Sensitivity to whistling

by April
(rural Nebraska)

While in counseling for our middle son's (13 years old) anger problems, his sensitivity to whistling keeps coming up. He goes to instant angry when one of his brothers whistles. I am bothered that our middle just can't ignore it. Our youngest (11 years old) enjoys whistling. Our therapist suggested that it just might be SPD. The middle ALWAYS reacts. The therapist suggested that if he were faking being bothered, he would forget sometimes to react....so maybe he truly is bothered by whistling. I would love to hear your thoughts about this.

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Jul 31, 2019
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Sensory Processing Disorder
by: L. P.

Why do you all suppose, in the movie "The Stepfather", the psycho was always whistling?

There is something definitely pathological (and I'd say, even calculated) about it.

Whistling is a direct assault on the nerves and senses of others - uninvited; almost always unwanted; not at all unlike directly poking a person. But because it's done in the guise of 'happiness', no one is expected to protest it, nor say anything about it. And when it's done especially, a times when others are clearly trying to concentrate... well,... Can you get any more obvious?

Dec 30, 2018
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No escape from whistlers
by: Anonymous

I am working on a plane, I meet 7-800 hundred people a day. During landing and take-off we, cabin crew have to be seated just in front of the passengers, 3 inches away from the first row.

Very often those bastards would whistle and it makes me feel like scratching my brains out or biting into my own hand and the worst thing is I can't run away from it as we have to be seated with our seatbelts fastened. And the people would whistle and chew their chewing gums right in front of my face. I hate it. I hate it more than anything.

Dec 13, 2018
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Sounds can make sane people LOSE IT!
by: Anonymous

The sound of whistling causes mild but still sharp pains in my head. It is the absolute WORST in the car. Imagine having a cat in your head trying to claw it’s way out. That is misophonia to many people. Certain sounds are just beyond annoying and some hurt.

If your child has this auditory disorder I wouldn’t be surprised if it causes some behavioral problems. If I were not an adult with years of controlling myself with manners I would TOTALLY LOSE it on some one who repeatedly made sounds they knew bothered my condition.

Nov 17, 2018
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Your son might have misophonia
by: Anonymous

I began reacting very strongly to my brother's sniffling when I was ten or eleven. Since then, I've picked up several other sounds that drive me crazy, like whistling, slurping, gum snapping, and the sound of magazine pages turning.

Many years later, my daughter sent me a link to an article in the New York Times about misophonia, along with this message: "You have this." She was right.

Please understand that I'm not just annoyed by certain sounds. I suspect that fingernails on chalkboards, for example, annoy me just as much as they annoy anyone else. I don't like it, but I can tolerate it. I can't tolerate gum snapping. I immediately go into fight or flight mode.

I urge you to investigate this and, if your son is indeed a misophonia sufferer, to handle it with seriousness and compassion. When I was younger, I went out of my way to prevent others from learning about my problem, in part because I was ashamed of it, and in part because I didn't want to give anyone the means to torment me. There's nothing more hurtful than to have a loved one mock you by intentionally making a trigger sound.

But I wish I'd sought out treatment. The problem has limited my opportunities throughout my life. Plane flights are nightmares for me, and I rarely attend performances or go to movies. I can't stand the idea of being trapped in the vicinity of a trigger sound.

Here's an article that discusses recent research into this syndrome:
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/03/health/sounds-people-hate.html

I wish you and your son the best.

Aug 13, 2018
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Unbelievable
by: I don't get it

I feel for all of you who are sensitive to whistling and other sounds. Whistling in the presence of others is objectively rude and intrusive, if not a type of cowardly attack. It disturbs peace of mind, thoughts and often breaks mental focus, which in our society should be of the highest right.

Sadly, I believe most people do this intentionally with this knowledge in mind. Just tonight, I was in a restaurant, of all places, that included a jackass Whistler. I know some may be innocent, but generally c'mon.

And as far as sound goes in 2018, isn't the amplified muffler the worst? The biggest joke is it's illegal, and not enforced. A sub-generation of angry, evil, attention-needing screwballs. No offense.

Aug 07, 2018
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thank you
by: Anonymous

better still, next time they do it on purpose, clap your hands at them and congratulate them by saying "congratulations, well done you still remember, you must be very clever!

Aug 07, 2018
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forgot to say
by: Anonymous

If someone at work keeps passing you and doing this, turn and say to him, "I don't fancy you, I am not interested in you, so please stop passing me and trying to get my attention by annoying me, or I will take this further for harassment".

If someone does it on purpose try saying to them,
"You will probably still have me and the whistling in your head until the day you die. If I ever find you that important in my life or even find you a tiny little space in my intellectual brain to do the same, begging for your attention, I will let you know. Please don't build your hopes up, looking at probabilities, the hypothesis looks completely nil, nah! someone as pathetic and petty as you, I wouldn't even think of giving you the same privilege as you have for me."

If that doesn't work, get a whistle and make sure to blow it hard every time they do it, so it drains his out.

That poor girl in exam, that should not be allowed. Wouldn't be allowed in ours, you should have went up and asked him to stop, if not. Grab a bottle of coloured drink, pour it over his papers, and say to him "You F* my life up, I F* yours up too".

You might get expelled, but take it higher, cause that should not been allowed. disgustingly shocking.

Aug 07, 2018
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Thank you
by: Anonymos

Thank you all so much, I thought it was just me, I feel like punching in mouth, I end up with a whopper of headache with it. If someone sits there purposely doing, there is something mentally wrong with them.

There was a guy who still remembered 15 years after, someone done it as soon as they saw me, "I must be so important in your life that you are spending your own time to annoy me. You must have me in your brain all that time to go out of your way to get my attention. Sorry I don't find you that important in life to do the same."

I have tried to purposely annoy someone, I lost interest within a minute, it's such a brain dead action with no important purpose in my life.

What is more disgusting, the amount of spit that comes out of their mouth, the mouth has so many lines, it looks that either the back end of my dog or a 80 year old person who has smoked all their life and cheeks flap in and out like a toilet pump.

Jul 27, 2018
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I can relate!
by: Anonymous

I work in an office where there are several individuals who try to whistle to what I can only presume is a tune in their head. Being a musician of sorts all I can say is if that is truly what the tune in their head sounds like, my sympathies...

Whenever I'm within earshot of someone trying to whistle I have no choice but to remove myself from the area because to me that sound is worse than fingernails on a chalkboard! If I can't leave and am forced to be around it too long it will give me one killer headache!

So, my suggestion to anyone in the same situation is to just remove yourself from the area because you won't change them. Since it doesn't bother them they are incapable of comprehending that it would bother anyone else and subsequently will continue to annoy and borderline offend...

Jul 25, 2018
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Husband is NEVER quiet
by: Anonymous

My husband is rarely quiet. All day long he whistles tunelessly, or hums tuneless/nonsense or repeats nonsense syllables over and over in a string...or talks aloud about every chore, every movement, or talks to the dog, or to me---even if I am in the bathroom or watching TV or on the phone talking to someone else.

I don't know when this started, I know it was not always so....but I'm beginning to think that he's daft. He drives me crazy. If I ask him to stop, he's always got some lame "excuse" like, "The Dr. told me that whistling is good for building lung capacity...."

I will NEVER retire b/c I can't imagine spending the last years of my life gritting my teeth around him at home. It just paralyzes me to be around him like this. I just want to retreat and read or hide out with a project......

Jul 22, 2018
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Music/whistling
by: Anonymous

The only time I can stand whistling is when a musician is doing it along with an instrument. Whistling to a tune in your head can be absolutely awful for the people around you. Without context it sounds beyond terrible.

I work in Construction and there are a few whistlers on my jobsite. It ruins my day when I have to work near them. The worst part is I don't want to ask them to stop because if word got out I can't stand whistling it might make things worse.

In construction your constantly at odds with other trades/co workers due to things out of your control (shedual/other trades holding you up) if they knew they could do something to piss you off on command they would do it some days.

I hope it becomes less socially acceptable one day.

Jun 09, 2018
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Bothered by father in laws whistling
by: Anonymous

Ever since my father in law had surgery 2 yrs ago he seems to have picked up this whistling issue. He does this from the time he gets up until he goes to bed. He does this outside and in the house when he comes in

Apr 23, 2018
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So much for being assertive
by: Lisa

@Eric: so much for being politely assertive.
What I am still very amazed about is that whistling is 'widely accepted' and you're neurotic if you complain about it. But if you start tapping your fingers at the table, or singing at the same volume, it will not be accepted by the whistlers. I am sure about that.

Apr 22, 2018
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It's really frustrating.
by: Eric

Especially when some people just do it purposely in front of you after you express your frustration over that disgusting sound. What I experiencing now is even worse, one of my colleagues (aged 50+) near my desk just keeps making "unsuccessful" whistling sound (more like snake "hissing" with rhythm) when walks by my desk. I've discussed this issue with him and ask him to do humming instead of "hissing" and he refused to do so, saying that I'm just being controlling. And now he just does it more frequently.

Apr 19, 2018
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I understand
by: Anonymous

I'm close to leaving my SO over whistling and humming. I've resigned from a role before because a co-worker would *snap* to music for a half hour every day. I know I am necrotic, and the problem is me, though it still is a problem. While not expecting the world to change for me, I cant imagine a world where someone who is as intimate to me as a lover or coworker, would express that I do something that drives them insane, and I would not be willing to compromise.

Apr 11, 2018
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I love happy people
by: Lisa

.... but please don’t draw my attention away from what I’m doing or thinking by whistling.

Whistling is a high pitch sound that literally penetrates my brain and draws attention all the time. I wonder what mister Whistler would think if I would start singing for the whole day in front of his garden.

I love happy people but whistling has the same level of disturbance as that of a barking dog. So I consider whistlers acting a little self centered. Sorry.

Mar 04, 2018
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I hate whistling!
by: Deborah

I have hated the sound since I was a child. My brother loved to whistle and would do it even more often because he wanted to make me angry, which he did with the very first note.

As an adult, it has the same effect on me and I avoid it at all costs, mute the TV, turn off the radio, or make tracks. Fortunately, I rarely see any live whistlers. For me, it is physiological. My body tenses and the adrenalin begins to flow. The focus of my attention is riveted on that awful sound until I can escape it - just like fingers on a black board.

It's nice to know I am not alone :-).

