Sensitive to particular noises

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Sensitive to particular noises

by dmw
(georgia)

I am 44 and have often wondered what is wrong with me! Noises... especially smacking, gum popping absolutely drive me crazy. It is impossible go anywhere without hearing someone with gum. Even if they aren't really smacking it... gum drives me crazy.

I feel like I am going to come out of my skin if made to sit in an area where this is going on. I often times have to move seats in the middle of church or a movie. I don't know what to do... I can't stand it and don't want to become a hermit just so I don't have to hear it. Makes me feel like I'm really crazy!

Help... any suggestions?

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Sensitive to particular noises

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Feb 04, 2012
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I want to kill people who crinkle paper!
by: Anonymous

I'm glad not to bela lone with this noise stuff. Mouth noises like people biting their nails or eating with their mouth open drives me nuts. Worse than that though is crinkling certain kinds of paper like potato chip bags and receipts. I'm sitting at the doctors office right now and the lady next to me is looking at every receipt (and unraveling them very slowly) she had stuffed into her wallet to see if she should throw it away. I just want her to f'ing leave already!

Does anyone have any techniques for dealing with this? I wind up trying to breath deep and distract myself but it doesn't always work and sometimes just gets worse. It makes me so irritable and anxious. It makes my skin crawl and I just want to scream. What do we do???????????

Jan 30, 2012
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kissing sounds on tv
by: STEFANI

Why do shows up the volume when people kiss? It sounds like slurping sounds and I hate it. Is it me or does producer or directors think slurping sounds when people are kissing sounds good?

Jan 30, 2012
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I feel ya
by: Anonymous

I have the same problem. if someone is eating chips, i have to eat also or leave the room or knock them out :) I stopped going to movies because of those brief seconds when its quiet drives me crazy. commercials that have people crunching chips or cereal make me rush to change the station.I can't stand people eating soup or slurping coffee. Gum heavy breathing all drive me insane. I've always wondered what could be done about it. Thought i was alone with this issue.

Jan 29, 2012
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So I'm NOT crazy!!!
by: Anonymous

This is absolutely CRAZY!! I've always just thought I was insane! The softer the noise, the "louder" it is to me. My family eating at the dinner table, smacking, crunching, tapping their plate with their fork, people breathing, gum chewing, breathing into their cup...it makes my insides boil! I feel like they are doing it loud on purpose just to irritate me. I guess they aren't and now I know I'm not crazy! At least now I may can tolerate it.

Jan 28, 2012
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SOUND - NOOO
by: Anonymous

I used to have nightmares of repetitive sounds so when I was young I was more scared of them. Now I CAN NOT STAND!!!!! THE FOLLOWING:

Clocks/watches ticking. {I can hear them when no one else can}
People laughing {Depends on pitch, girls high giggle really, REALLY fucking irritates me}
The sounds my boyfriends Mum makes {Including a high pitched giggle thing}
Car front door alarms.
People mumbling.
People eating. Some people hum when they eat. Gahh.
Two things on at once that emit different sounds.
Clicking of a mouse.
Alarms.
Kids crying.
That's all I can think of for now. . .

Jan 22, 2012
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tired of it
by: SA

I've been this way since a teenager that I can remember. Mostly gum popping, smacking drives me crazy. I did see there's a specific name for the disorder on Good Morning America but I don't remember what it is. I was so relieved to find out that other people have this too. I have annoyed my family and friends by asking them to get rid of their gum. I'm 51 now and it's never gotten better. It can ruin church, a movie, class, or any event where I'm sitting by someone who's smacking. It literally nearly drives me crazy and makes me very angry. I wish I knew where I could get some help......

Jan 22, 2012
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bad manners
by: Anonymous

I too cannot tolerate disgusting sounds.

My Mum has the worst manners of
*sniffing up"
*very loud throat clearing
*hacking up phlegm

This happens every day, all day and she even does this in public.

The other disgusting thing is she will Sneeze into her hands and then touch things like the steering wheel or phone.

She will cough and sneeze onto things like the phone or computer.

She refuses to do this in private or change.

I have learned just to use a sanitizing wipe before I use anything after her use.

Jan 20, 2012
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I'M SO RELIEVED!
by: meghan

Okay, so I'm a normal 14 year old girl. I've been struggling with this "problem" ever since I was little. I've always felt as if I wasn't normal, like I was weird, and stupid, because all of these little thing bothered me to the point where I'm ready to scream! Things such as:
- People eating
- Computer mouse clicking, computer keyboards
- My sister texting on her phone, just the sound of the buttons make me cringe!
- snoring, with a passion!
- breathing
- yawning
- swallowing/gulping
- clearing of the throat, coughing
- The sound of when people set down their coffee cups on a table or counter.
- When people are talking on the phone from another room, and I can hear them.
Some actions and movements bother me too,
- When my mom eats, she'll put her hand underneath her hair by her neck, I dont know why it bothers me, but it does.
- When people stare, oh my gosh.
- When I can see someone tapping their foot, or moving in the corner of my eye.

I've always had this problem, and it really irritates me, I've felt like such a selfish, stupid freak for the longest time. Noone understands when I tell them about it, I feel so alone. I am so relieved to know that there other people going through the same situation as me

My family gets so mad when I tell them to stop doing something because it bothers me. It's gotten to the point where I just say "You know what, The tiniest sounds bother me, it's just how I am, there's nothing I can do about it, send me to therapy if it's that bad!!!!" It's a hard thing to go through. I don't want to live the rest of my life like this!

Eating at the dinner table is SO hard for me. I have to have my earbuds in listening to music because I cannot stand the sound of people chewing,their silverware hitting their plates. When I go to sleep at night, I have to have a fan on so I dont have to hear all the noises that will bother me. Half the time I have to plu my ears just to fall asleep.

It's good to know that I'm not the only one going though this, it really is.

Jan 18, 2012
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Really ?
by: Anonymous

I love these posters who"blame" it on others ? "I've come to associate it with stupidity? "immature,rude people with bad manners" wow ?
hypersensitivity/ hyper irritability is the bottom line, has ZERO to do with others...

Jan 18, 2012
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Bang that thing one more time and I'll.......
by: QUIET ON THE SET!

Anna said she was sensitive to these and so am I:
- food smacking, chewing sounds
- twiddling of keys
- twiddling change in a pocket UGH!!!
- snorting or sniffing mucus in the nose
- conflicting sounds (radio and TV on at the same time)
- bass from other idiots vehicles turned too high
- repeated clearing of throat
- off-key whistling -- OMG yes!
- some pitches in yelling or speaking voices

Some of these noises literally HURT my ears. It may be interesting to note I am a musician -- singer and pianist and extremely sensitive to tone and pitch."

SNAP CRACKLE POP made a good point -- Do I need help, or does SOCIETY?! -

Exactly.
I am not sure that this is a dysfunction of ours as much as it is also brought on by immature, rude people with bad manners and oblivious to other people.

Currently, I have the following annoyances at work that are driving me to anger.

Slamming of doors and cabinets
jingling change in pockets
loud talkers who yell to their friend while walking to the office
packing tape dispensers and slamming them down
dragging feet
and a salesman who is constantly picking up his stack of forms and bangs them onto his desk several times to 'align' them. Every. 30. seconds. I am beside myself with frustration.

But he used to do other things like:
coughing obsessively. that stopped.
drumming his fingers on his desk. That stopped thank God.
Now it's his stack of papers that he taps loudly onto his desk.
I wasn't sure if it was OCD or just being an oblivious man or something he needed as a salesman to 'psych' himself up before a cold call. I could tolerate the latter.... but now it's become a constant habit. I have had enough.

I do not know how to cope.
If he has OCD, the advice is that I can't tell him to please stop it bcse he can't. SHEESH!!!

I would appreciate help dealing with him.

Jan 18, 2012
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Crunching is affecting my job
by: JPT

I need to be in a room with co-workers for a project I am on. They are all crunchers and smackers! They bring in carrots, nuts, gum etc and have them going all day long. It is actually giving me headaches and affecting my ability to concentrate and do my job. Why am I the only one bothered by the noises in the room?!??

Jan 18, 2012
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Hello
by: Anonymous

I want to talk to some one else that has this.For so long I thort it was only me.this disorder controls so much of my life.Feeling the same? email me at ellen_h_74@windowslive.com

Jan 18, 2012
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I have this
by: Anonymous

I'm 22 and have what ever this is all my life.But mine is worse its not just gum but all chewing noises and breathing, sniffing , clicking and tapping. pretty much and repetitive noise.I have trouble being around people. the only thing that helps is acupuncture. I just went to make my mother happy but the guy made me almost deaf so I could only hear things that i was paying attention to or looking at.Try it, it changed my life.

Jan 17, 2012
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I'm not the only one
by: Anonymous

i think we're all normal and everybody else has bad habits...

Jan 17, 2012
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I'm shocked at how many others there are
by: Anonymous

As I sit here in my living room with my family that i love so much, i cringe when one of them walks in the room with food. i literally can't stand to be around anyone for that matter when i hear chewing, fork scraping, etc.. i wish there was a way to make these feelings stop. the rage that i get from these noises are explainable and i can't comprehend why on earth it bothers me so much but it does. i can't function around these noises especially when trying to write something and collect my thoughts. ALL I HEAR ARE THE NOISES AND THE CHEWING. it makes me feel terrible when i get so mad at people to the point where i have to make a comment and make them feel bad. HELP ME!!

Thank you fellow people with the same problems for letting me feel less crazy.

Jan 17, 2012
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lip smacking makes me see red
by: Anonymous

It's so easy to blame ourself for being intolerant, and maybe we are.

I've also been highly intolerant of this people chewing food with their mouths open, smacking their lips like little babies. And that's the thing - it's something most people learn to control when they're kids - but they stop eating with their mouths open, they stop smacking when they grow up. So when adult people do it - it annoys the hell out of me. It's rude, it's disrespectful to others - they're oblivious to manners. I've come to associate it with stupidity - I've never met a smart person who smack when they eat. It's this more than the sound that bothers me.

Jan 08, 2012
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Wow
by: Michelle

I found this page while looking for info on loud chewers. My partner's chewing brings me to a level of tense that I can't believe. I know he isn't trying to drive me crazy, but I even started choosing quiet foods for dinner and no croutons, chips, or nuts. At the rate I am going he will only be getting oatmeal for dinner and even that will require background music playing. I have always been sensitive to many sounds that don't bother others and now I know why. It helps to know I am not alone.

Jan 07, 2012
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I have just Googled this sentence...
by: ZM

I have just Googled this sentence...'the sound of my cat licking herself drives me insane' and found this thread.

At this second I am going through a personal hell. I have gotten into bed, my cat has entered the room, and started to lick herself. It is going through me to the point i want to throw her out of the window! It is like what I imagine the phrase 'nails to a chalkboard' is, and it make me angry, upset, full of rage and irritability.
I love my cat, but I cannot handle the noises anymore!
I have just thrown a slipper at her and she has stopped, but i am still irritated.

Thing is, its not just cat licking bum noises that rile me up! People eating is another, and unfortunately my partner is a lip smacker and a noisy eater. I have screamed at him before for his noisy eating.

Once he starts snoring at night, thats it, I cannot fall asleep. Its like a race to fall asleep first, otherwise the noise just irritates me and I'm awake most of the night.

How do we go about getting this fixed, before I actually punch someone? (lol)

Infairness, I did come very close to screaming at a complete stranger on the train once-he was sat behind me sucking and chomping on sweets the entirety of my journey, and I was almost vomiting.

Help?

Jan 05, 2012
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its destroying my relationship and my life
by: Anonymous

in school the tapping of rulers has made me shout and almost launch at people because I try so hard no to say anything that I eventually break and explode at them.

Now more then 7 years later I find myself going mad at nearly everything around me from the washing machine, to the backing noises on tv programs but the thing that has made the problem most apparent is my 3 year old son, I hate myself for it but I find my self stopping him from even being a little boy and running round the house shouting because at times I feel that im going to explode an do something stupid, I don’t know what I am supposed to do anymore because even leaving the room dosn’t help I put music on to try and block it out but some how I can still only hear that noise, I guess it has never been as much as a problem because asking a 20 year old man to stop whistling is far more acceptable then forcing your 3 year old child to stop making noises that make him a child, but what am I supposed to do.

This problem is going to destroy my family I have been to the doctors but am now on a waiting list, I just hope the help comes before it is to late.

Jan 03, 2012
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Going Bonkers right now
by: Anonymous

As I type this my supersweet 13 year old is eating Chex Mix..the crunching and all is driving me bonkers. I seriously cannot take the noises of crunching, gum smacking, forks on a plate...sigh. I want to run and hide forever, that is how bad it is. But, I sit here and deal with it. Hard, so hard to do, especially at the movies..I want to cry.

Hopefully, one day it will no longer bother me...

Dec 28, 2011
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i have found my people
by: tingler00

yep. you all would be the quietest party i would ever attend. a self help group for sensory issues. ha ha.
this problem has strained relations with my family.
had me almost getting my butt kicked as i shout at cars with subwoofers.
tell others to stop talking loud on cellphones.
yelling at peoples dogs to be quiet.
even telling myself i eat to loud!
this disorder sux but most of us are geniuses at what we do for careers. i often wear earplugs just to keep sanity at a good level.all i can say is, there seems to be no cure. alcohol, marijuana, all those "cures" that are supposed to mellow you out, dont.

Dec 23, 2011
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Oh.my. gosh.
by: Anonymous

I am floored. I never in a millions years thought I would come across so many people with issues similar to mine.I actually had to stop reading all the comments because I found myself getting worked up just reading about certain scenarios that make me crazy as well. I am glad I am not alone, but would like to know how to combat this. Many nights my dinner table is excruciating for me to sit through, among many other occasions in my life! I owe it to my kids, my husband and myself to try to make things better. After reading through the recommended website (http://www.soundsensitivity.info/symptoms-and-triggers)it seems like the only current treatment are either impossible (earplugs are out though I sure WANT to use them!- I have four kids!)or things I already do which is kind of a let down.

I do love my White Noise app I came across for my iphone though. It has some good sounds that do calm me and allow me to fall asleep. I used to run a fan every night to block out any odd sounds.

Dec 21, 2011
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Just want help
by: Anonymous

I have suffered with this for so long and never knew there was actually a name for it.As I got older,it became worse.Its to the point where it controls my life.I just want help and don't know where to turn.Knowing others have the same problem helps.

Dec 17, 2011
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things are changin !
by: Brian

My reason for searching this,recently I acquired a sub woofer,hooked it up & the sensation from it was just disturbing & caused immediate high anxiety & queezy stomach,New to me! never had this prob b4.Now just low bass with loud speakers is highly unnerving. A couple years ago,summer,in the morning, windows open Jets were flying over like they always have being in a flight path,10 mi from O'hare,the sound of the engines went right through me & was highly disturbing to my core.Irritability & anger are through the stratosphere these days,in the check out line people behind me always "HAVE" to get that dividing bar up there reaching & bumping me in the process or just stand 6 " away while swiping the debit card..I'm gonna hit someone soon,my dog has a soft flubby mouth - Cheeks ? after he eats there is a 10 minute suction slurping clearing the debris from his mouth,now it drives me mad, I snap & tell him to get lost! poor guy..Vertigo is more & more prevalent,underlying at all times,when I take a step at times feels like my feet aren't there? or stepping into something deep and soft ? Visually door frames look crooked,floors appear at an angle,like in batman shows.I hate driving now, people just frikkin suck & don't give a crap about anyones life..too many rages which I simply can not afford on any level...theres more,Im not a Hypochond. stuffs just goin wrong...just shoot me.I cant believe all from ? GAD ?

