Sensory overload

[worriedandannoyed]

I've always thought I was quite neurotypical but since I've had kids I've started to think again.

I'm so sensitive to noise, repetitive noises bother me a lot. Noises from lots of different sources bother me too, I can focus on what someone is saying if there's lots of other noises in the background. Having kids has made this very apparent!

In a shop today the music was really really loud, it wasn't busy but the music was so overpowering I couldn't remember what I wanted/needed and I couldn't wait to leave.

So I was wondering, is this normal 😂 does everyone else find this difficult?

I’m very sensitive to types of noise, it’s got much worse since lockdown and I got used to working in a quiet space.

I hate getting on a train and hearing tinny music from someone’s earphones or hear people chewing. Ditto, loud music in shops. The worst is having the tv on and being able to hear someone watching a video or listening to music

Are you stressed? I find sensory stuff affects me a lot more if I am, especially when my children were little

Oh totally agree

Are you a sensory seeker / avoider within anything else? If it is just noise and background noise then look at auditory processing disorder. It’s relatively common. And use subtitles on films with lots of background noise - total game changer.

Yes I do tend to find it a lot worse when I'm stressed. It's definitely a processing issue, I used to try and explain it to my ex how I just had to get out the room when the kids were arguing, tv was loud, phone ringing etc all at the same time. It can be quite extreme. Repetitive noises make me so agitated very quickly. I don't remember it being an issue when I was younger but maybe I just hadn't realised that noise was so triggering to my mood.

It's nice to know I'm not alone thanks. I'll look up auditory processing disorder. I think it's just sound that is an issue for me

I used to think it was like there were too many tracks playing in my head at once. It was really bad when the kids were small because there was no getting away from it.
Now they have grown up it’s rarely an issue as I can just walk away and get the break I need which makes me think it was circumstantial rather than neurological. I had PND at the time too and I think it was all just too much

Yes, I’m very noise sensitive. I spent a very quiet 12 months with my daughter when she was born - no TV and very little radio. I really struggled when I went back to work. There are certain noises which freak me out now. Yet I’m ok with lots of screaming children!!

Well it's normal for me, but I am autistic (recently diagnosed as an adult in my late 30s).

I cannot bear repetitive or conflicting noise!

Apparently Loop earplugs help, I haven't tried them myself yet though.

@sparklemagicsnow

Well it's normal for me, but I am autistic (recently diagnosed as an adult in my late 30s).

I cannot bear repetitive or conflicting noise!

Apparently Loop earplugs help, I haven't tried them myself yet though.

Interesting that you mention you are autistic as both my children have autistic traits and I do struggle socially at times.

Thanks for all the replies