Feb 23, 2018
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Compromise
by: Anonymous

I do not whistle all the time, but sometimes I whistle when I a happy. A coworker always gets incredibly angry. We talk about it and I explain I am not doing it to purposely anger her and she says that her anger isn't personal. I don't think anyone is making one behaviour pathological over another one, except that it is far less acceptable or even practical in society to want to punch someone out for whistling when they are happy, than it is to whistle when you are happy.

I think it is more practical for the person who is experiencing the discomfort of anger to seek help because they will never be able to go through life shutting every up!

I have a bit of dislike for some sounds myself, which is why I try to limit my whistling when around my coworker. Today I left a coffee shop because I was trying to write an essay when a guy kept tapping the soles of his shoes in my direction. It did irritate me immensely but I knew I was the one who had to deal with it ...

Feb 16, 2018
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Insecurity
by: Whistly Whistlerton

A case for excessive whistling as a sign of insecurity:

"Can’t Enjoy Silence

Some insecure people just can’t deal with silence. They fill every void with meaningless chatter, almost to avoid having to reflect on themselves. The unfortunate consequence is the annoyance of everyone around them, who secretly look for an escape.

A secure person can tolerate, and often enjoys silence. If they are with someone else, they have the ability to let someone else talk without having to interject their own perspective."

Source: http://geniustypes.com/signs_of_insecurity/#.Woc7KiOZNPM

Feb 16, 2018
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You're normal
by: Anonymous

It's unfortunate that being annoyed is considered as a pathology by some, when the inverse is more likely. Constant whistling seems to be the pathology that needs to be identified and explored.

Being annoyed by it is normal and healthy. Yet, the annoyed are being demonized and pathologized. Pathological whistlers are often arrogant, selfish, and even narcissistic.

Annoyed, your not alone. ;)

Feb 15, 2018
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im disapointed with psychiatric remedies
by: Anonymous

i tried a antidepressive and a medicine for schizophrenia(which i dont have). i believe my medic misunderstoond my problem but i tried anyway. and it didnt worked out... my main problem is that i have autism so im sensible to certain sounds.

anyway, any of you had any luck finding a medicine for Sensitivity to whistling? im still feel horrible when i hear it.

Feb 13, 2018
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Humming an Alternative
by: Dr Sam N

I find that when the whistle through the teeth can sometimes come across as a negative, it also can have practical and proactive functions. I find if your try to combine the whistle (normal or through teeth) with a hum of a favorite tune it can me quite calming and all mind setting.

The humming creates a vibration which can relax the brain allowing for a calm contect mood. This in turn will allow someone who gets frustrated or angry at the sound of whistling to control there temperament.

Feb 09, 2018
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TRUE
by: Piers T

Whistling through teeth ,more of a forceful air noise , opposed to a clean old school Hollywood movie whistle ,I can just hold it,but I have been not able not help my reaction .life long problem , its genuine . it time tapping not a problem .not it time with music or without music,just tapping has to be in unified pattern form ...without I will physically stop you if I have to be near you.

Feb 07, 2018
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Misophonia and Whistling
by: Anonymous

ADHD and Misophonia diagnosis here.

I have major issues with whistling. Hearing one person whistle can honestly send me into a state of severe anger and anxiety for hours. It is a debilitating condition that has made me have to gear a lot of my life around either doing activities in low populated nature parks, or at home. I also get distressed by seeing people shaking thier legs, feet and hands or fidgeting in other ways. I already have issues focusing, but when the sensitivies kick in, I can pretty much kiss my focus good bye for the time being.

For others who suffer from sound, and even visual sensitivities, I highly recommend trying ASMR as a form of self-care. Not everyone might experience it, but definitely give it a try. After an experience with whistlers, chronic fidgeters or tappers, I will try to work an ASMR video into my schedule and generally it helps to de-stress.

Feb 06, 2018
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Alok, Bruno Martini feat. Zeeba - Hear Me Now whistle
by: Anonymous

so that music is one of the most famous worldwide. in my gym that music can play it or not, but when it plays it, i have to ask to the gym teacher to change it. omg, someone else hate that music?

the melody of the whistling is beautiful but the whistling itself make me want to die. that music would be much better without the whistling

Feb 02, 2018
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Whistling is rude
by: Ella Kilbane

There was somebody whistling during a test in school the other day. Not one teacher did anything about it.

I have a problem with whistling, it makes my nerves stand on end and I have this feeling in my stomach. I have holes in my eardrums, making me very sensitive to any high-pitched noise. My mom, dad, and twin sister whistle all the time and when I ask them to stop, they don't, which drives me insane.

I get mad and during the test in school, I slammed my pencil down on the desk, disrupting the class. The whistling stopped, but then they started again. I asked to use the restroom, but the teacher said no, I need to finish my test. I was screaming in my head to leave the room, because the whistling was becoming too unbearable.

I've had this problem for a long time, and whistling is just rude.

Jan 26, 2018
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annoying
by: Christine

My mother was a wonderful whistler. I whistle well, too. I have a degree in music, to boot.

Having said that...whistling is just plain annoying. When people whistle in public, they are just showing off and showing complete disregard for others. They think everyone appreciates good whistlers. We do not! Shut up!!!!

Jan 26, 2018
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Whistling sets my teeth on edge
by: Anonymous

My boyfriend thinks it's weird that I can't stand it when someone whistles. I hate it so much it takes everything I have in me to not punch the person doing it!

Unfortunately for me there's about four people I work with who whistle on a constant basis, many times a different tune to the music going on.

Whistling makes my nerves tighten, and makes me instantly angry.

I also don't like repetitive movements or annoying noises, like my dog scratching or hitting my arm with her tail when she's excited.

People think it's no big deal, or that I must be irritable in the first place but I'm not, it just instantly sets my teeth on edge. It's draining and debilitating at times, especially when I've got to leave a room to get away from the noise!

So I understand exactly what your son is going through. In all honesty it's not a big deal for your other son to stop doing a habit that annoys someone when the habit is of no benefit to anyone.

I hated my dad for years when I lived with him purely because he whistled! It upset me because I thought I hated him, but once I moved out our relationship got so much better. So for your sons health and happiness and his relationship with his tuneful brother, I would explain the situation to them both and try to get him to stop whistling.

Jan 21, 2018
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Whistling is rude
by: Anonymous

Whistling is like any other noisy behavior that people inflict on those around them: loud music, squealing tires, revving engines, barking dogs, scraping teeth on forks, loud phlegm maneuvers, burping.

But if you don’t like whistling you must be a horrible grouch who hates happy people. Never mind that whistling is shrill and unpleasant. Never mind that whistlers, like anyone who does the above noises, are simply selfish people who don’t give a care about the comfort of others.

They can only keep in mind what suits them and always have a ridiculous excuse for their rude habits.

Jan 07, 2018
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Me, too
by: Scott

I was in a store today and a man was walking around whistling. I thought I would be able to handle it. He would stop then start up a few seconds later and the store wasn't big enough for me to get away from it. Tried covering my ears, but the sound cut through (and I couldn't just kneel there with my ears covered until he checked out.

Tried to steel myself and do my shopping. Became too much and I just had to drop my basket and run out. Was perspiring and breathing heavily. A real physical reaction.

I've had this condition for a very long time. Loud noises at certain pitches, too. And for many years it was made out to somehow be my fault.

It's not my fault. It's a physical condition.

Oh, and I drove to 7-11 and got myself some tea with half and half and potato chips. Kinds of comfort foods that helped to calm me down, probably as I processed the fats.

So thank you all who shared your own experiences. I'm sorry you have them, but I'm grateful to not be some kind of freak.

Dec 27, 2017
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Calm to Crazy
by: Anonymous

It reassures me that I am not the only one who is bothered by whistling. It makes me instantly go from calm to crazy. I realize that it's not a normal, rational reaction, but I am unable to stop it.

If you look up 'misophonia,' it gives details on the problems many people have related to various sounds. Here is a good article too: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/misophonia-sounds-really-make-crazy-2017042111534

Good luck and DON'T whistle while you work!

Dec 08, 2017
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Annoying
by: Anonymous

I have a co-worker who whistles, poorly, on and off throughout the day. It drives me nuts. I react to it likes nails on a chalk board.

She is a fairly quiet woman, and is aware it annoys people. She doesn't care. This infuriates me even more. There is no reason, not one, that makes whistling around busy co-workers that need to concentrate on their tasks okay. It isn't lighthearted, or a happy expression of anything. It's more like screw everybody, I can do whatever I want.

Poor social choice.

Nov 19, 2017
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I hate when people whistle
by: Anonymous

Even as a small child, I hated whistling. It grates my nerves and makes me very agitated.

I once worked where there were volunteers and one was an older gentleman. He would whistle all the time. I finally had to ask him to stop. He apologized and tried not to whistle around me, but sometimes he forgot. He was a much loved volunteer and I was made out to be the bad guy.

I don't even let my husband whistle. It may have started when my mother whistled, and I knew I couldn't tell her to shut up.

There was a post above about whistling being used to get attention. I totally agree. I'm sensitive to smells as well. I rarely wear perfume any more. I literally fell like I'm choking around people with colonel and perfume.

I wish I weren't this way.

Nov 13, 2017
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The Sound of Whistling Also Drives Me Crazy!
by: Jennifer B

It’s definitely a real thing – some people are very sensitive to sound (especially pointless sound that does not have to occur) such as whistling, slurping on soup or drinks, loud chewing with the mouth open. For me, it’s a combination of the annoyance of the noise + knowing that the person is being purposely oblivious to their surroundings and has no consideration for others. As an example, I can listen to loud music for hours, if its music I like. But comparing that to pointless drivel of people talking about meaningless things, or making noise for no reason at all…that practically drives me mad!

I work in a very quiet office, with one woman sitting in front of me who smacks on her food loudly and makes chomping sounds while eating. Then the woman in front of her will just start randomly whistling, tapping her feet in a repetitive motion, also chomps on food. I cannot keep a straight thought in my head while all this is going on. It’s so annoying and distracting! I now keep wireless headphones with me at all times, so I can put the ear plugs in and drown them out with music or white noise.

I think some of it has to do with extroversion vs introversion also. Is the son who whistles more prone to being an extrovert? For some reason, they cannot seem to be happy in a quiet peaceful environment, they always need noise. Introverts are the exact opposite and constant pointless noise is very draining to them.

Hope this helps a bit with understanding where your whistle-hating son is coming from!