Dec 14, 2011
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to noises and movement
by: tara t.

we understand where you're coming from, we feel the same way. yes, it's worse with my family and those who are closest to me as an article i read said that is usually the case. the way i 'cope' with it is to just get up and leave a room. when the husband starts chewing on something while watching tv or moving his feet around and around ugh. that's the worst) i'll just simply get up and tell him im going downstairs for the night. we have tv downstairs also and i'll finish whatever im watching. it 'breaks up' my annoyance and i think its best to pick your battles. as for the aunt, she wont understand if you tell or ask her to stop doing something. unfortunately she'll prob think your either a brat or nutty and more than likely not respect your wishes. (if she does, she wont be happy about it) so i think its best to just remove yourself from the situation. just politely excuse yourself from uncomfortable situations. it's all we can do. if i asked everyone to please stop what they were doing i'd have no friends left at all. lol so, just hang in there.

does anyone else have trouble with personal space? just curious. the older i get the more 'crowded' i feel as well. i can hardly stand to sit in bleachers or stay in lines where ppl are TOO close to me. i get the same anger feeling and i want to yell 'back off'. haven't seen much mentioned about that, maybe they're not related at all. even when ppl are standing in front of me talking to me i want them to back up a little (i just move myself backwards and hope the dont 'follow')

Dec 12, 2011
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Glad it's just not me!
by: Anonymous

I am SO happy this has a name!
I thought it was just me being a grump.
I cant stand to hear people eating, smacking their utensils on their dish,snore,dogs drinking or cleaning themselves, a loud t.v or radio.
I just showed my husband this site and his reply was it's all in my head:/
Is there something that can take the edge off of what i feel when I hear these noises?
Thank you.

Dec 10, 2011
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noises and movement
by: Anonymous

im only 15 years old, and ive had this since i was 10 but its felt like forever. i can control it sometimes but other days i could go off with out any warning to me or anyone else. It manly happens with my family and people close to me. i hate always having to tell them to stop the annoying sounds and movements they make, seeing as its not their fault, its mine. but now-a-days its getting worst and i yell instead of asking them to stop, but now i just cant control myself. To them it seems im a selfish brat but even when i tell them how i feel they still think im a little sh*t. and its drawing me away from my family :(

Whats worst is most of my close friends and some of my family know about it by hearing from my other family members like my siblings or my mum, but they think its just the way i am and look down on me. i try my best and hardest not to get angry with them when they irritate me but i feel like i need to seriously hurt someone or cause some major damage to something if i keep it in. it feels like i need to have a major fit to become relaxed again.

i only tell my very close family members to not to do what annoys me (which makes me feel so guilty) but with other people i feel i cant for respect reasons (for example. if it were my aunty that annoyed me i definately have no right to tell her what to do. but because i dont spend much time with her i dont get as annoyed.)

i came to this page seeing if anyone else felt what i did and that im not alone and i relised im not. so i wanted to write this for anyone else that has this problem and doesnt know about it yet.

also ive been putting my faith in god to take care of this situation, and i trust him that i wont go insane or do anything i would regret. and i feel soo much better when i ask god to comfort me in this times.

another thing... heres some of the things that irritate me:

SOUNDS:
*people clearing their throut
*humming
*when my mum or the very close people to me are faintly talking in another room or outside and i cant hear them out my window. or when ther eat.
*the sound of people picking their nails.
*repetitive little sounds.
ect.

MOVEMENT: .... (i find this extremely obsured. but it annoys me anyways)
*moving or playing with their fingers
*people moving their feet and legs for no reason?
*repetitive movments
*tapping feet on ground
ect.

ONE MORE IMPORTANTS THING: FOR ME I FEEL THAT IF I DONT THINK OF THIS AS SUCH A BIG ISSUE AND ITS NOT SOMETHING THAT I WILL ALLOW TO CONTROL MY LIFE I FEEL ALMOST LIKE A NORMAL PERSON :) also thanks to god :) and for me because im a christian, whenever i get seriouly irritated when i get into fits, afterwards somehow its draws me to reading the bible and during i pray more and always brings me to remember god is first and hes always watching out for me and caring for me and that he should be my number one and not be selfish and just go back to my normal life after i pray :)

Dec 08, 2011
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Make room for one more
by: Tara T.

I was watching 'The Doctors" the other day and heard them talk briefly about Misophonia. I knew it was me. i had never heard anything like it before and wouldnt have even guessed it was a disorder. I assumed i was just a cranky old irritable lady (i just turned 42 last week). It DOES seem to be worse with people i am close to as a site "misophonia-UK" something stated. (sorry, i should have looked it up before commenting and had an accurate link. someone posted it previously)

I remember repetitive actions bugging the crap out of me as a child. My grandpa repeatedly lifting his leg and thumping his heel to the floor (i dont know why he did this, assume his leg ached/bothered him) My dad sharpening his knives at night, ugh! what a horrible sound to have to listen too. did it for hours it seemed. My sister chewing her nails as she drove (as soon as she got behind the wheel, she'd start gnawing. wth sis?!) and NOW it's my husband. STOP CHEWING ICE CUBES ALREADY! the clink of the ice in the glass as he picks it up and puts it down makes me want to PUNCH him! hard! and the i have to listen to him CHEW. he knows this bugs me and tries to do it very quietly now, but as most of you would probably agree, its still very frustrating. him sucking on hard candies, BAM! lucky he doesnt go to work the next day with a black eye ;) im also normally a happy person, but this can alter my mood in a split second. from calm to pissed off.

i rarely let my daughter chew bubble gum as a child (because of the bubble blowing mainly, she did have to chew it with her mouth closed if at all) my husband tries to blow bubbles (well, he used to. now i wont let him) I LOVED the comment earlier about not liking seeing people's mouths move when they ate. you could not watch/look at them, but you still KNEW they were doing it. sigh... One of my biggest peeves is my hubby chewing on straws and toothpicks. One of us is going to get hurt some day. I may just jump from a moving truck if he doesn't throw the darn things away. The longer he does it, the way way worse it gets. The anticipation of ppl continually doing these things is just as bad as the doing. There are so many more things too. I have to sleep with a fan, have to. It travels with me if possible.

If we're on vacation, we will go to walmart for a fan before bedtime. The breathing is unbearable and my fists clench and i grit my teeth and fantasize about one good smack to his head. LOL i can laugh about it now (now i know its a real thing) but also know it can be very serious for some of you. and for that, i am really sorry. i hope it doesnt get too much worse for me, i can at least find ways to cope and my dear hubby is trying to be less 'annoying'. family is worse for me, i dont know why. mom had this 'sound' she made when trying to clear her throat, and she chews carrots ten times louder than anyone i know.

Dec 07, 2011
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Im so glad im not the only one!
by: Anonymous

For years now this has been the bane of mine and my family's lives! I have had this since 12/13 and am now 25. I literally cannot stand the sound of eating especially crunching!, breathing, nail biting etc, it makes my blood boil and I have to leave the room before I hurt someone or myself. It seems ridiculous that we all have to suffer while everyone else thinks we are simply being silly and over reacting. This has caused many fights between myself and my husband I have tried many things to "cope" with the sounds that affect me so much if anyone has found an effective method I could try I would greatly appreciate any help my fellow suffers could offer.

Dec 03, 2011
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Feel like I'm going over the edge
by: Anonymous

Hi Ya to all my fellow sufferers:

Yeah - there are more people just like me. I am not alone!

I am 52 years old & have been suffering from noise sensitivity for years - problem is it's getting progressively worse. My tolerance level is getting less & less.

Just to name a few of my annoyances:
Our fridge, furnace, fans, car doors, music, coughing, rustling of plastic bags and papers, cracking gum, car engines running for an extended period of time , people picking their nails, running water, dripping taps oh I could go on but I think you get the picture.

It's not only the noises but vibrations from the above that really send me into a rage as we have next door neighbors who are bloody twits and love to play loud music day/night and loud parties to all hours of the night.

There is never any peace and quiet just constant noise and vibrations. I think I'm going to lose my mind as I can't take this anymore!

I also have Tinnitus constantly in my left ear - drives me crazy at times.

Nov 28, 2011
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overwhelmed
by: Bun

My husband found out about misophonia on Reddit. He read the article and he said I think I finally know what is wrong with you and it is not your fault. I must have read the article and every article online 100x. I showed my kids and they agreed i have this disorder. I am 47. I have had this since i was about 10. My parents would always tell me what a sweet little girl i was then..I changed. (dramatic gopher music).

I have been to alot of doctors thinking I had horrible diseases,like lupus because my reactions cause my skin to become flushed, my blood pressure to go up, horrible itchy skin and my mood to change on a dime! So knowledge is power. Looked at one article that suggested magnesium and to investigate Bach's Flower Homeopathic products. (saw them in Vitamin Shoppe). I just can't seem to turn off my brain regarding the thousands of episodes i have had with this over my lifetime. I just keeping thinking of things and it's Oh yeah this is why I acted like a nutcase. So I apologized to my husband and kids for all my nutcase moments and there were plenty. They still love me and my now named quirk Misophonia. I do understand everyone's reactions, i have had all of them. It makes me very sad though that I felt for so long that I was this horrible angry person, when really I was a very nice person who can't stand sounds. I feel relief. Thanks for reading my post.

Nov 26, 2011
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Sluping, gulping and gum chewing? Please, not around me.
by: Anonymous

I think the condition is call misophonia. Mealtime can send me right over the edge. The sounds of other people eating/chewing, chomping, slurping, gurgling will send me into an instantaneous, blood-boiling rage.

It is rage, panic, terror and anger, all mixed together.

I have to leave the room or I feel like (er, um...well...actually have) I will blow my stack. The "willies" puts it mildly. I am totally grossed out to the point of shear grossed-out anger.

My particular pets peeves are:

- throat gulping/swallowing;
- gum chewing/popping;
- computer keyboard clicking;
- sounds between the walls (i.e. hotels, apartment, etc.); and,
- those obnoxious damned commercials featuring chewing and crunching. No way...I will NEVER buy anything from those clowns.

I am sure that this is some kind of anxiety.

Nov 23, 2011
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I feel your pain
by: Tiffany

I thought I was the only person with this problem!! Lately I have even been wondering what marketing idiot has suggested all these noises in commercials. Not only does it make me have to RUN to mute the tv or leave the room I will definitely NOT be buying any of these products due to the irritation! I have made many peoples lives miserable ( not on purpose ) but I have to leave the room all the time, cover my ears, or move all the time if I dont the irritation makes my nervous stand on edge. I seriously can't help it and If there was truly one thing I could change about myself or "fix" this would be it. My irritation is so bad even hearing people BREATH bothers me. I do see a phyc. for anxiety and all they say about this is its a " hypersensitivity to noise" ok well HELP!!!!

Nov 23, 2011
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So what are we going to do about this?????
by: anonymous1

Unbelievable! I'm talking about the number of people who have taken time out of their busy lives to write a very meaningful and well stated comment on this huge list of otherwise good hearted and very normal people who are cursed with this horrendous reaction to certain everyday noises and body movements.

The amount of stress, emotional suffering, upset between friends and family members and the sheer negative effect on enjoying life caused by this 'disorder' is huge beyond belief!

So why don't we see more investigation and action to address the problem? It's causing at least as much suffering as other more recognized and accepted disorders, so why isn't anyone in the medical/psychiatric realm doing something to help us? Is it because none sufferers regard it as rather silly, 'just get a grip and deal with it'? I seem to remember the same thing being said about depressive illness and now it seems that many thousands of sufferers are being heard and helped with their suffering of depression. So why not us, our disorder is causing massive quality of life issues, difficulties in the workplace, meeting with members of our families.... the list of negative social factors goes on and on. But there seems to be nothing we can do about it!

I've suffered this condition since being about 8 years old and I'm now 54. I feel almost guilty to say that my condition is at least as bad as it ever was and the list of my trigger noises and body movements has increased over the years, not diminished!!!! I've tried relaxation exercises, full exposure to the noise for as long as I can take it in an attempt to de-sensitize myself to the trigger, avoidance strategies, different outlooks and philosophies about the noise triggers, and guess what? None of this stuff works! I'm generally very positive about life, but this disorder has been an increasingly negative part of my personality for too long and seems to be getting worse as I get older!

Things are so bad for me at the moment that I am struggling to stay in the same room as my partner when she drinks a hot drink, or eats and 'sucks her fingers' AAAAAAGGGGGHHHHH! I just want to get up and leave the room it makes me so angry!!!!!

I also notice a common trait in our comments that we feel the other person is almost doing this on purpose in order to annoy us? Sorry guys, they aren't doing it on purpose and our huge angry and frustrated reaction is completely without any real foundation in facts. The problem is mainly with us and the solution will probably be found in ways that we can alter our reaction to the stimulus rather than altering how other people eat, sniff, repeatedly cough, type loudly etc...

This doesn't make it any less real though and I pray the day will come when someone comes up with a solution to this madness! God bless us all and I hope that we all can have more 'good days' when we are not so badly affected by this awful blight on our quality of life.

Nov 20, 2011
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Thank God I'm Not Alone
by: Anonymous

God bless you all! I'm 15 and for years I thought I was alone. I tried plugging my ears with my fingers early on, but more commonly now I just leave the room all together. I can't stand the sound of dragging feet, GUM CHEWING, lip puckering, obnoxious eating, the tapping of feet, aimless whistling...

However, there are visual things I can't stand either: incessant motions like foot tapping or continuous leg motion while someone is sitting. I could go on and on, but the list is too long. I have learned to tolerate certain noises over the years, and for some reason I'm very irritated by some people, and not at all by certain others. I'm so glad I'm not alone.

Nov 20, 2011
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Severe Distaste for sounds
by: Sherrie

In Reading all the above contents, I too have this "condition" since a very early age, I am no a 50 year old woman.. I was watching our local news one day that described me to a "T",, I looked up this "condition" and there IS a medical explanation for it called MISOPHONIA.......and sure enough IT WAS ME!!!! I will share this link with you in hopes that it will let you all know YOU ARE NOT CRAZY!!!!! I hope at least this will help ease your mind some.. I am not a doctor, medical practitioner or anyone else in the medical field, I am just a woman that has been told I was crazy when I knew I wasn't!!!!!!
I can be reached by email if anyone would like to discuss this further please feel free to contact me on Facebook.. Thank you,Sherrie Ard

http://www.soundsensitivity.info/symptoms-and-triggers

Nov 15, 2011
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Recticular Activating System
by: Anonymous

As a fellow sufferer, I have been told that the part of the brain that controls these types of inputs is called the Recticular Activating System. The main thing I would like to add is that reading through 55 pages of these comments, many of us started to notice the problem around age 9 or 10. I wonder if there is a connection to our brain development at that age? Yes, gum chewing is the worst for me. Next is indeed smacking of food. Snoring makes it impossible to fall asleep. Keyboard and mouse noises now are the worst at the office. There must be a way to make a "reverse" hearing aid that has sound-deadening capabilities. Wouldn't it be cool if you could set your hearing aid to deaden just selected noises? Gum chewers, you will become inaudible to us soon!

Nov 13, 2011
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My little darlin'
by: PLW

I soooo appreciate everybody's commentaries. My little girl has been the brunt of my tyraids of temper tantrums and screaming fits because of the excruciating pain and what literally feels like cockleburrs going through my blood-veins do to the noises of repetitive thumps, bumps, dog-licking self,soda can crackling, mouth smacking,drummers & what seems like other people's rude consistent noise behavior.........etc. Bless her heart. I find that good rest, healthy food, vitamins that YOUR body needs,(not just generic) being able to laugh....alot, & some healthy exercise helps enough to cope with this monster. And the best over all, my little darlin' prays with me. So, many blessings to you all and good luck.

Nov 09, 2011
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I hate it, too...think I'm going crazy
by: Nan

I'm 49 and have had a "problem" with people's noisy (or not) eating habits, gum, false teeth "clicking", etc...since childhood !!!
I did see on TV, it's a form of OCD. I thought it was from growing up in a family with DISGUSTING eating habits,and generally very dysfunctional.
But, I'm the only person with this "disorder" (and I'm adopted).
Worst part, I'm living with my elderly mother, and if she smacks her lips one more time, I swear, I'm going to lose it! I saw some clear silicone earplugs at a drug store, hopefully she won't notice I'm wearing them.
In public, I often say something to people about gum popping, especially if they are working and I can't get away from them, like a cashier! arghhh! I would fire them!
One more point, that I have NEVER seen addressed...what about ANIMALS ??? I HATE, HATE, HATE my mothers dog that insists on eating at the same time we do....it is what puts me over-the-edge, every single day.
God help all of us, because this is a stressful way to live!

Nov 08, 2011
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Good to hear
by: Matthew

Like Anne, I was also brought to this page after finally, in desperation and no small amount of guilt, deciding to see if other's share my affliction. And it seems they do! It is interesting that others share the same strong emotional reaction. I do have OCD, which I have heard a few people wondering about. I found this site:
http://www.hyperacusis.org/page9.html

It says it is probably not hyperacusis, and medication for OCD doesn't help. Incidentally, OCD medication doesn't help people with OCD either (I was on it for 11 years, and it caused much more harm than good). I don't know the solution, other than becoming a hermit. If I find one, I'll share it on here. Good luck.

