWinters hey! How are you now ? My ears are bothering me so much xxx