Nov 02, 2017
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Whistling is annoying
by: Caz

I cannot stand people whistling. It drives me nuts!! And adverts, I turn the volume down until the ad has finished. Whistling has to be the most annoying sound, it grates on my nerves and I wish it could be banned. I detest the stupid, pointless noise...

Oct 06, 2017
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Oh me too, glad I'm not the only one
by: Anonymous

There's an older woman who lives in the building next door to me who has started whistling the same tune all day. It could be a Sunday, my only day off and any time from as early as 6am this mad whistling starts up.

I'm into music so I can identify each tune in her repertoire:

Rule Britannia
Pomp and Circumstance March #1
Auld Lang Syne
Jingle Bells (whistled it for an entire day in June)
Mickey Mouse Theme (same one feat. in the film Full Metal Jacket)

I've tried leaving a note in her letterbox, did no good. I've rung her building's management company twice and am hoping they can talk to her to let her know that the sound of her horrible piercing whistling travels far.

It's really affecting my life, shouldn't I be able to enjoy Sundays at home in peace &/or quiet?

Sep 30, 2017
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Whistlers should be considerate
by: Anonymous

I hate hearing people whistling,it's so annoying to me that I want to kill the person who's doing it. Hearing people say just get over it is just so inconsiderate,In my experience I found that people who make obnoxious noise in public are usually not pleasent people and most of the time jerks.

It's not just this that I found annoying tapping fingers or tapping your foot I also find to be extremely irritating. When this happens I just leave the area before I lash out at the person making the sound.

So yes,whistling is really annoying and you should consider the people around you before doing. In public areas just don't it's an invasion of privacy. It could also be bad for someone's health.

Sep 23, 2017
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Oh, yeah...
by: Anonymous

Unfortunately, it might afflict him for his entire life. Misophonia is real and can be debilitating. Popcorn at movie theaters, gum popping, food smacking, whistling...I have to exert enormous control not to want to punch something (or someone) and I'm as "normal" as you get.

Ear plugs are the only thing that saves me at movie theaters. Food smacking? Forget about it. Nothing I can do there but leave the room. Whistling is positively horrific (even if in tune).

I feel for your son. But please keep in mind that it's not his fault...it just happens. He will realize that other people aren't doing anything "wrong"...we (misophonia sufferers) know that there's something wrong with us but we just can't get "better". So sorry for your son.

Sep 03, 2017
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Whistling
by: Anonymous

I have hearing damage. WHISTLING really hurts my ears. We have close friends that the friend unknowing whistles and I have REPEATED told him IT HURTS MY EARS. So he stops then DOES IT AGAIN. This whistle thru your teeth high pitch. THE end of a really LONG Friendship over 45 years is in the works.

Aug 31, 2017
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atonal whistling is the worst
by: Anonymous

And why is it that most whistlers don't even carry a tune? They whistle like 6 year-olds who just learned to whistle one note which they attempt to put to the beat of a song they just heard.

Aug 21, 2017
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I f-ing hate when people whistles
by: Whistling is annoying

Hi, im 17, I really, really, REALLY hate it when people whistle. I feel like I want to smash everything I see when I hear it. I'm like a dog when a dude pulls one of those dog whistles on it, but I don't whimper in pain or whatever they do, anger builds up in my head. But I always manage to somehow ignore it without bashing something. Not only that, I hate the fact that I hate when people whistle. When I hear people whistling a tune, it's always out of tune. Maybe that's what annoys me because I have an obsession with music. Maybe the same applies to your son. Idk. It might just be a teenage thing. If that doesn't help, just ask your boy why it bothers him.

Jul 30, 2017
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I hate it
by: Anonymous

I have a co-worker who does it all the time. It is so f-ing annoying. I want to literally punch him in the throat. It is one of the most selfish & annoying things someone can do. I also believe that ppl that do it are doing it so out of spite. Most of them know & have been told repeatedly that its annoying (like my coworker) but still do it.

Jul 20, 2017
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Godawful Noises from Selfish People
by: Anonymous

Playing music loudly in public is rude and selfish. Singing in public is rude. Whistling is rude. Just because nobody tells you they don't like it doesn't mean it's appropriate. How arrogant are you that you think that not only is the music you like what everyone else should hear, but that we enjoy listening to your solo act?

The only way I tamp down my frustration is to remind myself that it's often a sign of dementia or brain injury and they probably don't realize what an utter jerk they're being.

Jun 21, 2017
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Me too
by: Anonymous

Whistling drives me crazy. But I think I have some kind of processing disorder because almost any mouth noise sets me off. For example, gum smacking or chewing, or even loud kissing sounds.

I've learned to cope over the years so that I'm not obnoxious about it or anything, but inside it sets me off. In my office, I've learned to put on headphones and blast some nature sounds. In other situations, I've learned to step away if I can without being rude.

Some don't seem to get that this isn't something people choose and it's not because they're mean and nasty. Something really does happen with the brain when you have a processing disorder.

Jun 20, 2017
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To whistle or not to Whistle
by: Anonymous

I live with a whistler-a very good one. He whistles when he is alone or when he thinks he is alone. I love to listen to him when I am in another room, simply because I know he is happy and relaxed. The few times I have been annoyed by it have nothing to do with him but everything to do with my not so happy state of mind.

In my humble observation, whistlers tend to be happy and grumpy people hardly ever whistle. Perhaps I am more tolerant of whistlers than most people, but in my opinion, I'd rather hear whistlers than hear people speaking on their cell phones.

Jun 12, 2017
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The earth is for all to share...be mindful of your behaviour
by: TWALA

I'm from Johannesburg, South Africa and I too find whistlers so annoying - I think public whistling should be banned, in the same way that smoking is banned in public spaces. There are so many people in the world who are just not self aware.

Its completely absurd and selfish how some people think its normal to just whistle at the top of their lungs in the office or in the middle of the street with no thought that someone else may not appreciate this type of noise intrusion. I find it offensive and it also hurts my ears. I wish nature had evolved Homo Sapiens to have the ability to shut their ears at will. The same way one can just close their eyes when something is visually offensive/intrusive.

Often some whistlers find it soothing to whistle but while they are soothing themselves they are working my f#&King nerves! I wish we could actually do a survey of how many people globally find this type of noise intrusion offensive - I suspect that there are more of us than we think.

I feel genuinely sorry for the 13 year old who has to deal with this noise assault in his own home. A home is supposed to be your sanctuary of peace. I think the mother should be more sensitive to her middle son and perhaps find someone kind of middle ground so that both sons can be validated. Dismissing her middle son's genuine distress at his siblings whistling is in my opinion very unfair.

DOWN WITH ANNOYING WHISTLERS!!! :-)

May 20, 2017
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Look it up and learn.......
by: AKM

It's Misophonia

http://www.misophonia-uk.org/

May 19, 2017
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Work whistlers
by: Anonymous

There are not many people that I know of that have a job requiring a high amount of concentration that would appreciate a whistler in close proximity all day long.

If you ask a work whistler to stop politely and they continue, then of course you know that they are whistling to bother you, after all they're just whistling . Right ?

Consider the source.

May 18, 2017
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Misophonia Anyone?
by: Anonymous

There isn't a day that goes by at work (in a plant where we have at least a half dozen whistlers who spend entire days spewing high-pitched annoyance) that I have to shout explatives at the top of my lungs in the hope that someone will get the picture that one day I'm going to pick up something heavy and go "misophonically reactive" on them. Look it up.

May 11, 2017
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Annoying sounds
by: Anonymous

I have a sensitivity to certain sounds as well. Gum cracking drives me to distraction. May brain can almost explode if I have to be around it for any length of time.

Whistling doesn't bother me in small doses, but I have a room mate now who does it all the time. It is this constant back ground noise when she is not eating, watching TV, reading or chewing on her fingers (another compulsive behaviour of hers). I asked her to cut it out in the morning, but the truth is I am annoyed by it all day. Keep in mind, she never hesitates to let me know about things I do that annoy her.

When I asked her to not floss in the dining room, she was almost offended. I think people who think they can inflict their neurotic behaviours, noises and smells on other people are selfish.

Apr 25, 2017
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Peace and Love
by: Anonymous

To all the whistler haters - Please try to understand that people who whistle are not trying to annoy you. They are simply expressing a happy feeling, which they know that most people enjoy.

If the whistling hurts you, then I suggest that you simply explain to the whistler, in a nice, civilized way, that you have "Sensory Processing Disorder", and ask them if they could stop because it is very painful for you. If you engage in a conversation, you will most likely find the whistler to be a very sensitive person who will appreciate your explanation, and will stop.

I understand that some people like to be angry, but being angry over something like this will not make anything better for anyone.

Apr 25, 2017
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the feeling is getting worse as i get older
by: Anonymous

im losing control over time. its only geting worse as i get older, im almost 30 and every time i hear an idiot whistling, i want to punch him and break his ribs kicking it. oh god, i will get in jail some time.

i passed a week in a quiet place for a while, nobody in that place whistled, i make some friends, theres a place with only rich people, all of then polites and educated, cool people. now im back, and at the bus stop, i was waiting until my bus come and get me to my city. on the other side of the street theirs a drunk man in a bar, whisling so loud, that it get on my nerves. i walked 30 steps alway. and i still could hear him. 3 houses, 6 houses and only in 10 houses i could not hear him anymore, when suddenly he whilstled even louder than before.

i was suffering very much, then finally my bus arrived i run and enter it. that turd just made me lose my focus and i feel anger, i cant work, read, and after im away from the whistler the feeling dont go away. i feel disturbed. i just dont know what to do anymore.

i wish there was a vaccine or a medicine that would magically make me feel nothing about whistlers, its torture, its worse than Nails on blackboard and make me feel desperate.

My hair is slowy turning white because of stress. being in public is hard, i was wanting to get a car, to not use the buses anymore, cause theres a lot of people using SAMSUNG whistles on whatsapp every freaking time they receive a message. i hate samsung for that.

you are traveling in a travel bus when some douchebag is receiving whistled messages over and over again. that notification alert should be forbidden. you cant sleep in a freaking bus cause people are using it. im feeling overwhelmed, i will get a heart attack of those days cause of those selfish whistlers.

Apr 24, 2017
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whistling sucks
by: Anonymous

my husband whistles and I can't stand it! I especially hate it when he hits the high notes. I think he thinks I am just being annoying and complaining. It is truly unbearable, and so many people at stores like it.