Oct 29, 2011
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I doubt it's a disorder.
by: Anonymous

You'd be surprised at how many people are appalled by those hideous sounds that some people are totally oblivious to (the ones doing it). What galls me are people who swallow hard, constantly clearing their throats and then swallowing hard after they loosen their phlegm, people eating too fast and audibly, people who hum all the time, thumping their wrists on counter tops, whistling stupid show tunes, burping loudly, using profane words in a "playful" manner and speaking at nearly 100db while on their dang cell phones. It's not a case of being hypersensitive to other peoples disgusting sounds, more so that those people making those absurd noises are the ones lacking manners.

Oct 28, 2011
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Teeth-sucking noise
by: Anonymous

I have a co-worker who makes a teeth-sucking noise all day long. It must be something they cannot help because it happens in between each word as they talk --- it happens all day long which I think I mentioned. It seems to be a nervous tick kind of thing and I believe if I were to say something, it would make things in the office more difficult -- they have very sensitive feelings -- so I basically try hard to ignore it. Gum cracking makes me want to go into a rage; tuneless or even melodic whistling makes me want to scream until my throat bleeds. A feeling of desperation comes over me -- I need to get away from it as quickly as possible. But then other sounds like a running brook over stones makes me feel such peace.

Oct 28, 2011
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Keyboard bashers, snoring, loud breathing and not eating with mouth closed!
by: Anonymous

So glad i am not alone. I am incredibly irritated and angry by people that insist on bashing a keyboard to death when they type, i find it so unnecessary and rude. After months and months i finally confronted my colleague who just continues to bash the keyboard and makes me even more infuriated!!! Since i was a child i also couldn't stand the sound of my family eating / chewing with their mouths open(my Dad, Mum and Brother). After a few outbursts, i was forced to leave the table before i really did end up throwing a punch at someone. One time i went camping with the family, everyone snores, i ended up in a rage throwing everything i had next to me to the people that were snoring, i had to sleep in the car as i just couldn't stand it, that goes for heavy breathing as well. I wish i could control it, as i have usually a very happy nature, but this winds me up no end. Will give the magnesium thing a go. I feel alot of relief in finding this website and in knowing that i am not alone.

Oct 26, 2011
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Drives me nuts
by: Nik

I feel better now that I know others get irritated by this. I hate eating loud with a passion. My insides get sick and have this urge to punch something hard. I just heard my husband eating noodles... oh my god, his slurping, loud breathing and other noises made me punch the table I was sitting at. His eating noise was the only thing I can hear in my head despite videos playing in the background. I was always sensitive to his as long as I can remember. I left the dinner table when eating with my family because my dad would eat so dang loud. I have no clue why I feel this way. My husband shouldn't have to suffer due to my rage at loud eating habits.

Oct 26, 2011
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not alone!!!
by: Anne

this is amazing. i have felt this way for most of my life. i'm 33 years old, and i remember freaking out about all this stuff even as a child.

what sent me to google today (my search: "ocd? hate the sounds of crunching and eating"), is that someone sent a snack basket to work for our 50th anniversary. so nice, right? it's sitting in the lobby right outside my office. TORTURE. all day long everyone who passes by stops to much loudly on the snacks. that's not bad enough? anyone who comes in to my office to talk to me is smacking and cruching the snacks. i want to jump out of the window! haha.
my sweet, amazing, wonderful husband is a very loud chewer. bless him, he always chews with his mouth closed (i've totally given him a complex), but still the sounds of his saliva production (which i swear is abnormally excessive) makes me want to die. the way he stabs his food as if it's scurrying across his plate, the way he scrapes all utencils on his teeth, i could go on and on. i know this is my issue- the poor guy is just trying to eat like a normal person. i don't want to terrorize him further, or my future child with my insanity!

i've thought of going to a counselor, but i wonder sometimes if that would help. the truth is, i know i can "rise above it" so to speak. i know i can calm down, and focus on other things. i can reign in my anxiety and agitation. these are all the suggestions a counselor would have. i'm starting to wonder if i need some kind of OCD medication. chewing and eating sounds are just the tip of the iceberg for me. like a lot of you, the sounds of typing on keyboards, people tapping their feet in waiting rooms, breathing loudly, sniffling, repetitive dog barking, etc, etc. as most of you know, i could go on and on!
anyway, it's nice to know that i'm not alone. not glad that so many others also feel they are slowly going insane, and affecting their loved ones with their craziness, but i am glad that i'm not the only person who struggles with this. somehow it makes me think it's a real thing that could possibly be fixed.

thanks for sharing, and letting me share.
:) good luck!

Oct 25, 2011
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Glad I'm not Alone
by: Anonymous

I'm so glad I'm not the only one who has the same feelings! I can't stand it when I hear other people chew. I get so mad, and I just want to scream at them! I really wish there was a way to fix it, maybe calm down the chemicals in the brain or something. Thanks for listening.

Oct 21, 2011
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Dang, I thought I was the only one
by: Anonymous

Two things that have driven me batty since I was a kid (I'm 43 now): People that INSIST on slurping on their gum and loudly cracking gum bubbles, and hearing people eating crunchy food. I've actually threatened to rectally insert someone's gum because I was listening to him loudly crack gum bubbles for nearly an hour (I was on a bus, so I couldn't leave). As for crunchy food? I can't sit by someone eating salads or chips (or any crunchy food for that matter); it drives me insane and sets my blood to a near-boil. Cruuuuunch, runch runch, runch runch, runch, runch, runch. You can imagine the fun I have if I'm at a pub or restaurant and people near me order a nacho platter. Pringles commercials send me into a near-rage; I have to quickly hit the MUTE button or change the channel.

Oct 13, 2011
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So happy I'm not alone.
by: Anonymous

It makes me so happy to know I'm not the only one who has these problems. I hate any kind of eating noise. This intense rage envelops me any time someone smacks their lips or makes any kind of unnecessary noise. For the most part I can keep silent, or just remove myself from the situation. But in other cases I just can't handle it. I feel as if I must say something to the person to make them stop. I always hate trying to explain why I hate the noises..but honestly..I don't know how to explain it. They have bothered me ever since I was little. They even bother my mother. I try as hard as I can to maintain this problem..but it's a very hard task. If only I could take some kind of medicine for it. I despise the urge to rude to anyone who makes these noises.

Oct 03, 2011
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Kelly Ripka has it too!!!!
by: dmw44

Did you see Regis and Kelly a few weeks ago? Kelly has the same issues with eating noises!

http://www.medpagetoday.com/Blogs/28464

Make sure to scroll to the bottom and watch the short video clip from The Today Show....perfectly describes the way I feel!

Oct 03, 2011
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I hate that feeling..
by: Anonymous

Working in an office and having people typing on their keyboard soo LOUD is driving me crazy , i get so stressed that i am even starting to loose my hair , i dont know what to do to stop it .. I did some research and i am pretty sure that a lot of us got Noise Sensitivity (Misophonia).. Does anyone know how to stop it without using ear plugs or headphone ?

Sep 27, 2011
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Shot into the stratosphere
by: Anonymous

Noises shoot me into the stratosphere. I get so mad that all I can do it walk away or else I'll go off. I feel my blood boiling. Rage takes over. I have always been convinced there are chemical changes happening in my brain when I hear these noises. It's not "just in my head" or me "focusing too hard on it"

Most of the noises I really hate relate to eating. I dread dinner time, from the first slam of the fridge doors, all the way to loading the dishwasher. KILL ME!!!!!

It's so bad that my family eats in another room or outside if I'm around. I appreciate them trying to understand and help, but at the same time I feel like an awful freak.

I HATEEEEEE the following:

1. Crunching, especially chips and popcorn and slurping("like an animal").
2. Slamming of anything. Especially the silverware drawer.
3. Breathing ("yoga breathing").
4. Nasty coughs.
5. Scraping of plates ("eating the bowl")
6. Hearing someone else's TV or radio through the walls.
7. Dog's licking their paws, etc.
8. People's mumbling/self talk.

Sep 19, 2011
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Sensitive to Noises
by: Anonymous

I have had this problem since I was very young. My mother died when I was six and I don't know if it had to do anything with my loss. I lived with my Dad and two brothers and I started getting irritated increasing into almost rage when my father would continually clear his throat or a brother had a cold and would cough. Then a stepmother would make noise when she swallowed. It would drive me crazy but I kept my emotions within. I remember just wanting to yell as loud as I could STOP IT!!!! I have neighbors who about the same time every evening shut their car door every few minutes, not sure why, and with each shut, I get angrier and angrier. Then I am frustrated at my self for the anger. A boss at work chews ice at the lunch table after finishing eating and I feel hatred for him at the time and he is the nicest person in the world. I could go on and on but I think you get the picture. I am glad I am not alone. I have never married and live alone. No matter how much I love someone, it still gets to me. I also have the same feelings when someone doesn't hear me the first time. Thanks for listening.

Sep 17, 2011
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I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY ONE...
by: Anonymous

....who had such sensitivity to certain sounds. I absolutely can't stand when my husband chews gum! I can't even watch him when he's chewing-I start to flinch-it's like fingernails on a chalkboard! Until I read all these other posts I thought I was crazy!

I also can't tolerate elderly people clacking their dentures...that sound goes right up my spine! When I hear someone clacking their teeth in a doctor's office waiting room I will physically move to another chair. What's weird about me though with the gum chewing is I can tolerate it with certain people but with others it makes me jump out of my skin.

Sep 16, 2011
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DRIVE ME CRAZY!!
by: Anonymous

I WORK IN AN ENGINEERING OFFICE AND WE WORK IN CUBICLES. WE HAVE TO SCAN OUR DRAWINGS AND AAAALLLL DAY LONG IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU ARE IN A CHECK OUT LINE AT THE SUPER MARKET... ALL YOU HEAR IS BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEEEEEEEP....I START TO ROCK MY BODY BACK AND FORTH LIKE I AM A NUT CASE..THEN THERE IS AN OLD MAN THAT SITS ACROSS FROM ME AND EVERY TIME HE WALKS IN AND OUT OF HIS DESK, HE HAS TO STARE INTO MINE LIKE HE IS MAKING SURE I AM WORKING.. DRIVES ME INSANE. IT IS LIKE THE COMMON THING FOR PEOPLE TO WHISTLE AROUND HERE...SHOOT ME NOW!! I HATE I HATE I HATE WHISTLING...I DON'T CARE IF YOU ARE HAPPY! WORK IS NOT THE PLACE TO WHISTLE PEOPLE..DO IT ON YOUR OWN TIME. AH I FEEL BETTER!

Sep 15, 2011
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Awesome to see-sad to hear
by: Anonymous

I was hoping to find a great solution to the problem of my noise issues. I work in a very quiet accounting office and OMG I think there are days I could really hurt some of these people. One lady in particular does numerous things that really bother me, but I hope she doesn't do them to annoy me she is just living. She knows that there are certain things that send me over the edge (I have beat on my desk before) but they still do it.

Just a few examples: gulping, nose whistling, clicking a pen, chewing ice, tapping on a desk, whistling, grinding, sucking on your teeth and the list goes on and on.

My husband and I get in heated discussions because he thinks I make it all up. I swear day he will know I was serious.

Sep 14, 2011
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food smacking and utensils!
by: Gina

Yay! I found somewhere to vent! I cannot stand to hear someone chewing their food OR hearing their spoons or forks clank against their plates or bowls! Especially when its quiet! I turn into Satan when I hear all that! It drives me insane! I wish their was a way to tune it all out without having to be mean to anyone or giving them the evil eye! I know its just me because no one else seems to be bothered by it. Sometimes friends laugh at me for getting mad, others are scared by me. Uuugghh.. any suggestions?

Sep 13, 2011
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lawnmowers and leafblowers
by: Gerry

I am very sensitive to the sound of lawnmowers and leaf blowers. Whenever I hear one of these I get very angry and pray for the sound to stop. These sounds have ruined many a breakfast or lunch on my deck. Can't the manufacturers invent quieter machines??

Sep 10, 2011
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great! im not alone
by: Anonymous

hi everyone, i just cant stand the sounds of heavy breathing.... im just a kid so when i tell adults they dont understand :( i thought i was crazy but hearing everyone else i know im not alone. i also have problems with clothing and coping to new situations, so it gets hard and i just dont know what to do anymore, i hope i dont have to deal with this my whole life.... and when i ask adults they just say buy earplugs but they dont fit either.

Sep 10, 2011
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@ Trisha, the Mom
by: Anna

My hatred of sound started when I was about 9 or 10 yrs old, and it had everything to do with the "normal" sounds at home. Strangely, sounds at other people's home didn't affect me the same way because they weren't repetitive to me. It was only the repetitive sounds in my life that made me crazy.

Having dealt with this for more than 20 years without many people understanding, it gives me hope for your child since you care enough to learn more about it.

And no, it doesn't get better unless there's a paradigm shift -- a conscious series of choices to look at people and the world differently. My theory is that there is so much noise clutter in the world and aggravating things pulling our attention in so many directions, some of us become super-sensitive to particular things since it's our minds' way of focusing on one thing to make sense of the cacophony, even if it isn't all auditory "noise."

The aggravation only gets worse if you focus on it. You become increasingly aggravated at more items. My list now includes more than 30 specific sounds and visual repetitive movements that make me wish I were peeling paint off the walls with my fingernails instead of experience it.

However, some of them are diminishing as I've learned to be okay with who I am, where I am in life, and allowing the people around me to just be who they are -- abundant faults and all.

If I were a mom helping the little 9-yr-old me, I would show immense empathy and understanding. I would communicate to the 9-yr-old me that as a mom I was doing certain things to help alleviate the pain, and request the young one to do everything she could to extend patience to us as we learn to work together. It does NOT get better overnight, but I can promise that if both of you are committed, you can have a livable, workable life together.

I now have a daughter of my own. And though she is still a baby, I am looking at life differently and will do my best to remember what it was like to go through certain stages and unique difficulties of life as she faces them herself.

It makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE when you know someone you care about deeply is trying to understand this disorder and love you too.

Sep 09, 2011
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repetitive noises
by: Anonymous

i am 50. had this problem since I was kid. I take
1mg haldol per day. it helps cope. i also have
other coping techniques. if it gets too bad I have
to get away.

Sep 09, 2011
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Sensitive to particular noises
by: Anonymous

The name of the disease is MISOPHONIA. Kelly Ripka admitted to
having it this morning on the Regis and Kelly show.

Sep 09, 2011
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Sensitive to particular noises
by: Anonymous

Kelly Ripka admitted on this morning's show that she has this
DISEASE and described the smacking/swallowing sounds that drive
her nuts. I did not have a pencil nearby so did not get the name
written down. My granddaughter has the same sensitivity to
those sounds and has been upset by them since a small child.

Sep 08, 2011
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radio
by: Anonymous

People who play a radio in an office makes my blood boil. But most office people are totally nuts anyway.

Sep 08, 2011
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What happened to manners????
by: Anonymous

I don't really understand why it is we who have the problem when those around us are not using any kind of manners. Wasn't everyone taught to chew with their mouths closed? I didn't even realize this was some kind of disorder until today when I was watching the Today show on TV. I am very sensitive to people chewing with their mouths open and smacking their lips. I also hate slurping. I just thought it was because I am particular about using manners. I haven't seen anyone mention that aspect. I have a problem even being around a man who doesn't chew with his mouth closed. Maybe that is why I have been divorced for 18 years. One of the first things I look for in a man is the ability to chew with his mouth closed! I don't see anything wrong with wanting that out of a person you are going to be around a lot. I don't feel like it should be considered a sickness but rather a lack of manners on the other person's part.

Sep 04, 2011
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People around someone with 4s
by: Anonymous

I've had this for a couple of years now and it really messes with my family. I think the hardest thing is that my mom doesn't understand just how physically uncomfortable it makes me feel. She tells me that Is not a syndrome and I just need to live with it. The hardest thing is that no one else around me understands what I feel or tries to make it better. They have never had the feeling and don't know what it's like. 4s is just so strange that I don't think they ever will.

When I hear someone chewing, or especially smacking on something unhealthy, I automatically picture the person as a caveman devouring meat and then I feel hatred and disgust towards that person. It's like part of me is saying dump their plate all over their face and another part is saying deal with it you are acting ridiculous. A constant battle in my head and it's exhausting. It is a terrible thing to think of people. Especially when it's friends and family and I hate that I do it. It also doesn't help that people get angry when they see how uncomfortable it makes me. I hope that it won't affect my life as I get older.

