Yuletide Transforms Into a Living Hell for Individuals Living with Sound Sensitivity.

Lottie is looking forward to spending time with her loved ones during the festive period, but says a primary method she'll manage to get through it is by wearing her earplugs - especially during the main festive feast.

For the 23-year-old, Christmas often feels like a notably tough time as the auditory triggers of people eating, drinking noisily and nose-blowing trigger extremely uncomfortable.

"I get this wave of instant dread, my entire being will just freeze and it as though I'm in danger, and I need to somehow control these noises."

She has experienced sound sensitivity since she was 16 and for her that renders the festive season "deeply taxing".

Misophonia is a reduced tolerance to particular auditory triggers, especially noises coming from those around you.

The condition is widespread amongst adults. A study reported nearly 20% people are affected by it.

Frequently it's sounds connected to eating or drinking that cause distress, as well as things like chewing, breathing, and pen clicking.

A Source of Dread

Lottie says: "You encounter so many assorted problematic noises at the holidays and that can be daunting and make you dread it.

"My family are aware, but I'm very aware that I don't want to upset others. It's like a really big battle of sacrificing my own sanity to guarantee everyone else is happy."

So it's obvious why the most wonderful period can transform into a living nightmare for sufferers.

Triggers that may seem harmless, like someone sipping a beverage, rustling a roll of wrapping paper, or enjoying festive food can cause a visceral feeling that can even cause them skipping events entirely.

Jenna, a young adult, who has struggled with sound sensitivity for over a decade, says currently her plan is to put her earphones in to manage the meal. Typically, she would usually isolate herself in a separate space to avoid triggering sounds.

She says her misophonia is more intense around people she's closest to, so Christmas is always "challenging".

"There is pressure to socialize with loved ones, and I desire to, but it's physically and mentally challenging.

"I feel as if this sudden rage comes over me, which can feel awkward, or I'll feel panicked and burst into tears and then panic will kick in.

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

A Few Techniques to Handle It

If you suffer then there are a few methods you can try to cope the situation, as suggested by clinical psychologists.

1. Imagine an Alternative: Mental imagery is crucial. Attempt to link the triggering sound bothering you with an unrelated image. So for example, try to imagine someone's slurping is just a sink draining water. This technique is to retrain your mind that the sound affecting you is neutral.
2. Try a Competition: Introduce playfulness and make the irritating noise into a competition with the person. For instance, if someone is crunching loudly have a go at mimicking the sound. By mimicking, rather than feeling like the sound is unwanted, you become an willing part. And the game aspect should help redirect your focus and make you somewhat less sensitive.
3. Develop a Narrative: One more method is to try to invent a reason about why the person making the noise is behaving that way. Imagine if someone was sniffing, perhaps they're not at their best or are troubled. The idea is changing the meaning of the sound. While the noise remains identical, your interpretation of it shifts from being irritating, to feeling a little more neutral about it.