Apr 15, 2017
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Consider the source
by: Anonymous

In some workplace environments you have certain people that will do anything to get under peoples skin,and whistling can be one them.

In many cases, these disruptive individuals may have insecurity issues that cause them to annoy others for attention, or to get a warped feeling of satisfaction from an adverse reaction.

Next time somebody is trying to annoy you, consider the source and know that it is their issue.

Apr 14, 2017
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Anonymous, April 10
by: Anonymous

Yeah, you're right. It's torture for us but we really should be more open minded.

Apr 10, 2017
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Hmm
by: Anonymous

The amount and intensity of the anger in these posts is very interesting. It seems to indicate that there are other issues at work.

Apr 09, 2017
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Agreed
by: Anonymous

Glad I'm not the only one! I don't get a major headache or anything, but it makes me so uncomfortable I can't think about anything else.

Apr 08, 2017
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I thought it was just me
by: londoncatvet

I'm 54 years old and I've been suffering with this my entire life! I just thought I was overly sensitive, antisocial, whatever.

Nice to know I'm not alone.

Apr 05, 2017
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Whistling in the classroom
by: Anonymous

I am 12 years old and infuriated by whistles, whenever i am trying to do my work another student whistles and i lose my whole train of thought. most of the time i have to leave so i don't punch them in the face. I have talked to my teachers and parents, but they won't do anything!

Apr 03, 2017
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Your son's not faking being annoyed
by: Anonymous

Also, to the OP, I don't think it's at all likely that your son is FAKING being infuriated by whistling. I don't officially have Sensory Processing Disorder, but I think it very likely I have it (or it could be my OCD - the actual kind, not the pop culture kind). Whistling drives me raving bonkers. It takes everything in me not to punch people to stop them whistling. I can't punch the guy at my work who whistles, but I have a brother who whistles, and I would definitely punch him. The sound makes me instantly turn scarily angry. One second, peaceful and calm and happy, next second, ready to flay the person alive. I will throw a fit until the family member stops whistling, because I absolutely can't tolerate it. Why don't people who like to whistle do it in private, or at least not when people who can't stand it are around?

Apr 03, 2017
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Selfish Society
by: Anonymous

Grrr, there's always at least one person who responds to requests that people stop obnoxious behaviour in public, "you're the one with the problem, you should go out of your way to accommodate ME!" I mean, if I want to pick my nose and inspect the product, that's my right, eh? It's a natural bodily secretion, so we should all just accept having to watch people dig it out. Oh, and those people who have chemical sensitivities and get incapacitating migraines from a few whiffs of you perfume - that's their problem. Maybe they should look for a job where no one wears perfume, right? Because perfume is a lovely smell and if you don't enjoy getting whacked in the face with it, that's your problem, right?

Anyone who wasn't a totally selfish turd would make reasonable accommodations to help others feel more comfortable. Asking someone not to whistle at work is not unreasonable - especially when you work in an office. I absolutely can't stand whistling. It is the most grating, hair-raisingly torturous sound in the world to me. There's a guy who was hired in my office recently who whistles when there are less people in the office later in the evening. He must know it's not really appropriate, or he'd be whistling while the bosses and others are here earlier in the day. The sound makes me so angry, so infuriated, I just want to punch him in the face to make him stop. I can't do any work at all as soon as he starts up - all I can do is dig my nails in my palms and try to avoid kicking him down the stairs.

Music can be beautiful - but it's rude to play it at work when other people are trying to concentrate. Same goes for whistling.

Mar 21, 2017
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Seek help for your narcissism.
by: Anna

LITERALLY THE WHOLE POINT OF THIS IS THAT WE HAVE A SENSORY ISSUE!!! I cannot wear earplugs at work, it would never be allowed, and I should not have to. Even our patients complain about doctors whistling in the halls!!! It's not just mean. Your are a narcissistic a-hole if you know that you are hurting people's heads and annoying the crap out of them yet continue forcing it on them for your own pleasure!!! I'm not missing out. I don't wear perfume to work because it could be offensive or even sickening to some folks. I would never be comfortable knowing I was bothering someone, especially giving them a headache or distracting them! Jackass.

Mar 20, 2017
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You say you feel "sorry", but in a condescending way.
by: Anna

DUDE...We aren't missing out on anything! Is there a food or drink you don't enjoy? Can you imagine if you coworker loved that food so much they wanted to bring it into the office and cram it down your throat? And then when you complain, they only above a little bit, and are incredulous that you would still complain and insist you are missing you on a lot of lovely foods.

I DO NOT and CANNOT "enjoy" or even choose to "ignore" whistling. It is an assault on my ears, on my head (triggers a violent headache) and creates a visceral, uncontrollable physiological response that is way worse than nails on a chalkboard.

You're an ass. It's work. Not a concert hall. Not your private home or car. Shut up and work. Quit forcing yourself on everyone else.

Mar 20, 2017
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Wear earplugs
by: Anonymous

Whistling is a sound. It can be loud. It can be very low. It can be beautiful. It can be piercing and painful, just like loud bad singing. If the whistling is very low, it should not be distracting. If you have a zero tolerance for whistling, even if it is very low, and the whistler is talented, and everybody else enjoys it, you have a sensory problem. It's too bad you can't enjoy it, because you are missing out on a great thing. But don't force others to comply with your unreasonable demands. Wear earplugs.

Mar 17, 2017
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I still feel sorry for you
by: Anonymous

I keep my whistling as low as possible. Out of a dozen people, one may complain. When that happens I lower it even more. But that one still complains. Nobody else is bothered by it. They don't understand why it bothers that one person either, since I keep it so low. I'm sorry for you if you have that hyper-sensitivity. You're probably missing out on a lot of other wonderful sounds as well.

Mar 17, 2017
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whats your problem dude?
by: Anonymous

"If I am working with others I do not bother them with my singing because I certainly understand how that would be distracting, but whistling?"
try to understand that everyone has a different concept of joy. you are making many people around you unhappy. whistling makes you happy, but not others(but some few probably like it).

whistling is one of the most distracting sounds ever. why you whistle to call a taxi? its because is a noise that bring everyone attention to you. why Soccer judges use whistle? to call every player attention. why not whistle in a library? cause people are trying to read and be productive, that sound is distracting. period. if you do that with people around you, you are a selfish. simple as that. dude, whistling is a loud noise, no matter how low you whistle. that frequency of sound pass though doors, earplugs...

Fill the ear of others with your whistling... if you dont see what are you doing wrong, you must be insane. . working, is a thing that everyone should do as silent as possible. you are working for money. your partners are working for money. if you keep whistling like a monkey, you are affecting everyone because you are make their focus lower.

unless you are the boss, you just cant whistle. i would fire you, if i was your boss. please, stop. chew gum to redirect your anxiety, do something else dude. sorry for bad english

Mar 15, 2017
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I do feel sorry for you.
by: Anonymous

I am a whistler. A great whistler. I am a musician, and I know that making music is a natural part of a healthy life. Everyone should make music at some time during their day. You would grow in ways that you could never have imagined. If I am working with others I do not bother them with my singing because I certainly understand how that would be distracting, but whistling? If it bothers someone I keep it as low as possible, but they still complain "It goes right through me!". No matter how low I keep the volume. If your sensitivity to whistling is such that you can't stand listening to it at all, then you should wear earplugs. Why should we whistlers be constrained the way you are all in your brains. Lighten up and try joining in.

Mar 02, 2017
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Grrr...
by: Anonymous

I work with a fellow (who, unfortunately is a co-owner of the business) who whistles and sings ALL. DAY. LONG. It never stops. When complained to, he shrugs and continues on doing it. His explanation is that he has a musical background, and enjoys hearing himself. The office staff (four of us) have NO dividers between us, and NO way to escape the constant distraction. I want to pull out my hair (or his). Obviously, he's a selfish, callous, insensitive ass. Sure wish I had a magic wand. :-)

Feb 24, 2017
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I thought I was the only one!!!
by: Anna

I actually googled "I hate whistling" because this visceral HATRED of whistling has been ruining my life since I was child (and my parents thought is was hilarious to get the whole family together to whistle in the car and force me to keep my ears open and then laugh at me and punish me when I got upset...seriously MESSED UP.)

I get FURIOUS in stores when people whistle and it makes me so angry I want to punch them. I'm a really nice person, really laid back, but whistling gets me. I don't have a TV at home, but I'm sitting with an elderly patient for this whole week, and like every freaking commercial has obnoxious whistling in it. It makes me want to scream, curse and throw things!!!!

I fell asleep last night with the TV on and was awakened by some loud whistling commercial, and it put me in a super bad mood. I couldn't go back to sleep. I hate it so much.

When doctors come in and whistle at work I get just furious. People laugh at me if I close my ears to deal with that foolishness. I think it's so rude and disgusting to just whistle loudly in public where everyone has to hear it.

Feb 15, 2017
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Sensitivity to whistling
by: Anonymous

I don't mind a whistle here or there or a very very short half tune whistle but long serious musical whistles gross me out and make me angry. There is a man who works at the local grocery store who whistles tunes the entire time. Clearly he practices whistling contstantly since he's mastered the technique and is able to whistle obnoxiously loud tunes hitting every high pitched note and carrying it out in long reberverating lengths by attempting to emulate a flute or violin with his mouth. Disgusting. As someone else mentioned, it also makes my skin crawl. It makes me so mad I have to leave. I wish I could just ignore it but it triggers something and I have to leave immediately.

Feb 15, 2017
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Sensitivity to whistling
by: Anonymous

There is a man who works at the local grocery store who whistles tunes the entire time. Clearly he practices whistling contstantly since he's mastered the technique and is able to whistle obnoxiously loud tunes hitting every high pitched note and carrying it out in long reberverating lengths by attempting to emulate a flute or violin with his mouth. It's so irritating and makes me so mad. I can't believe management allows this rude and unprofessional behavior.

Feb 12, 2017
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Please make it stop!
by: Anonymous

I found out that 91% of TV ads whistle. I hate it to the point of wanting to throw the TV out the window. I get so mad when I hear it when I'm out shopping that I have to leave before I kill the a****e!.I was beginning to think I was the only one who hated it. Nice to know I'm not. And now I'm in love with a great man who whistles all the time. I may end up in the loony bin!

Feb 12, 2017
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cant stand whistling
by: Anonymous

I am a 59 yr old lady who absolutely cannot stand whistling. im wondering if could be related to something/ someone from my childhood? I can be at a lvl 10 of happy and when I hear it I almost get angry, to the point of wanting to tell the person to shut up.