Aug 31, 2011
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@ Previous Anonymous
by: Anonymous

Earplugs are the only thing I've found so far short of just getting up and leaving the room. Of course that doesn't work when I'm at my office, but I try to focus on other things if I'm not able to leave or use my headphones. Another problem I've run into recently is people eating and talking on the phone. I answer the phones for my division at work and EVERY time I pick it up it seems like, the person on the other end is crunching chips or ice or some other foul thing. Makes me CRAZY!!

Aug 31, 2011
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Suffering for over 20 years!
by: Anonymous

I first started having those pangs and anxiety when I heard someone chewing gum, eating popcorn, or eating chips. I told someone about the extreme feelings of rage and was laughed at. It started when I was about 11 or 12. It affects my whole family and it makes me cry quite often. If I just give my husband the look he knows that his chewing is bothering me. It is difficult to tell your children to eat in the other room. But why. Well, mom is sensitive to sounds. My distant family makes puns like, "Oh, your chewing again, how dare you". Followed by a group laughter. Has anyone found a remedy besides ear plugs?

Aug 30, 2011
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Sniffing and dogs nails on tile floor!
by: Anonymous

I am totally sensitive to repetitive noises! I think it started when I was about 26 - I dated a guy who sniffed all the time. I had to end it because it was driving me insane. I asked him to blow his nose and he said "that doesn't work for me". UGH! Now, my current boyfriend has a bird and I can't handle the constant chirping noise. I love animals but this bird makes me feel like I am loosing my mind. He also has a dog. I feel like I am dying when the dog licks himself - or, when he licks his "lips" when I am eating. It reminds me of an old man with no teeth making terrible mouth noises. I also can't stand the sound of the dogs nails on the hardwood/tile floor. I have a very calm nature but these things make me feel violent and I don't think any of my friends/family can even comprehend this. I hate the dog because of the licking, scratching, terrible sounds he makes. Oh, I also can't stand when he is finished with his food and he drags his metal dish across the floor. UGH! I think the absolute worst thing is the mouth noises the dog makes though. I really feel panic and violence when he makes mouth smacking noises.

Aug 24, 2011
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I feel better having this little forum - tough clacking
by: Anonymous

I found this site just now because my co-worker, when he's finished working on something, does a series of "happy" tongueclick-clacks with a big echoey sound in his mouth. Just reading the other stuff here has kept me from freaking throttling him.

I hate the ding-ding of the elevator reaching each floor as well.

And loud breathing, OMG, don't get me started about my other colleague, Darth freaking Vadar.

Aug 24, 2011
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Popcorn Should Be Illegal!
by: Jen

I have a co-worker who eats from the time we get to work in the morning until we leave in the afternoon. Her snack of choice is popcorn, bag after bag of FREAKING popcorn!! I have to wear headphones all day just to drown out the sound of her chewing. To make matters worse she's a smoker so she's got this constant phlegmy gagging cough that makes me want to hurl. Should people be forced to work under conditions like this????

Aug 18, 2011
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Fuzz
by: Anonymous

When I pull fuzz off of fabric, I get this wave of unpleasantness go through my stomach, and my bottom front teeth tingle at the sound of it. It's such a quiet sound, but my body has such an intense reaction to it! Also, someone scratching certain kinds of fabric with their nails gives me the same sensation! Just thinking about it gives me this reaction!

Aug 18, 2011
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Keyboard typing arrrggggg
by: Anonymous

Keyboard typing arrrggggg

I am 42 and have been working in an office for 20 years , I love my job and the people are ok , but for the last 3 years I have developed this intense sensitivity hearing and for me the typing is driving me nuts , I hate it and it is non stop type type type type type, my boss type so loud that I want to take his keyboard and break it over his head .. and it is getting worse even the people I like get on my nerve when they type , unfortunately unless I change my job and stop working in an office I don?t have a choice but listening those typing noise .. another thing who get on my nerve is crisp crunching , I have to commute to work every day and if it not someone on their lap top typing it?s someone eating crisp or apples .. it make me want to crab the packet of crisp and squeeze it till dust ..OMG I sound like a nutter .. has anyone here managed to control it ??

Aug 13, 2011
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Noise issues
by: Trisha

My 8 yr old daughter has hyperacusis/ misophonia (which seems to be the same as soft sound sensitivity) and SPD. Not sure if SPD causes some of the above or if they are all separate. However the older she has become the more noises seem to set her off, and from what I understand that part is normal for misophonia. What I don't get is that they don't seem to be a problem at other peoples homes. At our home we don't run the dishwasher, washer or dryer unless she is sleeping or in a back bedroom with a radio or tv on so she can't hear them running. At others homes I am told she never complains about these things. On one trip we took to visit someone in another state, after about 3 days she finally started to become vocal about silverware clinking at the dinner table. She has no complaints about school either. I know that this condition worsens so I imagine eventually without therapy school may be a problem with new noise irritations but I just can't get why the same noises that bother her at home don't seem to be a problem in other places. Has anyone else experienced this?

Aug 09, 2011
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we are not alone
by: Anonymous

Hey everyone, this page made my day. After the thousandth day of a coworker scraping his plate for 10 minutes at a time, 4 times a day..I had to google plate scraping noise to see what came up. This site came up. And I know now..I am not alone.

I also know, that this is my problem and I have to own it. Those of us that have know that its also not a matter of anxiety. Its almost as if when we were conceived that our hearing ability did not get set without a limit. Even with industrial ear plugs in I can hear almost perfectly.

But earplugs do help, they soften all noises we have issues with.

Admitting to myself a few years back that it was my problem helped as well. It then reduced my irritation from two fold of the noise, and the people making the noise, down to (most of the time) single fold, just a problem of the noise. Planning ahead and limiting or avoiding places that are high on the trigger list helps too.

Now, when I am near a person that has no ability to limit their noise and you have me with no ability to limit my hearing, it can get crazy.

My flag is that its a situation I need to make an adjustment in (throw in the plugs) is when I get extremely sick to my stomach. Glad others mentioned they get that too.

We have to stick together here. Thank you.

Aug 09, 2011
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PRAYING
by: SUNLOVINMOMMA

AM DEFINITELY PRAYING FOR YOU. GODS WORD SAYS SPEAK THAT, THAT IS NOT, AS IF IT WERE! MAKE A LIST OF CONFESSIONS TO SPEAK TO GOD AND PRAISE HIM BEFORE THE VICTORY! MINE WAS, THANK YOU LORD THAT THOSE SOUNDS THAT MADE ME NERVOUS AND ANXIOUS AND ANGRY, NOW GIVE ME JOY AND PEACE. IT HAS HELPED!

Aug 09, 2011
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AND I THOUGHT I WAS "CRAZY" :)
by: ALTHEA DIVINTY

I HAVE MOVED TO A NEW APARTMENT IN A RICHY AREA, SMALL TOWN A FEW THOUSANDS. THE WALLS ARE VERY THIN AND I NEED YOUR PRAYERS AS WELL. I AM 50 YEARS OLD AND DON'T EVER REMEMBER BEING SOUND SENSITIVE YET NOW I AM. SMH -SHAKING MY HEAD). THERE ARE TWO YOUNG 25 YR OLDS COUPLE UPSTAIRS , WHO ARE MAKING LOVE ALMOST 24/7, I WEAR EARPLUGS ALL THE TIME SO I WON'T GO CRAZY. SMH THEY HAVE DECIDED TO BE UNCOOPERATIVE NEIGHBORS FOLLOWING ME AROUND FROM ROOM TO ROOM TO HARASS ME. I MOVED TO ANOTHER ROOM , THEY MOVED AS WELL. I HAVEN'T HAD MUCH SLEEP EXCEPT WHEN I SLEEP IN MY CAR! SMH I HAVE NEVER MET SUCH RUDE NEIGHBORS . I CAN HEAR THEM BREATHE, LICK, SMACK, KISS REALLY HURTS, AND THERE MOVEMENT IS ABOUT TO DRIVE ME CRAZY. SO, I STAY GONE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, PRAY TO GOD, KEEP RADIO ON 24/7 SOFT CHRISTIAN STATION, READ GOD'S WORD, SING, AND TALK TO THEM WHEN I CAN TAKE IT NO LONGER! SMILES :) GOD BLESS U ALL AND I AM HAPPY I AINT ALONE AS MY COUNSELOR DOESN'T BELIEVE ME AS IT AINT HAPPENED TO HER BEFORE! SMH ! :)

Jul 31, 2011
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Thank God I am not alone!!!!
by: Anonymous

I have been told by a therapist (more than one) that there is no solution to this but now I am finding out that wanting to jump out of my skin or hurt someone when they crack gum, set off firecrackers, thump their car stereos, might just be sensory processing disorder. I am so tired of feeling like a freak and of the arguments in my marriage as my spouse cannot understand why gum chewing freaks me out. I know who smacks gum at my gym so I avoid getting on any equipment near them. And, don't get me started on chronic throat clearers. I feel like a prisoner because of all the effort it takes to control my emotions and avoiding situations (crowded movies, etc.) I do have adult ADD and no medication ever helped w/ this-since I am retired and do not seem to have any ADD traits that are interfering with my life I am off the meds but this noise issue has to be resolved!!!! In my working years ( I was a professional) I did so much better in a private office but w/ building changes, I ended up in cubicles-it was a nightmare for me with all the surrounding people and their annoying noises!!
I am definitely addressing this w/ a therapist and demanding that he look into helping me deal w/ this!

Jul 25, 2011
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your not alone
by: Anonymous

I have suffered from noises all my life and it started when I was child and I used to hide my Mothers knitting needles,some noises that drive me NUTS are snapping of gum, certain sss sounds mainly from some women's voices, clock ticking, water dripping, bad eaters,sub woofers, licking of fingers yikes, clicking of ends of pens, complete silence,(need fan or wear i-pod) these are only a few of noises that drive me nuts and now I have to type really slow and soft because the sound of myself typing even drives me nuts, I COULD not work in environment with people typing or thought of someone chewing gum, I cringe when I hear someone opening a pack of gum or opening a bag of chips...Movie Theater yeah right...pure hell. once on a airplane I told a lady if she cracked her gum one more time I would hurt her. One time in grade 5 I stabbed the kid sitting behind me with my pencil because he wouldn't stop snapping his gum. I can hear noises from such as someone snapping their gum from far away and I CAN hear it above other sounds, Nobody understands this problem and I will just have to keep avoiding situations

Jun 30, 2011
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No answers
by: Anonymous

I am 19 and this has been an issue for me for as long as I can remember. Noises such as loud chewing and deep breathing drive me crazy. I have noticed lately that I can hear these noises even when other can for example even when doors are closed I can hear people cutting their nails because the high pitched sound a nail clippers makes drives me mad. This issue has effected those around me as people get conscience of eating around me. I am usually a very happy person, this sensitivity to sound is the only thing that even puts me in a bad mood. Does anyone know is this a type of OCD?

Jun 27, 2011
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I can't take it
by: Anonymous

I have a really hard time focusing when I am at work. I can't stand the sound of people with long nails are typing, using their phone to text, bracelets clanking on the table when moving a mouse, people talking on personal calls loudly, people who do not turn the cell phone ringer down on their cell phone at work, people tapping or cracking their knuckles and yes people picking their toes in a meeting. I feel like I should just work in a bubble. I get so mad and annoyed I just want to scream or smash someone. Once I hear it I can't not focus on it. Once a person annoys me with one of the sounds I hate I don't like them anymore. It is like a personal assault. I know it is irrational. I really think the only thing I can do is pray for patience. I hate being this way.

Jun 23, 2011
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So happy to know it's not just me
by: Anonymous

I have been suffering from this exact thing for years now and it has been at the stage where it is affecting my life for a while now. I form negative opinions about people because they make a perfectly normal noise. It causes problems with partners because I get angry when they eat, or tap, or make numerous other sounds. It affects my work sometimes because I can't concentrate with the clicking and typing noises of other people in the office.

Has anyone found anything that helps?? I already sleep with earplugs in nearly every night but can't wear them all day. And even if I could, the sight of someone chewing, even if I can't hear it, now annoys me because I associate it with the noise.

Jun 17, 2011
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No glad to know I'm not alone
by: Anna

My despising for particular sounds started when I was about 9 or 10 years old. My father has the worst table manners -- shoveling his food, clearing out the food in the back of his jaw with his mouth wide open, and the WORST smacking and food garbling ever. It makes me shudder just thinking about it. All through my teenage years I would yell, scream and plead with my dad to close his mouth, but he didn't do a damn thing. I am now 32 years old and still cannot stand to eat near him. At family dinners, I make sure I'm as far away from his as possible and engage in other conversation to cope. I love my father dearly, but I cannot stand to be in the same room when he's devouring his food.

I am comforted knowing the process and similar list of sounds bother other people too. I realized last year I had misophonia (hatred of sound), but have yet to go be treated.

Like you, the following sounds make me want to scrape paint off the walls with my fingernails:

- food smacking, chewing sounds
- snapping gum
- twiddling of keys
- twiddling change in a pocket
- snorting or sniffing mucus in the nose
- mumbling
- conflicting sounds (like the radio and TV on at the same time)
- the treble or bass from other peoples earphones too loud
- bass from other idiots vehicles turned too high
- repeated clearing of throat or hacking mucuous
- off-key whistling
- some pitches in yelling or speaking voices

Some of these noises literally HURT my ears. It may be interesting to note I am a musician -- singer and pianist and extremely sensitive to tone and pitch.

May 24, 2011
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faith
by: Sumlovinmomma

I have reduced the stress in my life, tried to look at the offenders(nut&chip crunching, gum smacking,fork scrapin,ill mannered slobs) with the eyes of God.It has helped, but im not cured yet! I do find if im less stressed and refuse to let this ruin my day, it helps. sorta a mind over matter thing. I hate saying that its mind over matter, cause i have struggled for years just like all of you, and have been at the point of wanting to physically harm someone!I have also noticed being active has helped. Maybe a stress reducer that has aided in more tolerance of situations? Not sure.Have also said a small prayer EVERYDAY OUT LOUD....thank you Lord that those noises that used to cause me stress and anger and anxiety,no longer bother me, but cause me to be happy and joyful! i truly believe this has brought faith to my spirit that God can do anything.I used to pray God would change those noises that offended me, but I realized, change starts with us. So pray on!!!Be encouraged , i have seen a major difference in my life.

May 14, 2011
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Lots of Sufferers but No Solutions?
by: Jonathan

The anger-inducing sound of crunching nuts amplified and echoing through the bone structure of whatever insensitive slob is crushing them with their molars. It's one of many sounds of other people eating that literally drives me out of the room. I know there's no other way to eat hard foods; but I being present in any setting where this irrational this Gawd awful, crunching behavior is taking place. I cannot even watch TV commercials punctuated with any 'food-crunching' sound effects. How can these companies really believe they will sell more products by broadcasting sickening sounds of mannerless slobs consuming their goods? - I cringe the moment a Twix or Pringles ad comes on. I have to change the channel or leave the room. It requires a degree of self-control for me tolerate the sounds of gum chewing, gum smacking, chawing, slurping... UGH!... Even the sound of a cat licking its' fur; or a slobbering dog at its' water dish.

I am in my mid 50's; and have learned to hide my intolerance from others... I do this for the sake of social graces; but secretly, I struggle to not form negative opinions about every ill-mannered slob who chews and crunches and 'smacks' their food like a mind-numbed, ravenous child of satan feasting stupidly under the hypnotic influence of a blood sacrifice to Lucifer!

My frustration is compounded by the fact that I am a major foodie and classically trained chef!

Many in this forum suffer the same as I; but what can be done to cure us?

May 05, 2011
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SNAP CRACKLE POP
by: Anonymous

Wow, after reading some of these comments, I guess I'm just as crazy as everyone else. Gum cracking and bad whistling (no tune), knuckle cracking, snuffling, snorting, snoring, belching, humming (without a tune)chewing gum in general, pen clicking and far away boom boxes (low riders with the boom that shakes the windows of your car and ears) are just a few of the things that really annoy me. Do I need help-----or does society?

May 04, 2011
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Noises - I hate them!
by: Anonymous

I feel your pain!
It seems like some days are worse than others but it's always a problem. There are times when I just don't go out because I know there will be lots of noise and I can't take it.
I work w/ someone who makes 'yummy' noises (for lack of a better term) on every bite at lunch - it's so gross and drives me nuts, I have to get up an leave.

