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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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.

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Feb 26, 2010
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Submitted by: Anonymous

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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.

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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

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Jan 15, 2010
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Submitted by: Anonymous

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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

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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?

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Jun 17, 2009
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Submitted by: Anonymous

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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?

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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.

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Mar 01, 2009
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Submitted by: Allen - Part 2 of 2

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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.

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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!

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Feb 23, 2009
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Submitted by: Gum hater of London

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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!

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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

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Feb 12, 2009
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Submitted by: Anonymous

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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

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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.

If anyone wants to talk, pick my brain, or just commiserate, please feel free to contact me at: tovaqt@gmail.com.

Best of luck to all of us.

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Feb 05, 2009
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Submitted by: Anonymous

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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. If anyone wants to talk, pick my brain, or just commiserate, please feel free to contact me at: tovaqt@gmail.com. Best of luck to all of us.

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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!

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Nov 14, 2008
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Submitted by: Anonymous

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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!

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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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