Feb 02, 2017
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Obsessive tuneless whilsting
by: Anonymous

My neighbour does obsessive whistling of the tuneless variety. I work from home in a small space and can't get away from him as he works at his workplace adjoining my wall. He tuneless whistles at incredible volume and I can sometimes hear him at the other end of my flat. He whistles every single day for hours without stopping - a long whistle of the same pitch might last for 1 minute.

I've asked him to stop and consider that I am working right next to him each day and therefore need to concentrate. He smiles and stops for about 20 seconds and then obsessively starts up again. He is incapable of stopping and he does not seem to even know when he does it. He has a maniacal look to his face and is very nervy and thin. He smokes obsessively also but I admit he does not whistle when he smokes. He seems to have an oral fixation of some kind.

After putting up with this person's incessant behaviour I am realising that obsessive whistling is all about oral fixation and related to anxiety.

Jan 29, 2017
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Sensitivity to whistling and loud nouse answer
by: Anonymous

Yeah you are not alone buddy. We are all together is this infernal problem. People whistling in public areas are the worst. There is the guy who whistle so loud that can be be heard within tens of meters. That are the rotten of the whistles.

I meet some idiots in public buses, and had to leave the area, cause its was hurting my ears.
the stupid caretaker of my building and adjacent buildings always whistling in the parking while sweeping the floor.I dont want to be xenophobe, but that guy come from another region of my country where people are very ugly, and had the habit to whistle all the time, so its something in the culture and blablabla, the syndicate of building explained me that and after complained with the guy, he not stopped.

i swear to god if it was possible by magic to cut the vocal cords of all the guys who whistle and annoy me i would. Whistlers are the most selfish people in the world, its rare a case where one whistle actually stop to do it if you ask it, because they are arrogant that think they had more rights than others.

I guess the most bizarre case i ever met was an employee whistling very loud in a store that selled everything, but their main specialty was books and magazines! There are chairs to people to sit while read, and a cafee to people acess the internet. seriously why this piece of trash is working there? thats so retarded, that job should be mine, working in a quiet place like a library kind of place that suppose to be quiet.

i complained one time to one guy from another library that were also whistling, but 3 minutes after i complained the idiot started to whistle again. i decided to leave or i would punch that nose guy and start a fight. i should have called a manager of course, but i just decided to not enter this store again for at least over a year.

i wish the scientists stopped waste efforts in studying things that will drive us to nowhere like the universe(since humans would never be able to reach that far planets cause of distance anyway) and found a vacine for make our brains less sensible to that kind of noise.

Jan 28, 2017
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Sensitivity to whistling and loud nouse
by: Anonymous

I am thankful to have found these comments. I have been suffering and get a range of anger when people whistle . My skin crawls and I get this range of anger and let anyone in my family knows to stop whistling. I literally leave the public area when people whistle. I can't control it because I get all stressed out.

So glad I am not alone... thanks

Jan 27, 2017
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gotta deal with it?
by: Anonymous

understand one thing snowflake. before you say for us dont act like we were the center of universe, understand that we dont have control about the emotions we feel when we hear idiots like you whistling. thats no argument at all. whats your point? we dont choose to born like this. its like a disease, we dont have control or will do fight againt it, theres no deal with it, with us. we have to moving away from places because of you. to be alive, you need to breath, drink and eat. but not whitle. demonstrate your happiness in another way. because of idiots like you, people who just want want to chat, study, or have some peace, they cant because of you, realise that whistling you are doing, is something that many people dont like(and they suffer badly), but dont complain, because jerks like you are so arrogant, that you will not obbey anyway. or if we who are sensible to whistle get near you and complain, you will probably purposely whistle to bully us.

Jan 23, 2017
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Gotta deal with it
by: Anonymous

I whistle a lot, though I rarely whistle around others, or when I do it's in a large space.

Honestly in most cases there's plenty of other loud noises for you people to complain about. If it really bugs you that much, kindly ask the whistler to stop, or whistle softer, or start whistling too.

If someone were to ever snap at me while I was whistling, I'd kindly remind them to find where their manners are, and that I am not their property and allowed to whistle as much as I wish, just the same that I am allowed to TALK as much as I want. That being said, if kindly asked, I'll more than likely oblige you, since I know that some peoples ear are sensitive (I have tinnitus, so certain noises can irritate that, but my OWN whistling has the opposite effect and often helps take my mind of the incessant ringing I hear day and night 24/7).

I think in general most of you need to find your manners and realize you're not the center of the universe. Most people, if ASKED KINDLY and NOT PASSIVE AGGRESSIVELY (like I'm sure most of you are doing) will stop whistling or doing an annoying activity. But if they don't, then that's too bad. If they're not doing anything illegal there's not much you can do; aside from bringing it to a managers/supervisors attention, or the owner of the current area you and the whistler occupy.

But IMO if I were a manager and a customer came up and complained about another customer whistling... I'd probably be more inclined to throw out the complainer.

Jan 14, 2017
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Whistling makes me hysterical.
by: Anonymous

I'm a quiet person with an extreme sensitivity to whistling and also the sound of lawn mowers and construction equipment. The whistling is the worst one because people will do it in places where it's NOT expected, like in a grocery store, and instantly I feel pain and rage and hysteria. I don't feel alone anymore now that I see it's misophonia and others have it too. One time I actually snapped at a whistler, saying, "Stop whistling IMMEDIATELY!" Fortunately for him, he was so shocked that he did.

Jan 05, 2017
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The whistle/hum
by: Anonymous

I am bi polar and a whistle or hum grates on the last nerve I have and I DO believe people do it just to piss me off. If you are allowing others to whistle and are that ignorant to how others react to it then perhaps you shouldn't breed anymore and should give your children up!

Dec 27, 2016
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rage
by: Anonymous

Whistling is a psychologically violent and domineering act. It is either arrogance or a lack of consideration for invading other people's psychic and auditory space. Sends me into a violent rage immediately which I have to suppress and leave the area immediately. I think it is related to PTSD.

Dec 24, 2016
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Low hum counteracts it
by: Anonymous

I am not "annoyed" by whistling, it is actually painful. I have learned to counteract when people whistle, by humming in a low deep hum. That usually makes the pain stop. But, after long periods of someone whistling, even humming won't stop the dull ache in my ears.

Dec 22, 2016
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Whistling Roommate
by: Hanuman

My old roommate and I just got a third roommate. My bedroom is right next to the kitchen and my door is thin, I hear everything that goes on in the kitchen. When our new roommate cooks or washes dishes he either talks to himself or whistles. When he whistles it cuts into my ears like a knife and drives me crazy. I don't have such an intense reaction as a lot of people here whose posts I have read, but still it drives me crazy. I wrote him a letter asking him to consider the fact that he is living with two other people and the whistling is disturbing, but to no avail. He still does it. He likes the tune from The Mummy LOL! He also does a lot of other things, like mumbling, which I won't get into here. Either he's crazy or I am, don't know which.

Dec 08, 2016
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Whistling
by: Anonymous

Most people find whistling annoying to some extent. The whistler at work, in particular, that you have to be around all day. If you're going to listen to music at work, you put on headphones. If you don't, it distracts everyone else. Whistling at work is distracting. No one asked for a concert.

Dec 07, 2016
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TO: September
by: AKM

Dear September,

We do not know each other, but if I asked someone to stop believe me they would, as they would see the rage and torment in my demeanor. In people with Misophonia it causes a RAGE. I would strongly advise you to consider this when making your decision to do something that could possibly go very badly for all involved. This is no joke. I have never had to resort to physical means, but if all possibilities were exhausted (and mind you I only have a second or two to decide)I would do anything and everything necessary to stop the offending noise.

To help you better understand, if you poured gasoline all over me and then lit a match that would come very close to what I experience when I hear that noise, so, again, not a joke.

Dec 07, 2016
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Whistler
by: September

I very much enjoy whistling. I enjoy hearing other people whistle. For me it's just a form of singing.

I don't make it a habit of whistling around others. I usually do it when I'm alone. Sometimes people are nearby but none have ever told me anything positive or negative about me whistling, if anything they always seem oblivious. If someone was bothered by it and asked me nicely to refrain I would oblige.

If they went off on me they'll just get plenty more. If I found myself in a situation where someone was always around who did not like my whistling, I wouldn't just totally stop but arrange times where I would and the could wear headphones or something. It's a joy for me that I wouldn't just give up.

Nov 30, 2016
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Am I the only one? Might be a male issue
by: Anonymous

Whistling has driven my nuts since I was young..both my Dad and brother did it all the time but they also teased me on a regular basis, in general. So I wonder if I made an association with hating the sound because it came from them..the feeling of torment.

HOWEVER, there are other sounds that bother me..there are many women who have a certain high pitch in their voice that drives me nuts. Like some sharps sounds when they talk.. There are women I would love to have dated, great qualities, awesome people, but the voice...can't do it. And of course, these women seem to talk non-stop! They are at my office, on the bus, on the plane, even doing those commercials on tv, radio..super sharp, irritating voice. It almost sounds fake.

Whispering sounds also annoy me.

Nov 19, 2016
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love it
by: scott

i whistle also and enjoy it. i here someone else whistle and then seconds later i start to whistle. christmas.....i cant stop whistleing the christmas songs.. my son and wife get mad at me and tell me "stop". that realy pissed me off. they cant whistle at all..my little girl doesnt tell me to stop...she try's to whistle. i think most of all those who get mad (in family) are folks that cant whistle. i can whistle high & low. if i whistled realy soft so it wont hurt your ear.....100% they will say "stop"!
if you can whistle...great job to you but keep in mind where your at. at home whistleing...let it rock!! i even do sound with my voice for metallica beats.

Nov 17, 2016
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Power
by: Anonymous

The whole "get over it" really bugs me. It's not just a noise issue, it can turn into a power game. The mother with two sons- one who whistles non stop and one who has been taken to therapy and doesn't believe her son is sensitive to whistling? I know which position I would prefer to be in. Theres no talk of compromise in the house, and the son knows how to trigger his brother and knows he will get away with it.

Nov 16, 2016
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To sum it up
by: Buyayeng

Whistlers,
People who don't care about others, the same way someone plays loud music or has a noisy vehicle.
Yes, we understand that you need it to keep you from getting bored,overloaded with your work. That is why you need to get headphones instead of everyone else having to get headphones because of you. It's like farting. You don't ask everyone else to get over it and bring a mask. No, you excuse yourself and go to the restroom and do it there.
"GET OVER IT"
How would you feel if someone brought a radio to work and played "Name a genre you don't like"
And if you don't like it. cover your ears?