It's unreal how many noises bother me - I won't eat chips anymore because I can't stand the crunching sound I make when eating them. If I'm eating in a quiet place I'll put my ear buds in and listen to music so I don't have to hear myself.

I refuse to ask people to change their life because have a problem with their noise level but it's hard. When my husband eats - if the tv isn't on - I'll have to leave the room. I have to really focus on the tv and force myself to not hear him eat just to stay in the same room and he's a normal eater - nothing strange.
It's ridicules all the noises that bother me: breathing, eating, loud noise, tapping, forks scraping on plates (I swear I'll hit someone over this - this will light me up like nothing else), ringing phones, beeping, thumping - the list just goes on and on.

Nothing seems to really help - I feel so bad that I can't stand to be around some really nice people because I'm so nervous they'll make noise or worse they've already made noise around me and I can't stand it.

May 03, 2011
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RE: Now I get it
by: Anonymous

To answer your question about anger being directed at one person- yes, that is absolutely possible. I was in 3rd grade when I remember first starting to blow up at the dinner table. Every ounce of it was solely directed at my mom and the way she chewed. (my sister and father were fine). To this day (I am now in my mid-30s) my mom is nervous to eat around me. It's so sad.

Nip this in the bud right away. 2 weeks is not worth the lifetime of not being able to enjoy family dinners. Cater to how your son requests that you eat. I know it's not ideal- but had my mom done this, I think it really would have saved me so much turmoil.

I posted a comment on this thread back on 2/5/09 and left my email address at the bottom. Feel free to email me if you'd like to discuss this further. I at least try ti help you understand what it's like from a (now) grown perspective.

May 02, 2011
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Now I get it
by: Anonymous

So my 8 year old son was diagnosed last year with SPD. We did some therapy and saw improvement. Lately however, he has been blowing up regularly about my chewing (with my mouth closed). He gets so uncontrollably mad that it has been causing big problems. He isn't usually bothered by anyone else in our family of 5. He has complained about it in the past but it has been become a regular problem the last week or 2. I saw one other posting about someone who hated the sound of his dad chewing. Is it normal in the spectrum of 4S to focus on one person over anyone else?

Apr 27, 2011
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phones..
by: Anonymous

BTW... LOL, I also have a terrible sensitivity to phones which my daughter shared when she was younger... she used to hold it way away from her ear!! Perfect job for me, right? (answering phones)... ;) actually the perfect job for me would be working at home... I so much miss it... I can control my environment so much better and don't constantly feel the sense of panic, being exposed and afraid, dealing with so much loud noise, social anxiety etc. I have learned to fit in pretty well but it's tough. Does anyone else have sensitivity to telephones? I hate even listening to my voicemail. I hate the way phones make voices sound... it is exhausting to listen to.

Apr 27, 2011
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Pile Driving Hell!!!!
by: Anonymous

Wow... my daughter and I both have Aspergers and unfortunately, she has the inability to modify her voice volume associated with AS... and I have the EXCRUCIATING noise sensitivity, especially to loud or shrill voices! She is 7 and is learning to be gentle with my ears but it's been a hard road. I don't want to have any more kids because the noises kill me. I love her so much but this isn't just something I can laugh off. It really, really bothers me. I absolutely cannot STAND having anyone whisper in my ear. It makes me want to smack them! With my daughter, I get SO scared sometimes she's going to yell in my ear accidentally that I will just involuntarily yank my head away from her if she gets too close. It's like I have a wound that I don't want touched.

One time she had to get a splinter taken out of her foot at the podiatrist. She SCREAMED and I had to hold her down. I ended the appointment shaking and almost in tears and had a splitting headache and ringing ears after. And honestly it was more for how much her screaming was hurting me than how badly I felt about her splinter, crappy as that sounds. It just hurts me THAT MUCH.

Now I have a question. I work in a clerical job at a construction shop where there are already annoying smells and noises (I have major touch and smell sensitivities too) and guess what... they are doing MAJOR CONSTRUCTION (ie pile driving) RIGHT OUTSIDE THE WINDOW OF WHERE I WORK. Can you imagine what I am going through. And I answer phones so I can't wear earplugs!!

The noise is so bad that the doors and walls shake. I go home and can't get the sound of the pile driver out of my mind. Sometimes I get a migraine from it or it even makes me nauseous. (It's like a loud ka-thump, ka-thump, over and over again). Sometimes it is so bad I can't focus on my work and I feel like I'm half there. And I try to hide how much it hurts me because I mean, these are construction workers... they are used to noises and they tune them out. And as it is I'm the only clerical worker there... I don't think it would go over too well if I put up a stink. (And what could they do anyway? I can't work from home and I need the money and the job. They can't stop the city's construction work.)

I'm wondering if I am doing permanent damage to my ears. They are already so sensitive and this repetitive noise is killing them just the same way that repetitive movement can cause harm. Taking time off work is just not an option for me right now if I want to feed my child and keep my job.

Mar 25, 2011
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so i'm not crazy?
by: Anonymous

My mom thought i was a mean, disturbed child... My sister's breathing seemed so loud to me, through the nose, with a little whistly sound, and u could hear the air blown like a vacuum... It still drives me crazy... Now, whenever she's mad at me, she does it even more loudly... It gives me goosebumps, every muscle of my body contracts... I shut my ears and scream but i can still hear it, it's breathing, it never stops... I start then imagining myself hurting her to stop, suffocating her or something... And she's my best friend!!!

I'm 22 now, I still have that problem
It got worse... Now it's every breathing sound, through the nose, the sound of crunching when the mouth is shut and it comes from the nose...
And typing... loud typing... my coworker types really loud, i can't work unless my earphones are to the max, and i can still hear her!!! And after 8 hours, i have severe headaches...

I don't know what to do
I'm tired and miserable...
I bet u are too!

Mar 09, 2011
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I have sensory issues too!
by: Anonymous

Glad it's not just me! Like many others have described on here, I too am very annoyed when people pop/crack their gum. I had to ask this one lady I worked with to stop. I'm not normally the type of person to cause conflict, so it took a lot of courage for me to say something to her. I used to sit next to a woman at work who had constant allergies so she was sniffing all day long. And it's the type of sniff where it sounds like nothing is in her nose. That annoys me even more than the sound of sniffling with a congested nose! I wanted to offer her an allergy pill. Also, loud coughing can really bother me. I'm sensitive to loud sounds anyway, and when I was taking a college course, I made sure never to sit in front of this one guy again because he was coughing so loudly and gave me a headache! High pitched noises also bother me a lot. Earlier tonight I was at dinner with a friend and a couple had their baby on their laps and the baby kept screaming. It was the happy screaming I'm talking about. Most people think it's cute but I was so close to complaining to our waiter about it! My friend couldn't understand why I was getting so agitated. Needless to say, I was quite relieved when I saw that family leaving! My neighbor in the apartment above me sounds like an elephant when she walks across her floor! The floor boards constantly creak and every time they do I lose my mind! I saw some websites posted on here that I will definitely check out. I'd like to not be so sensitive to things like this so I can enjoy myself more when I'm out and about.

Jan 30, 2011
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Glad I'm Not Alone
by: Dee

I am definitely in perimenopause and the further I get into it the more irritated I am with people and their disgusting noises and habits.

All the things that have been listed here I can absolutely relate to.
It seems to me that everywhere I go lately I encounter someone who sounds like they have tuberculosis. UGH! Take a sip, get a cough drop, STAY HOME...just shut up!

The cell phone yapping, the loud chewing noises, etc. just set me on edge.

As much as I love my husband he is SO loud when he coughs or sneezes. I swear that he tries to be loud on purpose. There is no reason on earth to cough or sneeze so loudly that you could wake the dead.

And one last thing: nose whistling. It's called a tissue...USE IT!

Okay, thanks...I feel better for having vented! :)

Jan 12, 2011
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NOISE AND SMELL??
by: SUNLOVINMOMMA

Does anyone who deals with the sounds also have super sensitive smelling like I do?

Jan 12, 2011
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I am going to jump out of my skin.
by: Anonymous

I am so desperate. My colleague doesn't stop coughing and I cringe. Even when she's not, I'm tense because I'm waiting for it to happen. A couple of weeks ago, I yelled over my cubicle, "Can't you take anything for that cough?" And she said, "I'm sorry, I know it's really disgusting..." Today I want to say, "can't you at least eat a cough drop?" I'm pretty miserable. Of course other things drive me nuts too - gum cracking, people smacking food, ice clunking around a cup, people sniffing, rubber shoes squeaking, people crunching anything, jaws that click, people slurping hot coffee, people swallowing food...I am so miserable right now....

Jan 03, 2011
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There is a NAME!
by: Michelle B

My daughter suffers with the sounds of lips smacking and the like. Please, everyone, check out 4S (Selective Sound Sensitivity Syndrome) at www.soundsensitive.org. You will find yourself all over those pages!!! What a relief to find the information. She fits in perfectly! Ear-Plug Wearers UNITE!

Dec 21, 2010
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Does anyone have anything or taken anything that has helped
by: Anonymous

I thought I was crazy as well and so do the people close to me. If anyone has anything that has helped it would be much appreciated. I am 30 years old and when I hear the sounds of ANY chewing it makes me go mad and I really want to do physical damage although I never have fortunately I am a mild mannered person... please email me if you have any solutions or anything has helped. dustin@prucv.com.

Dec 21, 2010
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So I'm not crazy? Or at least I have crazy online acquaintances now!
by: Anonymous

My mother-in-law and her gum...I would rather stick a fork in my eye! Traveling anywhere with her in the car is torture. When my family goes anywhere with the in-laws I sit up front with my father-in-law, who is driving. My mother-in-law sits in the back seat and chomps her gum, which drives me absolutely batty. When I have asked her to stop, she gets pissed and acts like she can't understand why something like that would bother a person. Even if she stops, she will soon forget and start chomping again.

We often go on vacation with my in-laws, usually to Myrtle Beach, which is a 12-hour drive, and I have always refused to travel with them, even if they rent a van. It is worth the extra gas money and driving to keep away from her gum chomping.

Dec 13, 2010
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Yea...I'm not crazy after all
by: nan

So glad to know I'm not the only person completely and utterly ANNOYED by people. Now that I'm amongst like-minded folks, I will spend a minute to vent: Thank you!
*Loud, overbearing people (darn-near got the cops called on me today for asking someone to shut up while giving blood. After 2 hours, I'd had enough...and was then accused of being a racist for asking this extremely annoying person to shut-it...he just about hanked out the IV in his arm to get at me) One-of just many similar situations I've gotten into.
*The keyboard-thing.....yikes! when I asked one RUDE girl at the library next to me to stop POUNDING on the keys she said "A.D.D....can't help it!" I said O.C.D. and MENOPAUSE....can't help it!"
*Gum-popping, chewing with mouth open, the smell of beer on someone's breath....they all make me want to LOSE IT !!!
*STUPID, DUMB looks on people's faces, like they have absolutely NO brain....they walk around texting, gabbing on cell, as if there is NOTHING of value going on in their pea-brains.

Anyway...is this O.C.D.? I never thought so, but I am beginning to wonder. I wear earplugs a lot, and get so mad at myself when I have forgotten them and end up stuck in a position where I can't escape whatever it is that's irking me at that moment. Also....why does it seem like my family members possess all of these irritants?
I've been single for more than 10 years, I'm still fairly attractive, 48 yrs old, but I feel this is why I don't date at all. I love my grandkids, but other people's children annoy the heck out of me, so we only do one-on-one activities.
I was so annoyed at our society a few years ago, I moved to a 3rd-world country for 18 months to "chill". It worked...I could go weeks without talking to another person because I didn't speak the language. In all that time only twice did I come unglued over someone's idiotic behavior...one was American, one Canadian...go figure. If it weren't for my grandkids, I'd run away again.

Thanks again for letting me get that off my chest

Nov 29, 2010
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Me too!
by: Anonymous

I also am amazed at how many of you feel the way I do! I just found this website while I was sitting in my cube at work listening to my coworker make these irritating clickety clickety sounds on his keyboard. Here is a list of what bothers me (for some reason, I think taking an inventory of this stuff might help):
- s hissing sounds when certain people speak
- high heels clicking on hard surfaces
- the clicking of flip flops on hard surfaces
- gum chewing, popping, smacking, cracking
- smacking from eating with mouth open
- smacking from eating ice and hard candy
- rattling ice in a cup
- smacking noises from kissing
- keyboard clicking
- some high pitched voices
- elevated voices in commercials
- popcorn crunching in movies
- dial tones when heard from someone's speakerphone
- distant booming bass
- background noise on radio news when they are recording on location
- bangles on a hard desk

Interestingly, I am not bothered when I hear my cats smack their food. For some reason I just think it's cute. But my husband (whom I love and also think is cute) smacks his food it makes me absolutely nutty. When he does it I close my eyes and I try to project the love and tolerance I have for my cats onto him. I also do that with strangers- think about how much I love the human race and how grateful I am for their good qualities. Sometimes it works, mostly I grit my teeth and try not to glare.

I used to wear ear plugs all the time but I started getting bad ear infections so now that is not an option.

Thanks to all who shared. When I find a solution I will definitely post it. It helps to know that I am not alone in this. I really thought it was because I am just a difficult, intolerant jerk.

Nov 24, 2010
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CHEWING!!!!!!!!!
by: Anonymous

Chewing could not irritate me more.

It will not irritate me nearly as much if this person does not know it irritates me.

The same with heavy breathing.

Nov 19, 2010
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Married 35 years and now I,m going crazy
by: Anonymous

Wow! All of the above for me and I have one more that my husband has started doing. You know those snickers with Velcro? When feet are crossed and slid one on the other the Velcro will catch and release over and over and over. Sends me to nut city.

Nov 18, 2010
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NOT ALONE
by: SUNLOVINMOMMA

DEAR HELP ME, I WAS PROBABLY YOUNGER THAN YOU WHEN I BEGIN TO HAVE NOISES BOTHER ME. IT DOES GET BETTER, BUT IT CAN ALSO RUIN RELATIONSHIPS. TRY THE BEST YOU CAN TO FOCUS ON SOMETHING ELSE. I KNOW HOW DIFFICULT THAT IS. REMOVE YOURSELF FROM SITUATIONS WHEN YOU CAN.AND TRY EXPLAINING IT TO THOSE WHO ARE CLOSE TO YOU. EVEN SHARE THIS SITE WITH THEM. FOR YEARS I THOUGHT I WAS ALONE, OR CRAZY! I FOUND THIS SITE JUST THIS YEAR. IM 40! MY HUSBAND WAS VERY UNDERSTANDING, BUT I STILL SHOWED HIM THIS SITE, AND HE SEEMED TO UNDERSTAND BETTER. I WILL PRAY FOR YOU ALSO, PRAYER HAS HELPED ME. TRY TO STAY AS LITTLE STRESSED AS POSSIBLE, AND HANG IN THERE! YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Nov 14, 2010
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Soooo annoying
by: Anonymous

I've read all the comments and some of them could have been written by me.

The whole death-stare thing is an impulse I can't control when someone (for example on a bus) is making the following noises: repetitive sounds such as foot tapping, saying hello hello hello hello hello into a mobile phone when obviously the connection has been lost; constantly coughing - I want to shout "get a bloody drink" - I am so annoyed that they didn't have the sense to have a drink with them; babies crying, in particular making the exact same shrieking noise over and over and the mother not even try to stop them. It drives my crazy literally.

My headphones broke the other day and it's made me realize that I cannot be in public without my ipod to drown out the noise because I just feel pissed off the whole time by peoples' noises. Oh and the car with the engine running outside the house, it's like for god sake just drive off!!!
I remember when I was little being in the car with dad and he always did this tapping drumming thing on the dashboard with his fingers as he was holding the steering wheel. No matter how many times I asked him to please stop he just kept doing it. I think he did it more to annoy me... well he certainly did not take me seriously but I felt like crying.

I don't know what this dysfunction is but it is clearly not that rare and this site has made me realize that I probably irritate the crap out of (some) other people at the cinema when I eat my popcorn all throughout the movie!

Nov 12, 2010
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I CANT'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!
by: HELP ME!!

I am 10 years old and it's getting worse. My mom breath's so loud I CAN'T TAKE ANYMORE! My dad eats his food so loud i feel like i'm getting stabbed thirty times. I have to go im my room to eat my dinner. My sister pick's her nails so much I GO CRAZY!! Does anyone have these problems like me? Does anyone have a solution?!

