Noise sensitivity - please help

[Thesheerrelief]

43-year-old perimenopausal woman, diagnosed with ADHD almost two years ago. As I get older I'm finding I'm more and more sensitive to noise. Repetitive noise, conflicting sounds etc. And I'm more sensitive to it at busy or stressful times.

I see my dad who is 84 a lot. He needs help with various things and also lived with me for a few months during the year when his health wasn't good. Understandably at 84 his hearing is poor, so he is loud. He bellows, slams doors, talks across people because he doesn't realise they are talking. He also taps a lot - drums the table with his fingers or taps his foot while whistling. I only ask him to stop if I've been listening for quite a while and it's really getting to me. Then he can't stop straight away but has to do it a few more times because he thinks it's funny.

I have a six-year-old son who I parent by myself and a busy job. It's a busy house and I'm really struggling with my reaction to noises and how to handle it.

Does anyone have any advice?

A friend of mine has had great success with "Loops" for a similar problem to yours.

They find them very non intrusive, but I know they might be a sensory nightmare for some people.

Thank you. I'll give them a try. Yesterday was particularly bad.

Thank you. I'll give them a try. Yesterday was particularly bad.

I've just started using Loops. I think the model I've got is Engage2. They don't silence noise, just mute it. It's softer, less jangly IYSWIM. I find them comfortable to wear, but need to get used to the way they seem to make my own voice so much louder. But that's around everyday noise, I think the effect might not be as striking in an overwhelmingly noisy environment.

Listening to something else (podcast, music, audio book) might help shift the focus a bit. I often have one AirPod in so I can still hear the kids but I need to engage my brain with other sounds.

Recently upgraded to the kind of AirPods that can switch between blocking out noise, and letting it through and it is bliss sometimes to shut everything out for a few minutes.

Similar boat, I find kitchen noises worst - spoon on plate kind, or dishwasher being unloaded - when someone else is doing it. I've taken to earplugs when sleeping. Looks like I need them in the day too.

a white noise machine with fan noise really helps and I use noise cancelling headphones if needs be as well. I will play rain noise or music if I want to block.out all sound and I always use ear plugs at night. I struggle with noise now as well and it definitely has got worse with age.

My DD uses loops and they really help her. Otherwise she walks around with headphones that cover her ears completely

Loops help me. As does taking regular time away from the noise which I know is not always practical!

Another vote for loops!

Loop Switches are good. I think even getting five minutes of silence can make a big difference.