Perhaps someone can smoke inside the office and you also should get over it?

Outside my room there's a construction worker *painter,. wearing headphones and whistling to his music.. How fair is that? He doesn't even hear his own whistling.

But we know that no matter what other people say, you folks will keep whistling because that's the kind of person you are. Inconsiderate, annoying, selfish.

Nov 15, 2016
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by: Anonymous

I think I have the opposite problem. kind of obsessed with whistling and I cant help it. anyone know what to do on that?

Nov 15, 2016
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Feel sick when someone whistles
by: albo2002

It's an incredibly anti social thing to do.. why would you want anyone else to hear your stupid, unpleasant noise? I certainly have a problem with it cos now everytime I hear whistling I feel nauseous, sometimes enraged too.. I hate violence but I have v little sympathy for someone getting hit if they've been whistling.. they should treat it as a lesson to think about other people

Nov 04, 2016
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annoying whistling neighbor
by: Anonymous

I am in a condo high rise..thin walls and all. My neighbor whistles high pitched and loud for hours at a time. Sometimes at 1:00 or 2:00 am and you can hear it throughout the entire floor. I think he is crazy. I think it is obvious that he is trying to annoy everyone. Should I put a note under his door or what? I hate this guy now.

Oct 08, 2016
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Duh
by: Anonymous

As someone who suffers with this disorder, it annoys me to no end when I hear someone say "doy, maybe they aren't faking it." Why would we fake something as stupid as hating a specific sound? And why would you allow your other kid to go around whistling? Literally everyone I know, who doesn't have the disorder, still think it's annoying and rude when other dimwits walk around whistling, like they think everyone has the same taste in music? In short, don't be an inconsiderate idiot.

Sep 22, 2016
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I dont even know where to begin
by: Sol

I came upon this site and boy do i have stuff to say. On the one hand, im glad im not alone on this, on the other, im only growing angrier at people who whistle.

I myself was a whistler as a kid but as i grew older i started hating whistling with a passion.
My story is a bit long, so ill keep it short by saying my sensitivity for whistling has had on and off effects with me since i came down with tinnitus and hyperacusis in 2015.

In july, it started getting really bad. Not only was i getting agitated when people whistled, but half the noises out there had whistling after effects with me. Then the annoyance subsided for a while, but got really bad the last few weeks.

Then it happened at concert in a bathroom over the weekend. An older fellow in the next stall was whistling. To say i felt like my body being stabbed very painfully by him would be a gross understatement. Same thing happened the next day when i was the only passenger on a citybus in which the driver was whistling. I havent been normal since.

Now, 90% of sounds i hear half a whistling after effect. Whats gonna sound unusual is that harder and sharper sounds bother me much LESS than the soft whistling. Words cant say how soft whistling drives me insane.

What are you people doing to treat this?
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanx in advance.

Sep 20, 2016
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About to quit my job over whistling
by: Anonymous

Aversion to whistling is a very real disorder. My boss of 20 years has always whistled occasionally, but in the past year his whistling has gone to almost non-stop. I believe it is his way of coping with stress or diverting his brain from other thoughts, but it has gotten unbearable for me. I don't really know how to explain to him how deeply it effects me, and have started to contemplate leaving my position.

My greatest fear is that I would end up in a new job with more whistlers! So for anyone reading this thread, if you can't understand, at least try to be empathetic to those of us who really do have extreme difficulty being around whistlers. It is almost disabling.

Sep 17, 2016
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?
by: Anonymous

My problem is like the opposite

Sep 10, 2016
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Get over your lack of empthay
by: Anonymous

Life is full of "get over it" people. People with Misophonia are constantly told to get over it. "Well whistling doesn't bother me so you should learn how to deal with it and see a therapist" needs to be answered with "well I understand that not everyone sees the world the same so you should get over your lack of empathy, maybe there's medication for that you should see a doctor."

Sep 03, 2016
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Thank you for sharing this place
by: Anonymous

I am 46 years old woman, I am Mexican, I was 9 or 10 when I heard my little brother whistling and I realized that it bothered because he was looking at me like he was upset. My Daddy used to whistle all the time, but ever since, I couldn't stand it anymore, I feel the same that all of you: Pain in my soul, it makes me dizzy, it distracts me, I get extremely angry. I am a doctor specialist in anesthesia, I am an educated person, respectful and I don't understand why if someone finds out that it bothers me, they do it on purpose.

Why don't just respect at least the closed areas like work, libraries, churches, restaurants, please respect. I know whistling is like breathing, and I have been working really hard to get over it, if someone finds the way to tolerate whistles, please share it, and thank you, this is the first time in my life that I don't feel alone THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

Aug 24, 2016
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RE: I whistle get over it
by: AKM

Hello (I whistle get over it)

You are quite wrong. The absolute pure rage for people with disorder is very real. It is called Misophonia and is a relatively misunderstood neurological and psychological treatment to which there is no cure.

Go here to see a video clip from the Today Show about it..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dupNQ0pr5HE

Go here fro info on the condition...
http://www.misophonia-uk.org/

Go to suffers, and then activation scale. I am a level 9. Just read it and try to imagine what I go through every time I here someone whistle.

There are other Misophnia triggers as well, it does not have to be whistling, but whistling is my worst trigger. I suffer so much that I cannot even explain it.

Aug 23, 2016
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Territoriality
by: Lochtiss

While I don't get bothered by the actual sound of whistling, it does annoy me when people do it. Men seem to do it much more than women, and it often feels as if many whistlers do it to announce their presence when entering a room, public restroom, or other space where other people might be. Whistling is offensive because it's a deliberate invasion of and disregard for everyone's sonic space - kind of like loud motorcycles - and demonstrates a selfish effort to stake out territory or assert dominance. The fact that there are so many comments on this topic suggests that this is not simply my whiny, insecure opinion.

Aug 18, 2016
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I whistle, get over it
by: Anonymous

It's the whistlers fault? You people are insane to blame anyone other than yourselves. Go and get treatment. Whistling has been a part of our society for ages and ages. More people aren't sensitive to it, so why should we not whistle because you don't like it? I enjoy whistling and if I know someone is intolerant to it, I don't, it's a simple as that. I once had a women put a cigarette out on me because I whistled.seems what she does was way more offensive than whistling, so grow up,get some earplugs and stop with the insanity. Okay thanks

Aug 11, 2016
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Increased whistling at the Olympics
by: Anonymous

I have never been a fan of high-pitched whistling at sporting events. In fact, I always take earphones and a radio to 1: listen to the game and 2: to attempt to drown out others who which to drone on with their high-pitched finger whistling. But one thing I have noticed, and it is quite prevalent on the NBC broadcast of the Olympics, it not only are people whistling at the events, but they are trying to be cute with the cadence of the whistling, but it seems to be a competition between others to see how cute they can get with the uniqueness of their whistling. I have had to turn the volume down because it is absolutely painful.

Aug 10, 2016
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non understanding whistlers
by: Anonymous

hi this is my second comment on whistling. I have read all the comments from so many different people who have suffered with noise. my husband and I thought it was us with the problem for being too sensitive. But when you look at the people who suffer with this sound, I now feel it's not us with the problem.ITS THE WHISTLERS.

the reason I have put in capital letters is because it's not us normal individuals it's the ones who inflict the noise that we cannot tolerate. it's just not fair. They need to step up and read our comments and understand they are hurting us all who suffer because of being sensitive to noise . we don't choose to be like this so please dont choose and whistle your tunes just think about spare a thought what you are doing.

if a person asks you please don't whistle ,then maybe you should ask yourself why we have asked you to stop in the first place. I hope and wish the people who do whistle, tap fingers, and strum senseless tuned realised they maybe hurting and annoying their family. friends, love ones,and neighbours. please be considerate to others and think that it's not socially acceptable to do Whistling and drive normal people to dis-pare because of your lack of understanding .

I do feel strongly about this because we had to give up our home because of a selfish whistler. not just us but six others neighbors. also I feel the whistlers also need therapy and help also . To get them to stop this annoying habit.

Aug 10, 2016
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whistling
by: Anonymous

MY husband and I both dislike whistling . my ears will not tolerate the sharp noise. I have never liked whistlers and have found as I got into my fifties it's got worse . in 2013 my husband and I bought a bungalow and after living in it for 3 months we found we had to sell mainly due to the neighbor two doors down who constantly whistled .

when challenged i was told I hv whistled all my life. I explained it was unbearable on my ears as well as my husband . only to discovers her own husband cant stand her whistling . he works away during the week and only comes home at weekend because her whistling drives him mad.

shes had several complaints from surrounding neighbours. the neighbour next door to her sold their bungalow also and the new people moved in to find the whistling became unbearable sitting in garden was impossible because of her whistling. so they sold the bungalow again .

what I found with this selfish woman was she had a habit with whistling and did it without even realising she was doing it. but it does drive you to distraction. So we had to sell our bungalow to get away and three other people also sold theirs too. mainly due to the fact she wouldn't stop and wouldn't move.

it was the only way to get away from this annoying woman and her whistling for all of us

Aug 09, 2016
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Why won't they just stop?!
by: Lucy

I have developed a sensitivity to whistling over the past decade, it didn't seem to be a problem when I was a child or a teenager. I've looked at the Misophionia scale (thanks to person here who posted that link) and I would say I'm a Level 4. I don't go into a rage with whistlers and it doesn't stop me going outdoors, etc. I had no idea there were people who got that way with trigger noises, I feel terrible for them, I hope they can find some coping mechanisms.

For me I will walk the other way if I'm coming up on someone whistling if possible. If it's at work (there is a persistent offender in the building) I'll start a conversation with the person to stop them whistling or surreptitiously cover my ears to avoid it. Some people might say it's a bit OCD to be freaked out by whistling, but I say it's the whistlers who are displaying compulsive behaviour.

I can't understand why anyone could not see that it's rude and annoying to keep on whistling in the presence of others, would they bang a saucepan or beat a drum or clap their hands incessantly in public or at work or at the shops and think that was OK?! Don't see why whistling should be any different.

Aug 04, 2016
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Sensitivity to whistling
by: Anonymous

I've always had sensitivity to whistling. Even the softest whistle sends stabbing pains through my ears and my eyes instantly well up with tears. I've never been able to explain it, it just hurts.

