Does everything really need to be so loud?

107 replies

orbitalcrisis · 19/09/2022 08:23

I didn't put this in Autism as I wanted replies from a wider range of people and thought this would be a better place to get that, is it really necessary for everything to be so loud?

I have autism and I find SO many places far too loud! Also bright and busy but that's another thread. It can be very overwhelming and tiring and at times actually physically painful. I wouldn't want to ruin other people's enjoyment but, would it really ruin you day if the volume was turned down a little? Theme parks and cinemas are the worst, but even back ground music in supermarkets and shopping malls, do they even need music? Are they a necessary part of your enjoyment and if they are, would you object to them being a little quieter so we can all be comfortable?

I don't expect the whole world to change for my preferences and comfort, I just wondered whether it REALLY is that important and why. Would you struggle to hear it if it was quieter? Would shopping malls and supermarkets be depressing without any music at all?

YABU: It's an important part of the ambience and has to be that loud
YANBU: Turning it down is fine with me!

OP posts:

midlifecrash · 19/09/2022 14:48

Also people watching tablets and phones WITH THE SOUND ON in public places, wear bloody earphones, and teach your kids to do this too. Also this new thing of cyclists playing loud music as they ride along. Why? Fucking stop it

Freebeee · 19/09/2022 16:05

zurala · 19/09/2022 10:26

I'm autistic, so I agree!
I now ask for it to be turned down, and if they won't, then I tell them I'm autistic and adding as a reasonable adjustment under the Disability Discrimination Act, which so far has always had the desired was l effect. But I wish I didn't have to do that, and instead the environment was just pleasant already.

Sorry to nitpick, but it's now the equality act 2010, the disability discrimination act is repealed. No saying this to be nasty, just incase you didn't know x

keeptalkinghappytalk · 19/09/2022 16:09

YANBU … and the very worst has to be people in cafes and restaurants who yell and shriek and scream ! It’s a new thing, and part of the ‘ I’m having fun so sod the rest of you ‘ culture that’s creeping in

veganmayo · 19/09/2022 16:16

I listen to my own music/podcasts/TV pretty loud but I absolutely cannot stand going into a shop that's blaring music so loud you can't have a conversation.

I don't know why it makes it harder to think, even though the music in my own headphones might be louder...

I think I just hate that it's forced on everyone whereas nobody else has to hear the things that I choose to play loudly in the privacy of my own home/airpods (and can turn off/down when I want to)!

So from someone who actually likes loud music/movies etc - yanbu.

girlfriend44 · 19/09/2022 21:23

DrNo007 · 19/09/2022 08:58

I agree and am not autistic. Restaurants and pubs are the worst as I can’t hear my dining companions if there is loud background music and don’t appreciate having to shout. Films and TV dramas often have such loud background music I can’t hear the dialogue. And every tradesman I employ seems to put a radio on at full blast as soon as they get here (yes I do ask them to turn it down or off but feel like a right party pooper).

It's called music while you work and it's not uncommon.
Personally I find it abit sombre and morgue like with no music on.

Agree the adverts on tv are loud though.

user1471538283 · 20/09/2022 16:40

We went to a restaurant last year that had good reviews but oh my god it had radio one on so loudly that we couldnt hear each other! Across a small table for sunday lunch!

We asked and they turned it down. Moved tables but it was still too loud. We couldnt get the servers attention because of the volume.

I was so stressed that we didnt go back.

ofwarren · 20/09/2022 16:41

I knew this would be a post by an autistic person as soon as I read the title
YADNBU OP
Solidarity from another autistic

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