Here are the thing that bother me!

-Breathing LOUDLY
-Picking nails
-Snoring
-Chewing with mouth wide open!

Nov 01, 2010
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thanks for the insights
by: Anonymous

As many of you have said, I finally feel like I am not alone. My wife makes me feel like a freak because listening to her pick and bite her fingernails drives me crazy. I am similarly affected by popping gum, eating (specifically crunching - ice, chips, whatever), snoring, the brushing of teeth, and some other repetitive noises (it's kind of situational). This has been a problem for me since I was young, but it has gotten worse as I have grown older (now 43).

I have to have music or the television on at virtually all times, to at least muffle annoying sounds. Not too practical at a meeting where one of your supervisors comes in with a big cup of ice to eat.

I always assumed that it was OCD-related, though I have never talked to a doctor about it and have never been diagnosed with OCD (though I kind of suspect it). However, I would really like to figure something out. I have been considering hypnosis, but I know that is a questionable approach. I don't want to have to be medicated to live a normal life with these sounds. But at the same time, living should not be just the art of avoiding things that annoy.

Oct 28, 2010
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ME TOO!!!
by: Muffin

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I've been going through this same hell since I was about 9 years old. I can't wait to retire and get out of the cube situation where manners are non-existent. Just know you are not alone.

Oct 01, 2010
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What noises drive me crazy.
by: Anonymous

What noises drive me crazy.

basically if it is one or a combination of (loud, repetitive, relentless, nasty high pitch, unnecessary, or overlapping)

Stupid songs/music with a very simple beat and about 10 words in the entire lyrics, that go on and on and on saying the same thing over and over relentlessly.

A bird, cricket, cicada that makes the same stupid noise relentlessly.

Numerous noises (stresses) at the same time can be unbearable i.e. TV advertisement which is very fast paced and loud whilst trying to hear your self think and communicate with someone else all at the same time.

A person?s voice (yelling, screaming, at a horrible pitch.

Some times I feel completely exhausted by annoying noises, all I can do is concentrate on the stress creating noise. It becomes so intense I feel insane and paralyzed. When the annoyance stops it feels amazing, words cannot describe the relief.

What I helps me personally:

Deep breathing
Remove myself from the situation
Large glass of water
Find a way to make it stop

Sep 29, 2010
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update
by: dmw

I went to the psychiatrist today........giving me meds for OCD since I can not take my focus off of eating noises!!! I'll let ya'll know how they work out! PLEASE........wish me luck!

Leaflet (misophonia)
http://www.misophonia-uk.org/useful-leaflets.html

Very helpful website...........scroll down to #4
http://www.hyperacusis.net/hyperacusis/4+types+of+sound+sensitivity/default.asp

Sep 20, 2010
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Dear Anonymous......
by: Anonymous

You are 13 with this issue? Gum smacking started bothering me in high school! I am now 46! What types of meds have you tried? What does you counselor say????

Sep 20, 2010
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Help
by: Anonymous

Im 13 and sniffling,smacking,crunching(even when dogs are eating dog food)fingernail clipping or biting , computer clicks .... etc. bother me Big time and this is going on its 4th year idk why it started , it was random... but going to school is a struggle when im home im in my room w/ radio full blast .. my mom usually brings me my food and there is nothing i can do ... i have took many medicines i was in counciling and i just really want it gone cuz it is controlling and hurting the people closest to me .. i dont want to grow up and this stop me from having a family but it loox like thts where im headed ..

Sep 08, 2010
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We are not crazy.
by: Warren

I too have hyper annoyance with whistling, gum snapping (or chewing), other people eating (yelling at my father at breakfast for his chewing and slurping when I was only 5 years old, ice crunching (AAAAAAAHHHHHH), etc.

I don't think mine is nearly as bad as many others here. But I certainly feel that fight/flight feeling when it occurs. I DID find a network for people with this problem, and a possible solution for severe cases.

http://www.hyperacusis.net/hyperacusis/home

is the home page of the hyperacusis network. It is also sometimes called Selective (or Soft) Sound Sensitivity Syndrome.

Is it related to OCD or ADHD? Maybe, but there have been successful treatments with white and pink noise therapy.

I hope everyone finds a solution for this annoying (and for some people) disruptive condition.

Aug 31, 2010
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Fight or flight
by: Anonymous

The two basic human instincts and I can think of nothing more appropriate to describe my intense displeasure for idiots who feel it is their right and duty to loudly crack gum for all to hear. I have to get myself out of these situations for fear of a violent reaction. Here's what bothers me most of all: Those of us so "afflicted" and come in contact with these stupid people have to wonder why their employers are NOT raising the bar in terms of expecting better professionalism and common sense requirements as terms of employment. Recently at a bank I was caught up in a situation where they used FIVE newly hired employees to learn the process of how to open a simple CD account. ALL FIVE tried their best to crack their gum the most and loudest as if part of some twisted contest. If I were their employer, they would never had made it through their interview. It's a basic sign of their maximum level of intelligence and talent. When it came time for me to finalize the transaction with my signature, I informed those trainees that they lacked the maturity and commitment to put away their childish habits and suggested they were not cut out for their jobs and walked out -- with the deal undone.

Fact is in most cases -- or at least as it has been through my experience -- new employees are hired by people of the same mindset, and if their best talent is gum popping I take flight and firmly let them know why. It's disgusting the way bad personal habits enter the workplace and frankly I see little to no chance for this annoyance to ever improve in the future. Those of us with similar irritations, stop thinking something is wrong with YOU -- it's the way employers have allowed these obnoxious habits to become the new norm. WE should NOT be forced to deal with it. Let them crack gum all they want in PRIVATE. Cracking gum is nothing more than a method for people yearning to get attention any way they can. There is no pleasure in performing this despicable habit in public settings. Walk away enough times and WE can bring about all the change needed to put a stop to it. A gum cracking cashier who is uncooperative? Just leave your groceries on the conveyor belt and walk out of the store. Apply that theory enough times and gum chewing would be be eliminated in short order when they are forced to explain why the customer walked out.

Aug 28, 2010
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:)
by: Anonymous

IT HAS AMAZED ME AT HOW EVERYONE HERE, INCLUDING MYSELF, THOUGHT WE WERE ODD, CRAZY, EXCEPTIONAL,MENTAL, WHAT HAVE YOU. I PRAISE GOD FOR THIS SITE. MY HUSBAND UNDERSTANDS, AND ACTUALLY HAS SOME NOISES THAT BOTHER HIM BUT NOT ON MY LEVEL. IT HELPS ME SO TO KNOW THAT IM NOT ALONE!WOULD WE RECOGNIZE SOMEONE IN PUBLIC WITH OUR PROBLEM? I DONT THINK I EVER HAVE.

Aug 27, 2010
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Some mild relief
by: Marc

I have spent my whole life until today thinking that I had anger or sensitivity issues. Thank you for this. The main arena for annoyance is the office because you can't escape your co-worker putting things in his mouth all day and the manager behind clicking his pen everytime he moves and the lady just three desks down who insists on wearing 15 bangles whilst typing on a hard desk.

Aug 18, 2010
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how does it feel?
by: Jamie

for me, sometimes I feel rage and I want to slap people upside the head. but mostly it feels to me kinda like a panic attack (I guess). I get very very very anxious and feel that I have to ESCAPE the situation immediately. If I cannot leave the area of the noise, I put on headphones or put in earplugs. Otherwise I feel as if I would surely go insane or start screaming or go on a rampage or something violent.

Aug 18, 2010
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how does it feel?
by: Anonymous

I hate many of the same noises as many of you: gum chewing, chewing in general, sniffing. I have been bothered by these noises since I was at least five years old (I am now twenty).

The physical feeling that these noises cause for me is the worst feeling in the world to me. It makes me feel disgusting, and I have often physically hurt myself to distract from this feeling.

I am wondering if we all have the same physical reaction to the noises, or whether it is different... I don't know if I want to even describe the feeling, but I can say that it is not pain. Can anyone else describe the feeling they get when they hear these noises?

Send responses to: aga08@hampshire.edu

Aug 16, 2010
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FINALLY!!!
by: Anonymous

My friends and family have made fun of my "perfect hearing" they call it! Oh buts its not so perfect when you cannot have a conversation with someone because the person 5 offices down the hall is "clicking" their pen or you cannot feed your little toddler dinner because the people at the table are smacking! I saw the Magnesium/diet drinks comment....I eat foods high in magnesium and I am allergic to Diet drinks so therefore I do not drink them. Does anyone else have a suggestion? I have been to my doctor about this but they say its anxiety...I don't think so! These noises are so loud my ear physically hurts! I like others here am very glad to see I am not the only one...Never met anyone with the same issue. Thank you for sharing everyone!

Jul 26, 2010
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PRAYER
by: SUNLOVINMOMMA

I HAVE FOUND PRAYER TO WORK, BUT DO IT BEFORE A SITUATION, AS GOD LIKES TO ANSWER PRAYERS PRAYED W/ A CLEAN HEART. IF I WAIT TILL AN INCIDENT, AND WANT TO STRANGLE SOMEONE, ITS HARD NOT TO PRAY A SELFISH PRAYER!

Jul 13, 2010
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You all feel my pain!
by: Drama

Wow! Since childhood I've been suffering from sensitivity to certain noises. I couldn't stand the way my dad chewed with his mouth open, sometimes it was so bad, that I would leave the dining room, and eat alone in the kitchen. My mom blamed me for being to arrogant and selfish! I'd never know how to express it. Until now that I feel more comfortable talking about it. But my wife does not take it seriously and just jokes about it. I'm so glad that I see there are others who have the same issues with certain noises. It is worse at work, when someone is sniffling. Specially there are people who are chronic snifflers, and that really gets me. I lose focus, and wait to hear the next sniffle, which gets really under my skin, and then the next ... and I keep getting angrier that why the person does not simply blow their nose, or why are they constantly sniffling? I never end up telling the person anything, sometimes it is someone in another office, that I don't even see. Same thing if I'm in a movie theater, if someone sniffles, or coughs, the whole movie I'm focusing to hear their next sniffle or next cough. I can't get out and leave, even though I get so miserable. Seeing that other people have similar sensitivity, gives me more courage to talk about it and to try to find ways to cope with it. Please keep sharing your experiences.

One thing that I've found very helpful, with sleeping at nights, is a white noise machine. Loud enough to cover my wife's snoring. Even though she does not snore loudly, but I still would fixate on it at nights, and could not fall sleep. If others have tools, techniques, please share.

Jul 11, 2010
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mouth sounds
by: Paul

It started out for me a year and a half ago as Hyperacusis. Everything was perceived as too loud! I did tinnitus retraining therapy which almost cured the Hyperacusis. Now I am stuck with misophonia. I hate all mouth sounds! I hear saliva as people speak,open and close their mouths,eat,chew gum etc. I hate repetitive sounds. I also hear the letters T c and k sharper than other consonants. Sounds are not smooth and soft but hard sounding. Television is bright and sharp sounding.Cooking channels are the worst(banging dishes etc).I feel like I am ready to crawl into a hole for good!

May 16, 2010
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cant believe it
by: Anonymous

I cant believe how many people on here are posting about the same thing. I want to sit and cry over not being able to stand my husband chomping his food, people chewing gum, picking their nails, dog licking, etc. I do mock sometimes and I dont mean to it just happens. I was on Zoloft and have an appointment to get back on it and see if this will help. i also have fibromyalgia and my mom has read this also can be a symptom of it. it is reassuring to know I am not alone.

May 12, 2010
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Aspartame
by: MissMisophonia

I personally cannot say that Aspartame is contributing to my dysfunction because I do not (nor will not) drink anything with Aspartame in it. About all I drink now is water. But I promise, I suffer on a daily basis from all the surrounding noises. If it is something that I can not escape from (i.e., leaving the room) it just compounds itself. Some days it gets to the point of tears and even anxiety attacks.

Apr 22, 2010
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Bugable
by: Judy

The type of things that bother me is my husband cracking his ankle 30 times in a row, playing with his ear, my cat waiting to go outside and when I open the door for her, she just sits there and hesitates. Keys jingling in someone's pocket, whistling, a person singing at a market place and doesn't care who is around. When I'm talking to a person and he or she has no comment as if talking to a wall. Also, when talking to someone who doesn't give you eye contact, hearing the base of someone's loud music, a sound of a motor, a car that just won't move that stays parked and I feel like saying, just go. My spoiled cat that just keeps meowing no matter how many kinds of cat food placed on the floor along with fresh filtered water.

We can control these things if we would just make up our minds that we are not in control but God alone. We must pray about all these things and not sweat the small stuff. Doing God's will is the big stuff, that is what should matter. My E-mail address judy.e.griffin@sbcglobal.net

Apr 22, 2010
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I can relate
by: Judy

Hi everyone out there. I can totally relate to all the noises that we have to put up with so often. I think that our biggest problem could be pride, always wanting to control people and things. Most of all, it is all in our heads because we don't think that the person making the noise has a good enough reason for it. Haven't you ever noticed that when it is someone you care about, it won't bother you as much, where as, if it is someone that you don't really know will bother you more?

I find when I read the word of God, it changes my attitude and motivates me to love my fellow neighbor as myself. We can always be nice about what bothers us and give the other person time to change before mentioning to them again or have a friendly reminder a couple times a week. Like my neighbor next door, I can hear his t.v. playing and I live in a house. I can hear his t.v. in my living room. He says that his window is open and that is why I can hear him but he says he will be getting his window replaced so he can keep it closed. Hopefully soon. I hope that this helps.

If you want to e-mail me to discuss this further, I can be reached at judy.e.griffin@sbcglobal.net

Apr 20, 2010
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Magnesium/Aspartame results
by: Julie

I posted a few weeks back about taking Magnesium tablets and removing Aspartame from my diet. I have noticed some improvement. There is a woman at work who pops her gum, all day every day. When I am sitting within 6-8 feet of her, I can still hear it just as loudly as I always have but when I sit approximately 20 feet from her, I rarely notice the noise...a few weeks ago, even at 20 feet, it sounded like she was standing right beside me. So, basically, the "close up" noise is about the same but I can now tune out most, if not all, of the "distant" noise. It's enough of a difference that I plan to stay on the Magnesium and continue to avoid Aspartame.

Apr 14, 2010
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Wow! So nice to know it's not just me!
by: Anonymous

I have been struggling with this for years! Hearing someone eat or chew gum makes me want to crawl out of my skin and stab something. I have to get up and walk away. It's gotten so bad that I can't even eat dinner at the table with my boyfriend and his children anymore because of the smacking noises. Keyboard clicking drives me insane to the point where I have to listen to my mp3 player at work to cover the noise. My boss drinks water out of a plastic cup - she rattles the ice, drinks and then slams the cup on the desk every 20 seconds or so and it makes me want to flip my desk over. I can't stand kissing noises on tv or in real life, which makes for relationship problems. I can't sleep in the same room as my boyfriend because of his snoring - I have to close two doors at night just to make sure I don't hear it... and sometimes that doesn't work.

I don't know what to do or how to fix it. I there a name for it? Is there a way to get over this??? It's raising my stress level, blood pressure... everything.

Mar 29, 2010
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STOP SMACKING!
by: Anonymous

This is amazing I thought I was the only one(well okay my sister shares my affliction)the sound of people eating drives me mad and if they chew with their mouths open it only adds to my distress.I know I drive my husband crazy,as soon as he starts to eat I start my rant "stop smacking" "oh my god do you have to eat like a pig?" PLEASE close your effing mouth when you chew" and so on. My sister and I have used ear plugs at the dinner table since we were children,little balls of wet toilet paper worked a treat.

Mar 29, 2010
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Soooo glad others share this problem.
by: melanie

I was so glad to find this site! I have actually split up with boyfriends because of the smacking noises they made or the loud repetitive breathing at night. Also listening to my father smacking his food ruined drove me crazy and almost ruined my relationship with him.I mimic people when they sniff or smack and even my current relationship with a man I love is in danger for the same reasons...If anyone has any good solutions besides earplugs please let me know. 3melanie@live.com

Mar 23, 2010
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THANKS
by: dmw

Thanks for the post regarding the magnesium and aspartame!!!! I will try it too!!!