Jul 29, 2016
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Deep Breath every time i hear whistling
by: Anonymous

Oh so good to read that other folks are also driven crazy by this. I get really anxious, angry, and a little panicked at the office lately because we have ended up with a pair of very loud whistlers. It seems downright rude to me, like if I decided to play the drums or a damn harmonica all day.

I'm not sure what to do because I sound like a crazy person when I try to explain that I literally would rather hear nails on a chalkboard than these two guys whistling as loud as possible.

Jun 29, 2016
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Only Certain Whistling Bothers Me
by: Ryan Capital Hill

Interesting comments on this page, lots of perspectives. I am not annoyed at *all* whistling, all of the time. But I do get particularly annoyed if I'm in a quiet office environment, for example. Like, hey - people are trying to think over here could you give us a little space?

However, I know others might not even notice the whistling. If you are what is known as "highly sensitive" this could be what's triggering you, because you notice things others don't.

For me, I would just like to request to all whistlers everywhere at all times - I am not in an elevator, so please spare me your "sliding" up and down the scales elevator music whistling. Or come up with a catchy tune, at least. Come on, people! ;)

Jun 25, 2016
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re:Whistlers
by: Anonymous

I echo a lot of what others have already said..if it was a few seconds or even low..it's not bad..it's the
A holes who whistle as loud as possible for 20-30 minutes as if they
are giving the environment they are in a freaking concert! Annoying to no
end..selfishness with no consideration for anyone else but themselves.

May 11, 2016
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Dear whistlers: F*ck you
by: Anonymous

If you whistle you deserve to be sterilized and de-lipped so that you become incapable of contaminating your environment with the filth you constantly spew from your mouth.

Apr 02, 2016
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Im having trouble leaving my house
by: Anonymously

The caretaker of the building where I live, whistling all the time. As I have social phobia it took me four months and that while he was traveling to take courage and complain to the landlady of the building for him to stop whistling because of my fears and to leave him at least stop whistling next to my room. The landlady spoke to him and he continued whistling a few days after the alleged notice but in other parts of the house. And I had to take extreme courage and after hearing a song that encouraged me to talk to him and had a long conversation. He said he would stop.

Well, after a few days confined indoors, and left as soon as I passed him, a few seconds later he whistled loud humming again. The next time I talked to him complained again. I know him as a baggy bum will not stop, so I decided to stop leaving the house or only go out at night which is when he is no longer at the gate. My parents dont help me with this problem. He should at lest get fired for disobey the landlady but they are friends so of course the vagabond will not. Seriously in the whole street that bastard is the only one who keeps whistling all day.

Guys, I do not know why but every time I hear a whistle I lose my breath, extreme fear and I want to kill the whistler because I suffer a lot, the sound triggers an uncontrollable rage in me. That's the reason I stopped frequenting public places(only like two to five times a month). It's crazy right? Now 28 years old and my only luck is that my parents are rich. I've left several times libraries (yes guys who have whistle in libraries) and public buses when faced me with Whistlers.

If you who are reading this is a whistler understand that habit can be somewhat annoying, nobody is forced to hear his shrill whistle just because you can not find another way to express happiness or kill boredom. Not rent the others heard their bums, there is little that can be done against whistling noises. They have a sound frequency that hinders them into the house of others even if they are with the windows closed. Smoke a cigarette, read a book if you are bored but not whistle, this is a tremendous lack of education and good sense.

Mar 25, 2016
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I hate whistling too
by: Anonymous

I'm on the same boat too. I also have a serious sensitivity to whistling probably from having Asperger's. When I'm at work and a certain song plays over the speakers that I happen to like, one of my older co-workers likes to whistle loudly like a bird. When I hear that whistling from that co-worker, it makes me deeply frustrated to the bottom of my heart to the point that I get angry. that I want to either whistle hard at them or shout back at them. I try to relieve that problem by playing that same song without whistling during my free time.

Feb 23, 2016
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Why would you not be annoyed by whistling
by: Anonymous

My chronically depressed husband has whistled the same tune over and over and over for the last 20 years. When he stops taking his anti-depressant medication it gets worse, he whistles it faster and faster.

I disagree that you have a syndrome if it irritates you, it is people who obsessively whistle and fidget and cannot be still who have some sort of psychological problem. Their minds cannot relax and be calm, and they have no sensitivity to how they make people around them feel, which mature, adult people do.

Feb 02, 2016
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Oh thank god I'm not the only one ...
by: Anonymous

I really want to slap somebody when I hear them whistle. I think it may be a pitch issue, but even some humming does bother me. Also tapping sounds (ie someone tapping their foot or fingers). What gets me just as much as those are when someone shakes their foot. Even just a little bit. Even if I occasionally do it. The incessant, compulsive behavior is unbearable at times and I have to look away and/or have earbuds in ... which is difficult, given that I work in a news room.

Part of me thinks that it's a bit of OCD coming into play, but there's also very much a correlation with a couple of people in my past (both played the same role - mom's abusive boyfriend) with which there was a huge negative association. So, it could be a form of inadvertent PTSD or just negative association ingrained from a young age.

Jan 31, 2016
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Elevator whistling
by: Anonymous

You think just listening to whistling is bad, try riding an elevator and a whistler gets on with you and starts whistling, I got so angry from his whistling in a close confinement, I turn around and told him to stop it. He stopped. He continued after he got off of the elevator.

Jan 08, 2016
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whistling
by: Anonymous

I hate whistling also. I explain it to people like taking a fork and scraping it inside a wine glass.i hate it

Dec 27, 2015
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he is straight up legit
by: Anonymous

yes it is legitimate!! makes me angry immediately. that and humming, where you want to hurt them but you don't...

Dec 17, 2015
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Workplace
by: Davionymous again

Forgot to mention, I worked in an open "collaborative" environment at work, which meant it's a long hall full of people in desks. And the constant whistling -- if it wasn't one idiot, it's another.

I've stood up and yelled in pure psycho-mode, "WHO THE HELL IS WHISTLING!?!" and just lost it.

Yeah. I hate whistling.

Dec 17, 2015
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Stop The Effin Whistling
by: Davi--anonymous--Davionymous

Whistling seems to be a guy habit. I have never heard a woman whistle in my life.

Guys love to whistle in the bathroom, especially when peeing. I always feel like grabbing their heads and slamming it into the wall.

This one time this dude started whistling while peeing and before I could say or do anything, someone yelled "HEY!!!" from a stall.

That point on, I knew I wasn't alone.

Dec 14, 2015
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Whistling Rage
by: Jan

Since I was a child very young I hated whistling. Even then it drove me into a rage that all I wanted to do was punch the person in the mouth over and over.

It is really horrible for me. Someone at work was sitting at their desk and started whistling until I could stand it no longer and I told them to stop. I told them I had an inner ear problem and that whistling hurt my ears.

I cannot stand it!

Oct 11, 2015
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My latest response
by: AKM

Hello Anonymous Oct 11. 2015,

YOU have Misophonia (doesn't anyone read my posts?)Please tell your fiend that you have a Neurological and Psychological issue with sounds and you cannot listen to whistling. The tapping, i also have an issue with. that is part of the same, but instead of sound it is physical movement.

ONCE AGAIN GO TO:http://www.misophonia-uk.org/the-misophonia-activation-scale.html

to see where you are.
Good Luck

Oct 11, 2015
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He says I'm to sensitive...ugh !
by: Anonymous

I just had a very good friend over for playing some cards. He just left and I'm at peace now. When we were playing cards, he was whistling and also taping his fingers on the table!!! This was going on for 4 hrs !!!!! It happens all the time and he tells me I'm too sensitive!

Sometimes I don't even want to go anywhere with him in the car because he taps his foot on the gas pedal at a stop light or whistles again or taps his fingers on the dash board while he is waiting for the light to change ! What can I do ! It drives me nuts !

Oct 02, 2015
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Oh my god
by: Jeff

I can't believe there are this many people who have the same experience with whistling. I've had similar reactions to other sounds over the years, but whistling is far and away the most extreme.

Even worse, the sound gets stuck in my head, so even after they've stopped, it's all I hear. I've yet to snap on anyone, but come very close constantly.

The only coping mechanism I have is to play a song with whistling in it on my headphones. For whatever reason, that doesn't bother me, and it gets rid of the sound of the other person whistling. If I didn't have that, there's no way I would be able to function in society.

Sep 08, 2015
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s
by: Anonymous

For the past three years or so, I've grown to have a similar problem. My father (whom, I might add, I don't have a stable relationship with) whistles non-stop and has for as long as I can remember. It started small, I acquired a reflex of bringing my head and shoulder together and shuddering my neck until it became a completely uncontrollable action. More recently, maybe in the past year, it's gotten so bad that continuous whistling sends me into an emotional breakdown because it literally drives me mad. No matter where I go, it feels like I can't escape it until it stops. I'm starting to have the original neck shudder response to music and singing. I'm going crazy.

Sep 04, 2015
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Misophonia
by: AKM

Please, once again if you enraged by the sound of whistling, and you clench your fists and feet. If
you have a fight or flight reaction, and your heart is pounding, and all you can think of is PLEASE MAKE IT STOP, then you have Misophonia.
http://www.misophonia-uk.org

The above site will help you to understand it,also there is a Today Show episode clip on YouTube at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dupNQ0pr5HE

It is only 5 minutes long.

Sep 04, 2015
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Married a whistler/singer
by: Anonymous

I have a whistling husband who began whistling non stop several months ago. I am extremely annoyed by it and just now he came in the room with a bag of Cheetos. I said "the only good thing about you eating those Cheetos is that you can't whistle while you're eating!" He said "I haven't been whistling".....totally denied that for the past hour he had whistled me into madness. I am a hearing aid wearer......would that cause my sensitivity to whistling? I have music anhedonia (sp?) also, meaning dislike of music. PS: He sings a lot, too! He's also a Lawrence Welk fan and records the old shows and plays them really loud. I just retire to my room. Married 61 years and I haven't killed him yet.