Mar 22, 2010
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Has anyone seen this?
by: Julie

Has anyone seen aitinstitute.org? It is a very interesting site. It says that sensitivity to sound may be due to a magnesium deficiency and from drinking/eating too much aspartame. I am a bit skeptical but am willing to try just about anything that may help. I went to Wal-Mart and bought a bottle of 250mg Magnesium tablets for about $4. I have been taking one a day. I stopped drinking Diet Coke (which i drank all day every day) and eliminated all aspartame from my diet (It is in most diet soft drinks. There is a Diet Coke made with Splenda that is pretty good and does not contain aspartame)and also am eating foods high in magnesium such as pumpkin seeds, broccoli and cashews. . I have only been doing this for 4 days. I am going to keep it up for a few weeks and see if i can tell any difference. I will post again in a few weeks and let everyone know if I can feel any improvement. : )

Mar 19, 2010
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NOT ALONE
by: SUNLUVINMOM

SO IM NOT CRAZY, OTHERS ACTUALLY STRUGGLE WITH THIS. I CANT STAND SMACKING, CRUNCHING, NAIL PICKING, SNORING, ETC. I AM ABOUT TO CRY, BECAUSE NOW I KNOW FOR SURE IM NOT ALONE. I DONT GO TO THE MOVIES, I HAVE TO CHANGE SEATS IN PLACES SOMETIMES, THESE NOISES DRIVE ME TO BE ANGRY AND UPSET, AND SOMETIMES AFTER GETTING AWAY FROM THEM, I STILL HEAR THEM. IVE TRIED IGNORING IT, AVOIDING IT, NOTHING WORKS.

Feb 26, 2010
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Thank goodness
by: Anonymous

I happened upon this site because I was looking into my nephews likely new diagnosis of Tourrettes. I'm a physician and have realized that my father has a tic disorder - chronic sniffing - every breath he takes - DRIVES ME BATTY! - First noticed it on the way to college interviews traveling in the car with him. Found that Tic/Tourrettes/OCD/ADD/ADHD can all be linked in families.

My sister and father are OCD - they count numbers of things. My brother likely has untreated ADHD. I thought I was the most unaffected, but then was like, well what about my issues that affect my quality of life - I HATE SO MANY NOISES! Sniffing, popping gum, popping knuckles, suckers, chewing on crunchy stuff, mouse clicking, computer keyboard tapping. I've for years of education had to wear ear plugs during exams. I CAN"T go to movie theaters. My husband's crunching/computer click noises and sniffing from allergies drive me crazy! If I can take my attention off of the noise by distracting myself, I do okay. If I can't stop focusing on it, then I remove myself from the situation. But it can be quality of life limiting - I enjoy hanging out with my husband, but can't stand these noises!

In the near future, I will talk with a therapist about potential medication for management. I am glad to see that I'm not the only one out there with this issue. I wish nobody else had it though, because it can be limiting.....frustrating.

Jan 17, 2010
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Not crazy after all
by: Becki

So... I'm not crazy after all... nor am I just a bitch for not handling sounds around me:
windchimes, scraping forks, "s" sounds, gum snapping, etc.

WOW! I did find a site that labeled it: Misophonia (dislike of sounds). Now... to find a treatment that will help. Right now, my own husband, whom I love with all my heart, is bugging me with the "s" thing, and that can't continue.

Jan 15, 2010
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Can't stand noise!
by: Anonymous

I am 15 years old and so many noises irritate me
i hate the sound of:

bitting nails
repetitive sounds
tapping nails on a table
scrapping plates
loud chewing
people who chew or talk with mouth open
slamming plates in the sink
people eating corn on the cob!
people moving their leg repetively
sneezing
the hiccups
playing with their hair constantly
sound of licking
sound of high heels
people eating apples
when people eat with a mental spoon or folk and their teeth scrap against it when they eat

i can't stand seeing peoples mouths move when they eat it makes me angry, i try look away but i know they are still doing it and it makes me clench my fists.

when im at the dinner table i have to block my ears becuase of the sound or 4 other people chewing! even though they arent chewing with mouths open, just the littles sound of chewing will set me right off.

i tend to give people an evil stare when they make a noise i don't like

they letter 's' annoys me and when people mumble drives me crazy!

i can't talk to someone if they have their hand over their mouth

i don't know what to do! my family gets angry with me if i say to stop chewing so loud and they say get over it, but im not sure how.

what can i do to make this stop, because im finding it at school heaps of people gross me out when it comes to lunch time

Jan 13, 2010
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noise, noise, noise
by: Jamie

I carry earplugs with me wherever I go. I have to put them in before I go to the grocery store because there are SO many noises: music over the store's loudspeakers, people talking, babies crying, but especially the ultra-loud BEEPING of the scanners at the check-out stands drives me totally insane! If I don't have earplugs in, all the rush of noises hitting me as soon as I walk in the door will make me forget what I went into the store for in the first place. I got it bad.
I found a website with more varieties of earplugs than you can shake a stick at:
http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/

~Jamie

Jan 12, 2010
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Gotta love those horrible sounds
by: Anonymous

So many sounds seem to bother me. any bodily sound drives me up a wall, same with certain other sounds such as one of my teacher's voices! When i hear these sounds I feel intense headaches.as well as anxiety like when someone is holding a hammer above your hand.

How do all of you cope with these problems? I usually wear a hat/hood (which helps center my thoughts and calm down the anxiety) and do something such as read, nap, or in extreme cases I will physically block my ears with my hands. when i can i take pain meds like aspirin.

Stay happy and healthy everyone, none of us are alone.

Nov 28, 2009
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Yahoo Group
by: Anonymous

There is a Yahoo group with over a thousand members who share all these same reactions to certain noises such as chewing and tapping. It is a helpful, supportive group.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Soundsensitivity/summary

Nov 06, 2009
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OMG!
by: Saya

I cant believe there are so many people who are the same as me!! I CANT STAND certain sounds like eating, chewing, kissing, tapping, repetitive bell jingling, sometimes ppl's voices make me freak out too! I feel horrible when i cant get away!

Sep 09, 2009
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Thanks
by: Anonymous

Thanks for the info.........i'll check it out!

Sep 09, 2009
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I found out what it is!
by: Anonymous

I just recently was diagnosed with ADD/ADHD. I have been an elementary teacher for 11 years and have seen many kiddos with this but never thought I fit the profile. It wasn't until I started meds for anxiety, stress etc and they weren't working. When I happened to mention that noises drive me crazy to my doc, he had me fill out a questionnaire, and bingo! I have been on 15mg of Adderall for about 5 weeks, and though noises still catch my attention, it doesn't endanger the person making them! :) My stress/anxiety are almost nonexistent because I am getting things done and I'm not irritated by repetitive noises. (Tapping is the worse!!!!!) Before, I couldn't even sit at the table with my family and eat cereal! Good luck to all of you!

Aug 17, 2009
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Noise intolerance
by: Anonymous

I have just recently, within the past 2-3 years have noticed the intolerance to certain noises. Not all noises bother me, just a few. Like when I am driving and the person with me will click his fingernails on the seam of his pants or tap his fingers on the door. Sometimes the repetitive guitar in some songs will drive me crazy.

When I am at work, which is a very busy, noisy place, by the end of the day I feel exhausted and unable to concentrate. All I want is quiet. I have been on antidepressant medications in the past but I don't feel depressed. Sometimes I feel like I am having a panic attack and just want to be left alone. Sometimes I feel like I am going crazy but then there are days that I don't even notice the sounds. I just wish on the days that the noises bother me that I could feel normal, whatever that means.

Aug 12, 2009
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Not Alone
by: Anonymous

I never knew there were so many people out there dealing with the same issues I have. I thought it was a learned trait since my dad always stopped us from "smacking our gum". Now I have three kids, two of which would probably physically hurt someone for smacking. I have been to the ear specialist that could not find anything wrong with my ears. They are very sensitive to sounds and I hear a constant high pitch ring and sleep with a air filter at night to keep from hearing my husband's breathing pattern. Repetitive noises are the worst and even certain tones of voices make me want to leave the room. Placing a tube in one ear seemed to off balance the ring enough that it was manageable.

The dr did not know why it worked and wouldn't recommend it. I can understand how someone would go insane because of this type sensitivity. I am also sensitive to fabric and find it extremely difficult to find clothes that I can handle. All of mine are cotton except for some socks that I like that are bamboo. The more breathable the better for all.

Jul 28, 2009
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Not 100% but better.
by: Anonymous

I wrote on this thread earlier this year (32 yo female on Feb 5). I decided to go back on Prozac as the Zoloft didn't seem to do anything. The noises aren't totally gone- but I feel like I can function like a normal person again. The sounds just aren't quite as exaggerated as before- where I just needed to get away at all costs. Since being back on the medication again- I am so much better. I'm not angry and frustrated and.. just miserable. I don't know why or how it works... or if it just works for me. I also don't like being on medication, but it's better than NOT being on it. It's not a solution to my sound sensitivity- but it might be something to discuss with your therapist or general practitioner. It's *really* helped me. Hope this post helps some.

Jul 28, 2009
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the noises are driving me insane too
by: Jamie

Reading all of your comments is freaky because I can agree with all of them. I too cannot stand the CONSTANT chirping of birds outside my window. I often go to my bedroom and bang on the glass to startle them away. And even though I LOVE dogs, I really want to strangle my neighbor's tiny pooch because he barks non-stop. High-pitched noises in particular drive me nutty. Like another commenter on this thread, I also, have often wished that I were completely deaf just to escape the maddening noises that seem SO loud to me. I would miss music, sure, but I think it would be worth it. I crave silence. I carry earplugs with me everywhere I go.

So many noises bother me:
eating, chewing, popping, swallowing, clicking, tapping, whistling, the sound of loose change or keys jingling in someone's pocket, humming, the sound of my own windshield wipers, the sound of my turn-signal, birds, frogs, cats, car alarms, cars idling, laughter, squeaky doors, the sound of someone tapping on a keyboard, mouse-clicks, you name it. if it makes any sound, it is unbearably annoying to me.

hopeless in Houston.

Jul 15, 2009
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Noise intolerance
by: Jaime

Can't say I,m particularly bothered by eating/chewing noises. What really gets to me, and is ruining my life, is acute sensitivity to the sound of wood pigeons and collared doves. I hate other noises too - humming fans, screaming opera 'divas', shouting TV presenters, but I can generally control these by reaching for the'off' button. Problem with doves and pigeons is they are EVERYWHERE - there is no escape, and absolutely no shutting them up from dawn to dusk. Summers are pure torture - I can't sleep beyond 5am even with the windows closed. Have to turn a radio on most mornings to block out the horrendous, repetitive noise. I cannot understand why other people seem to be able to put up with this cacophony and this winds me up even more. Does ANYBODY out there share my despair with this particular problem?

Jun 17, 2009
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Any repetitive noise will do it!
by: Anonymous

I find that any repeating sound can make me batty. However, I feel like I am a million times more sensitive to noises being made by strangers. When my husband clears his throat, it will annoy me, but I can deal with it. If a stranger were to make the same sound, it would be absolutely unbearable!

The worst part is the intensity of my reaction to repetitive sounds. I am NOT a violent person, but I guess my sensitivity makes me want to respond physically. Though I have never done it, I can't tell you how many times I have wanted to hit, kick, push, or just shake the crap out of an innocent noise maker.

This may sound funny, but while I have been able to keep myself from physically lashing out, I have not been very good at controlling what I call 'The Death Stare'. I'm sure I have ruined many a movie goers ability to enjoy their popcorn, when I suddenly, and frequently turn in my seat and give them the evil eye. I don't know what comes over me. I just lose it.

The weirdest part of all of this is that I tend to be a calm, easy-going kind of person. I am very friendly, talkative and outgoing. In fact, anger scares me, and I do not tolerate it well. So you can imagine my confusion when I find myself actively and angrily disliking a person who I know is unintentionally--albeit habitually--noisy.

Some other things I have noticed:

I am bothered by subtle, high pitched sounds that other people don't seem to hear.

Loud crashing/booming noises scare me, almost to heart attack levels.

I have NO ability to filter what I hear. For example; if I am trying to watch a TV show while the dishwasher is running, I cannot clearly hear what is coming from the TV. Does that make any sense?

Can anyone else relate to any of the above?

Jun 11, 2009
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Gulping!!!
by: Anonymous

Hi, so good to hear other peoples stories. I agree with all of the hideous sounds we have to endure. How about the sound made when people actually swallow their food or drink? 'GULP'. I hate it so much then focus on it and hold my breath in anticipation of the next gulp. My family know not to eat or drink when on the telephone to me and they really know about it if they try and sneak in a quick sip of tea!!!! Arghhhh!! Just thought i'd share that with you,

Suzi (Eastbourne, UK)

Jun 07, 2009
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Not gum, but smacking
by: Anonymous

My S.O. loudly schlurps and smacks his mouth/lips when he's eating fruit. I am convinced he exaggerates these noises to show his pleasure in eating it. I love the guy, but when he makes those sounds I want to run screaming from the room. Thankfully I'm able to just cringe and grind my teeth, instead. I'm happy to report that gum-smacking isn't popular with people of my age, culture, and general location. Luckily I also rarely meet people who chew with their mouth open.

Apr 29, 2009
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Imagine my angst...
by: Anonymous

Imagine the scope of my angst after obtaining primo seating at a Broadway show with pricing in excess of $1000, and then being positioned directly in the middle of a group of the loudest gum poppers on the planet -- literally drowning out the audio to the point where I left the theater in tears. Each snap was like getting smacked in the head with a hammer. I politely asked the loudest offenders as kindly as possible to PLEASE curtail that habit. In the confines of good taste I cannot print their vulgar responses here. If being kind and polite has no impact, is there anyone here that has a better way to help convince such people to kindly stop? What drives people to be so selfish and rude?

Apr 15, 2009
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I hate lunch meetings
by: Lunch meetings

Lunch meetings are the worst -- you have to listen while people are eating and then they talk w/food in their mouths. ARGHH!.

Apr 15, 2009
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Hard candy!
by: Anonymous

I hate it when there is that dish of hard candy on the conference table...as if the clicking of pens, breathing, sniffing, finger tapping, foot wiggling (yes, that makes noise) and throat clearning is not enough! ....Forgot to mention sighing, humming, tooth sucking, whistling nose, ice chewing, lip smacking, rubbing squeaky eyballs...it never ends...

Apr 15, 2009
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Apr 13, 2009
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I love you all
by: I_hate_chewing_sounds

I'm right there with you. I keep ear plugs close at hand. Sometimes I just need to sneak one into the ear closest to the offender to keep from losing my ever loving mind.

Apr 11, 2009
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me too!!!!
by: Jessica'

Pretty amazing I thought i was crazy!!! Ever since I was a kid smacking gum/food, sucking teeth, nose whistling, snoring drive me absolutely insane!!! I envy people who can tune out those noises! My boyfriend dose all of those thing and sometimes I wanna deck him! Its an terrible thing I sympathize with everyone who suffers with me! Nice to know there are other people like myself!

Mar 01, 2009
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Gum pop-madness
by: Christine J.

Amen to Allen's fight or flight comment. As someone who attended mass every Sunday since a kid, I finally stopped going because of this annoyance and it broke my heart. The pop, pop, pop reverberations throughout the chapel from two young women made me squirm in my seat on the verge of losing my mind. Who in their right mind thinks that during moments of solemn prayer that everyone else has to listen to that noise? They were approached and asked to stop and I was surprised because all along I thought I was the only one there suffering from their endless pop and cracking noises.

Should we have to fight or fight, or should people exercise common sense, maturity and courtesy?

Mar 01, 2009
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continued because of character limitations..
by: Allen (continued)

In rare instances during certain settings I have politely asked people to please stop because of the annoyance. Instead, it caused them to increase the frequency and severity as if to demonstrate that they haven't a care in the world if anything they do bothers anyone else. Hence, I stopped asking because it turned into an open invitation for them to push my buttons even more.

I could go on and on, but with the multitude of comments already expressed more eloquently by others in this forum, there is no need for me to expound much further on the subject.

I add only one final and horrible thought I once pondered as a solution. So profound and debilitating the toll this has taken on my life, I once considered taking steps to completely deafen my hearing. I figured if I have to suffer in silence, permanent silence might be the only viable alternative. Now I have reason to move toward a less drastic solution.

Mar 01, 2009
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Relief in knowing I am not alone nor insane.
by: Allen - Part 2 of 2

Recently and quite by accident I stumbled upon the latter half of an radio interview involving the subject of SPD, particularly among those with extreme sensitivity to certain annoying noises. Frankly, since this occurred during the late night hours, I was convinced the following morning there was a distinct possibility that it was merely part of a dream sequence. I ventured onto the Internet to research this topic which ultimately lead me to this site. While reading the comments of others, I was initially torn between an immense desire to cry versus the utter elation of the knowledge that I am not alone. For years, I was convinced that there was something wrong with me and have struggled in silence.

I believe everyone has sensitivity to noise ? whether it is someone speaking loudly in public places on their cellular telephone or the kinds of sensitivities that drive me to the brink of madness. People who insist upon popping gum or spend more time sucking food particles from between their teeth than it takes them to consume their meal tops my list. This has bothered me for the majority of my life and has left me completely debilitated in social settings. It has kept me from attending many events I once looked forward to with great anticipation.

It places me in a ?fight-or-flight? situation. Being non-violent by nature, flight has been my only option. I literally have to plan my schedule to avoid being in situations where I am exposed to these ignorant offenders. I gave up theater, movie going and public transportation years ago. Listening to people chewing gum quietly is barely tolerable for me. Going to the theater or a movie where offenders feel that that their ear piercing snapping and sucking noises are somehow integral to their enjoyment -- ruins mine. How many times I have found it necessary to pick-up and leave, I can no longer count. Coast-to coast air travel is out of the question because there is no escape once the door closes. I would willingly pay triple the airfare to be seating in a "no gum chewing / food sucking" section.

Feb 28, 2009
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aaaagh
by: :)

I am 14 years old and I too hate certain noises,I also hate some types of materials.

The noise that drives me insane the most is when someone drums their nails.I also hate the feeling of my couch. My mum said I have something called dyspraxia but like a mild type.

Im glad I found this page, because to be honest I thought I was just weird.

Feb 24, 2009
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Gum clicking!!
by: Anonymous

I just turned 23 and just today I left work crying because I had to sit in this small office with two other very nice people, one of which was absolutely making my blood boil over her gum smacking and popping! I want to almost go off on people sometimes because it gets under my skin to the point I become FURIOUS! Im especially sensitive to people popping gum in between their teeth or "gum clicking" is one way I have found that best describes the sound!

I thought I was absolutely insane and that I had some sort of mental disorder because Ive never met someone who suffers from this syndrome in such severity as I. Im sooooo very glad that I stumbled across this website... It gives me hope! I have been wearing earplugs at school and although they cancel out most noise, I feel as if Im under water!! I have been diagnosed with A.D.D. but Im not sure this type of problem is related. Any suggestions?

Feb 23, 2009
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Tourette's Syndrome
by: Gum hater of London

Continuing from my last post - I wonder if any of this stuff is related to Tourette's Syndrome? My niece has been diagnosed with a mild case of Tourette's Syndrome and when I started reading up on it I realized that myself, my sister and my mum suffer from it too, and we also all have hypersensitivity to noises and lights. The rest of us haven't been diagnosed (my sister and I are in our 40s and these things just weren't taken seriously when we were kids, back in the 1970s) and I can't get my doctor to take it seriously enough to refer me to a specialist for diagnosis.

One thing I did find out is that Tourette's sufferers often have Touch Hypersensitivity (eg I have to cut the labels out of my clothes because they make me itch, and I recently found out my mum and sister do this too) so maybe it's all related?

I'm so relieved to have found this site, maybe now my doctor will take me seriously. I suffer from depression and haven't responded to any of the medication I've been given, so I've recently been referred for Cognitive Behavior Therapy. I hope I can discuss all this with my therapist as I have been too embarrassed to talk to anyone about it before.

Maybe we should all move to Singapore where chewing gum is illegal !

Feb 23, 2009
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Thanks god i'm not alone!
by: Gum hater of London

I am at a friend's house today and he's been chewing gum and I ended up hiding the pack (I think I suffer from some kind of passive-aggressive disorder too!)

It's been driving me so crazy I started looking up my symptoms on google, and was amazed/relieved to find this page!

My aversion to chewing gum has got so bad recently that I also can't stand the smell of it or even the sight of someone's mouth moving as they chew! When I get on public transport (I live in London in the UK where everyone uses the bus and subway) I have to scan the bus or train carriage for people chewing before I decide where to sit. But sometimes you get what I call a "stealth chewer" (ie they creep up on you) who is just having a rest, then starts chewing just after I sit next to them!

In fact I have a whole vocabulary related to gum chewing, but I have only ever talked to one person about any of this. He is a friend who is bi-polar so he kind of understands what it's like to be a bit mental (I know that's a very un-PC thing to say, but joking about it is my way of coping) Ironically, that friend is one of the worst culprits I know for noisy eating, and I can't bear to be in the room with him when he's eating.

But getting back to the public transport thing, I can only cope by having my MP3 player with me at all times so I can block out the noise (I also carry earplugs as a back up), and to sit somewhere where nobody in my eyeline is chewing. If they are, or if I can smell gum, I have to move. This means that as people get on the bus or train I have to keep moving, and sometimes I just have to get off and walk. I totally relate to the person who glares at the culprits! I get so angry I want to physically harm them.

The time it really becomes a problem is when I am out in public with other people, because then I can't wear my headphones or earplugs, and I can't keep asking my friend to move every time I see, smell or hear someone chewing gum. Because of that I tend to avoid going anywhere with friends that involves getting on public transport.

I also have a problem with other noises, including:
Any kind of buzzing/humming sounds (from computers, refrigerators, air con etc)
Snoring
Dogs panting and slobbering (ewwwwww)
Whistling and humming

I absolutely love that Tara's email address is gumisgross@msn.com!

This was going to be short entry but it's such a relief to get this off my chest I ended up going on and on...

I am going to have to continue in a separate post cos I've reached the max characters!

Feb 12, 2009
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Amazed!!!!
by: Anonymous

I cannot believe I stumbled upon this....
I thought for sure I was absolutely crazy!!! My MAJOR pet peeves-actually I cannot even call them pet peeves-these things actually sound worse to me than if someone were to stand right next to me and scream in my ear....I start to feel a rage building in my stomach and the ONLY thing I can focus on are the noises...but anyways, here's a list of things I HATE, in the order that I hate them, number one being the worst:

1. Gum cracking, popping, smacking, etc. (the WORST!!!!!!!)
2. Sniffling
3. Mouth breathers/loud breathers
4. Crunchy food being chewed
5. Sucking teeth, licking lips, mouth noises in general
6. Loud gulping and slurping
7. Drumming, rapping with feet or hands
8. Phrases being repeated several times as on commercials, etc.

I think that's about it....most of my peeves are related to people's mouths/noses....I do find that people I'm close to annoy me the most when it comes to breathing/eating issues....strangers do not generally annoy me by their breathing or eating. I've always been bothered by the way my mom eats. And most of my boyfriends as well.

With gum, however, it is one and the same. I despise it ALL. HATE IT. Cannot be near anyone chewing it. Definitely my biggest problem. I fear going back to school because of the gum chewing that will inevitably be going on.

I noticed someone above said that they 'mimic' noises...I do the SAME thing. How strange. If someone is sniffling and it bothers me, I mimic them! Definitely thought I was alone on that one.
If anyone has any helpful advice-please clue me in! jennie312@gmail.com

Feb 05, 2009
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Extreme Sound Sensativity
by: Anonymous

I'm currently 32 years old and I am extremely sensitive to many noises and have been for just about as long as I can remember. It is the bane of my existence. Gum chewing/popping/smacking, sniffling, laptop mouse button clicks, the sound of a spoon on the side of a dish, dripping faucets, nose whistling, snoring, chewing or talking with mouth full, sucking things out of teeth with tongue, banana eating, slurping, leg bouncing, honestly.. I could go on and on.

This was so disruptive to my daily life, that my mom took me to a therapist when I was 14 to "figure it out". They didn't. And it only got worse as I got older. I would get furious, scream, yell and (if I couldn't do any of those) I'd just glare (like, really, really glare) at the person that was making the "noise". I smuggled ear plugs into my SATs, I'd bring kleenex with me where ever I went to so if someone was sniffling- I could offer them a tissue (hint, hint). Mid-highschool, I was loosely diagnosed with OCD and put on a very low dose (20 mg) of Prozac. Guys, it didn't make it go away totally- but it DID work. I didn't realize how well it 'did the trick' until I recently went off of the Prozac- it'd been so long, I just figured I'd grown up and everything would be ok. I forgot about my 10 page list of "things that bothered me" that my friends used to laugh at me for, I forgot about that horrible feeling in my chest & stomach when I was in line next to someone chewing gum, I forgot about most of it- until it all came flooding back a few months ago. The irritability, the frustration, the anger... it's just like it used to be. It's probably the worst feeling in the world.

I recently went back to a psychiatrist because I couldn't continue like this... not again. She put me on Zoloft- I'm not sure if it's going to work (I'm not crazy about the long 1/2 life and some side effects of Prozac). Although, if Zoloft doesn't work, I WILL go back on Prozac. I'm not advocating drugs as the "cure", but for those of you that are miserable and can't function and are just angry at the world because of this "noise thing" you might want to consider it and talk about it with your doctor.

Best of luck to all of us.

Feb 04, 2009
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My dad chewing food
by: Anonymous

I feel like losing it, completely, and I did so often as a child, when I hear MY DAD CHEWING FOOD or TALKING WITH HIS MOUTH FULL. I hate it so much.

Many sounds relating to the mouth, textures (especially things that are really soft), feelings (like dry skin on carpet) drive me crazy, but nothing is as bad as my dad's eating. And it has caused us great trouble. Anyone else have problems with one person in particular?

Jan 27, 2009
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annoying noises
by: gail

OMG I thought I was the only one out there like this!! My noise nightmares include gum, crunchy food (can't go to the theater because of the popcorn), ice crunching, slurping, swallowing liquid, and a host of others I can't remember right now.

Dogs barking, loud music, snoring. I have to wear ear plugs 24/7 and have a fan going just to try to stay sane. I have yet to find a solution to this. I am 49 years old and have been like this my whole life.......

It makes the workplace unbearable and home is only slightly better.

Just had to let you know you are not alone!!

Jan 25, 2009
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I agree
by: Anonymous

Im so glad Im not the only one! Alot of noises bother me. Gum chewing, gum popping, sniffing, humming, dripping water, loud movies in other rooms of my house.

People always thought I was just being rude when I said those things bug me and they thought I just needed to get over it. I didn't know it was something people actually suffered from! It has made school very annoying!!

Jan 20, 2009
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mouth/nose/body noises
by: Anonymous

What all of us have is SOFT SOUND SENSITIVITY SYNDROME, but we also have SPD if we're sensitive to many other sounds. A Portland, Oregon Audiologist named Marsha Johnson coined the above phrase... also known as 4S. She discovered in her audiology practice several people with mouth noise issues and realized it must be some kind of syndrome.

Go to her website at Oregon Tinnitus & Hyperacusis Treatment Clinic. She has seen people from all over the country and the world. She can prescribe ear devices which may or may not work for the sufferer. Some have been helped... others not. They're generally not covered by insurance and they're very expensive. I still wear mine, but only to mask noises... they're like mini white noise machines worn in the ears. Ear plugs help, Bose ear muffs help, white noise machines help.

I'm 60 years old and have had this all my life. Thousands of us worldwide suffer this ailment. Most of these people think they're crazy. Us lucky ones at least know we have a true syndrome... something we can put a name to.

Jan 05, 2009
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And More....
by: Mary KH

For me, it's cracking knuckles. The sound of cracking knuckles make me want to jump out of my skin. I have gotten to the point where I will tell strangers in a very terse tone, to stop. I also can't tolerant the scrape of a certain stoneware that a pizza "pan" is made from (given to me as a gift) against the metal of my sink or stove. It actually makes my teeth hurt.

And TV commercials where the actors yell to sell their product make me insane. And repetitive noises (drip-drip) or phrases, as again in TV commercials where they say the same thing several times in a short span, make me very upset.

These are just a few of the things that cause me great anxiety. I only found this site tonight--I'll have to come back and study more. Maybe I finally have an answer.

Dec 19, 2008
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Me too!
by: Anonymous

I am 34 years old and have had "noise issues" forever. I can physically cry if someone is chewing gum, cracking gum, eating chips, etc. and any annoying noise really.

I am so happy to find out I am not alone! I don't go to the movies because of the popcorn and other noises. I don't eat at restaurants that serve chips (like Mexican food).

I also have trouble comprehending reading materials. I recently went to the Dr. and he thought the noise issues may be part of ADD. If anyone would like to chat and if anyone has some coping methods, I would love to hear them. sarmichelle@aol.com. Thank you.

Dec 09, 2008
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whistling, too
by: Paul

I also am bothered by gum popping, sniffling, and whistling, especially if I am trying to concentrate. I struggled through many exams in college when someone had the sniffles, which was often. For me, I think whistling is the worst. It sends shivers down my spine.

Nov 14, 2008
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Gum Popping
by: Anonymous

I can't believe I have finally found people who have the same problem as I do! I cannot tolerate the sound of someone popping gum. It causes me physical pain.

Two years ago, I had a nervous breakdown. I worked in an office where a lady constantly popped her gum. I had tried ear plugs but I could hear her over them. I tried wearing headphones and listening to music but I could still hear her cracking her gum. Finally, I stared having feelings of wanting to physically hurt her because she was causing me so much pain... at that point, I had to take a leave of absence and was hospitalized for a nervous breakdown. The gum popping lady quit while I was gone...Thank God!!!

Since then I have bought Noise Reducing Ear Buds by Koss and I wear them every day. I do data entry so I am allowed to wear them all the time. They totally seal noises out. I finally feel at peace at work. It's weird but I listen to the same 3 CD's over and over all day long and I never get tired of them.

I am in search of some sort of treatment. I don't want to live like this forever. I am afraid to switch jobs, afraid the next job won't let me wear ear buds or that a gum popper will sit right beside me. I would love to go back to school and be retrained for a better paying job but what would I do if I went in debt to go to school then have gum poppers in my class? It's awful, I feel trapped.

If anyone would like to be an Email Pen Pal and would like to talk to someone about their situation, I am here to listen. : ) Feel free to email me at julie.willis@insightbb.com. It would be nice to communicate with people with similar symptoms as me. Thanks!

Nov 04, 2008
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I know exactly what you mean
by: Discovering my sensory issues

Gum smacking drives me up a wall, so does someone sniffling. If I am trying to take a test with these noises, it makes it near impossible. Even a normal gum chewer, but especially someone who smacks. I also have issues with food chewers, I like bright lights and picking at things. I have always wondered what was wrong with me, it's good to find some people to relate to and somewhere to talk about this.

Often I try to mimic the sound and it helps me deal, a little. Good luck!

Oct 23, 2008
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soothing
by: CNC

For me, popping gum is soothing to me. But I can do it with my mouth closed, so people don't hear it. If i really uncomfortable or anxious, sometimes I might forget and do it louder. One time, my sis and I were traveling and she yelled at me to "Please stop it!". Its funny, because I didn't even realize that I was doing it.

Its also the same way with humming. I can do that for hours on end and it doesn't bother me. My friends will ask me "What are you humming?". There is this a "tune" that I always hum, that I really don't know what the song is.

Once I was working in a room with a few people, a co-worker just yelled out in a frustrated manner "Who is humming? Quite a few people, stated it was me. I hadn't realized that I was that loud.

I cant recall right what noises irritate me. People jingling coins in their pocket is a major annoyance.

Oct 15, 2008
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Gum is Gross
by: Tara

It's always a bit of a relief to hear stories of other "gum haters". I just started dental school and have to sit in the same room all day with the same 85 people, a lot of which are horrendous gum chewers. Add to that the pen tapping and foot jiggling and I feel like my head is going to explode. I've been using "gumisgross" as my mantra since I can remember! gumisgross@msn.com

Sep 24, 2008
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Know what you mean
by: DJ

I know what you mean. I'm actually one of those who have to chew gum among other things to keep me from going into meltdown. Heavy breathers, nose whistlers, and hummers also bother me. I have a hard time with crowds, so I don't get myself into those situations if I can avoid them, but how about earplugs? I have to use those at work sometimes because I sit next to a (very nice) person who is both a nose breather and a hummer. On the other hand, I just found out I have SPD myself, so I don't have a lot of good advice. I'm kind of looking for a little help myself!

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Sensitive to particular noises

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Sensitive to particular noises