Aug 30, 2015
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whistling
by: sue

I have always hated whistling. I have never been able to understand why. If it is a sensory disorder then that makes sense. I also can't stand the sound of chewing or gum smacking. It's not as bad as it used to be for me and I have attributed to age and my hearing is diminishing. Glad to hear I am not alone

Aug 25, 2015
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whistling
by: Anonymous

I thought I was going mad. Ever since my menopause I have been over sensitive to whistling, I now have panic attacks if I am in a room with whistling. My husband thinks I am being negative and he is only being happy, he doesn't realise what torment it is for me. I am now sitting upstairs whilst he is whistling along to Pink Floyd. Ahhhhh. am I going mad. It's been like this for about a year now and not getting any better.

Aug 20, 2015
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Maybe I am normal after all
by: Brandi

I thought I was the only one that despises whistling. It gets me to the point where I wanna bash someone in the face with a brick because I figure they will no longer have the ability to whistle. I try to be considerate of others and not make a bunch of noise, etc., so it is beyond me why inconsiderate people have such a sense of entitlement that they think they should walk around and whistle all day. Then I hear a lot of people say "Well happy people whistle"..NO...ANNOYING people whistle. I definitely do not think the middle child is faking it and if the brothers keep it up they will end up setting the youngster off.

Aug 16, 2015
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And a reflection
by: Chuckodee

In most cases I believe that people who whistle just do it spontaniously without even reflecting. However, if a person can't stand whistling, that shows, and some people WILL for whatever reason use it against you to position themself and get the upper hand. However, I do not think these people REALLY know how much they're hurting the person that can't stand the whistling. If they did perhaps they'd be a lite more considerate, but I'm not completely sure.

Aug 16, 2015
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Finally
by: Chuckodee

Many many thanks for all who have posted in this thread, I feel better too. For a while I thought I was the only one suffering from this but obviously I'm far from alone, which at least is a start. Whistling has definitely diminished my life as I am a much more socially withdrawn person since I got sensitive to whistling. I can go shop and such but I certainly don't like it, I do it because I have too. In my younger days I really enjoyed eating out and walking around town, going to concerts etc. But I don't anymore because of whistling, which of course also goes on at work and it's a real pain.

Aug 10, 2015
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Whistlers Lack Courtesy
by: Anonymous

I stumbled upon this website and love it! I'm not alone-finally!! It is a bother when people around me whistle and they think it's cute. It's NOT cute! It's annoying!! This particular whistler is a family member who thinks that it shouldn't bother me, but it's just as dumb to say that a person falling out of a building shouldn't bother you. It does! I don't like hearing sticky bare feet on my wood floors. I don't like hearing people chew with their mouth open. I don't like when this family member talks with food in his mouth and then chokes! I don't like when he has restless legs when he should be still. He jiggles the furniture and it is annoying! Yesterday, the guy who sat behind me in church kept banging his foot on my chair. How rude! He did it multiple times throughout the serve. These people are completely unaware how they are coming across, but worse, they don't care. They still whistle, jiggle the furniture, and talk with food in their mouth even when they know you don't like it. They ought to go read some information about COURTESY and how courtesy shows the maturity level of a person. These people who walk around whistling are plain rude.

Jun 27, 2015
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Anti-Whistling Strategies
by: William

The whistler may or may not be whistling with malicious intent, but that doesn't matter to the whistling victim. His suffering is real and his misery should be considered a valid response. Would you expect him to "just ignore it" or "just deal with it" if his brother were poking him with a pin? I have found sound-masking to be a helpful strategy against whistling. Try the higher-pitched water trickling on http://freewhitenoise.com. There are several other good websites with free white noise. I know this strategy may not be useful for the middle son. But it might be worth having him try sound masking via a portable music player with headphones. The whistling-sibling issue will eventually resolve itself, but the middle son's sound sensitivity will remain an issue. He needs to find ways to help himself deal with unwanted noise. Silicone earplugs can be very useful at times. Sound-masking is another tool. The most important thing is for the parent to understand how very real and painful sound sensitivity can be. My dad used to play opera CDs at high volume and sing along while I was trying to study. He scoffed at my complaints, saying that everyone has the ability to filter out unwelcome noise. No, everyone does not. A parent has to be able to empathize. Your middle son needs you to get this.

Jun 17, 2015
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Are you being serious?
by: Chopin

You question whether your son is pretending to be annoyed by whistling? I question whether you're pretending not to understand that whistling is annoying. It can be seriously, seriously annoying.

Jun 11, 2015
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Hallway whistler
by: Anonymous

I have a new neighbor who whistles in the hallway on our floor. She does it when she takes her dog in and out a thousand times a day. She does it when she takes out the garbage or just passing through. I left a polite note in the hallways stating that with apartment living, we need to be aware of others and the noise that leaves with us from our apartments echoes loudly in the hallway and can be heard by others. for example, singing, whistling, door slamming. I heard her tear the note down on the morning and she continues which leads me to agree with another posters comments that whistlers tend to be of poor character. Does she really think we all want to hear her whistling?

I have made numerous complaints to management to no avail. Its a public area. Playing music in the hallways certainly wouldnt be tolerated. How is whistling different? When I hear her, I seriously want to smash furniture. Id like to go out in the hallway and scream at her and smash her. I just feel rage. If someone was to complain about noise I made, Id feel really bad and try to quiet down. Not this selfish excuse for a human being.

I am seriously thinking about moving after living peacefully here for 10 years.

Mar 25, 2015
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Misophonia
by: AKM

As I have said before; Misophonia. If these noises make you angry to the point of rage, then that is what it is. If it makes you want to kick the persons teeth in, then that's what it is. It is a horrible condition to have, and there is no known cure.
http://www.misophonia-uk.org/

I am not advocating the above web site, but it has helped me to better understand it. It is a Neurological and then Psychological condition. It effects the way we perceive sound.It is autonomic, and cannot be wished away; I wish it could be, as it has greatly affected my quality of life, unfortunately along with many other issues.

Mar 25, 2015
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Constant whistling-not aware he's doing it
by: Anonymous

My husband whistles the same line of a tune or hymn beautifully but it is driving me crazy. He does this while he is reading the newspaper or a book. He does not know when he is doing it. I have asked him what tune he was whistling and he didn't know he was doing it. This has been going on over the years but the last two days it makes me feel like I am going crazy hearing the same thing over and over. I cannot have a thought of my own. I can hear him throughout the house. So today I started closing the door just to clear my head. I have brought it up repeatedly but he still does it. Today he said we will stop at Walgreens and buy ear plugs. Wish I had an answer to cure it.

Feb 06, 2015
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Misophonia
by: AKM

It is Misophonia; a rare but very real condition.
http://www.misophonia-uk.org/

I am a level 9 for whistling and bird chirping. Also the sound of bass in loud unwanted music.

Jan 20, 2015
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My husband
by: Anonymous

My husband has this annoying habit. He knows it bothers me. The noise kills my ears and he thinks it is funny. He does it just to see how long I can stand it before I start screaming at him.

Jan 08, 2015
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Solution
by: Anonymous

i get it im more than annoyed by whistling sounds even more the beeping reverse sound of certain types of commercial vehicles, unfortunately we all have the same annoyance, i need a solution what can be done about it....

Jan 05, 2015
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whistlers
by: Hazel

Hi i have read your comments , i too have a problem with the random senseless whistling but i can control my anger by counting to 10 in my head whilst reminding my self it is not directed at me, but they are (sad bastards )or by striking an equally random conversion with the person and again if they carry on blowing .Work colleague are a different matter. At first i try the talking method but sometimes i confess my hang up to which the stupid people whistle ha ha funny ! Others are polite and stop ! Which i follow up with a look if they slip up .Having opened up i have a problem with the stupid people they continue to torture me to which i have to go away an calm down because i feel like committing GBH .later i explain its like fear of flying or even fear of snakes or nails on a blackboard it sometimes works .Hope this helps

Dec 21, 2014
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Grrrr!
by: ms727231@yahoocom

Yes as a kid certain sounds drove me crazy and it was emotionally draining. As an adult, it is no better! Its whistling, bass noise, or omg! My grandmothers obessive sniffing habit, no cold, but she sniffs 365 days a year!!! And i have thought really bad thoughts too! Lol So i sympathize with all of you! Bless you!

Dec 12, 2014
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Glad I'm not the only one
by: Anonymous

I am so glad to see that I am not the only one who feels this way about people who whistle. I just can't stand it.

It annoys me most when I am listening to a song that is playing at my work and somebody walks by and starts to whistle to it. How rude, right?
Not only that, but I also hate being in public and having to listen to somebody's phone go off. They just let it ring while they are looking at who it could be that's calling them. Okay, first, turn off your ringer! Second, I put my phone on vibrate in public because I am considerate, unlike these people. Third, at least turn your ringer down!

Another one that bothers me: people who have the nerve to play music on their phone and walk around public places. Really? Where are your manners? They do sell headphones for a reason. Buy some.

And last but not least, I also hate when people feel the need to rev up their engine over and over again. Okay, we get it. Your vehicle is loud and sounds like crap. Congratulations. While on the topic of vehicles, let's not forget the ones who feel the need to blare their music in their car so that everyone driving around them hears nothing but the BOOM BOOM of the bass. Seriously... and not only hearing the annoying noise, but actually feeling the vibration. Is your hearing really that bad? If not, it will be!

I should also add that some singers make me want to cut my ears off. If they strain their voice or sound whiny or high pitched, it has the same effect on me as what I listed above.

Sorry for the book...I just had to get this all out with people who can understand me. :)

Dec 11, 2014
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Workplace Horror
by: Anonymous

Not only does my boss whistle a little tune of death, but my coworker cracks her knuckles. It's a symphony made for a nightmare in my brain.

I totally agree with the previous poster about proving how happy they are by whistling without any care of the people around them. Has no one in their life told them how annoying the sound can be to others?

My cringe and grimace let my coworker know my dislike for knuckle-cracking, but she thinks I don't hear every time she does it. Note: she's 15 feet away.

Then, at home, my constant "Chew with your mouth closed!" falls on deaf ears. I wish everyone heard what I hear so they could be more sympathetic to those around them.

Nov 04, 2014
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Thank you!
by: Anonymous

So glad to know it's not just me that's driven insane by whistling! It sets my teeth on edge - why do people feel the need to do it in public places (like supermarkets)?

Nov 02, 2014
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Whistling In Commercials
by: Nabil Gowdey

Whistling in general is annoying- what's worse is this ubiqutous and insidious trend to include whistling in EVERY damn commercial! Is there a top-secret marketing study that determined whistling increases attention to message? - I'm curious...

Oct 02, 2014
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whistling through his teeth
by: steve

It's the ones that do it through their teeth. Just a constant indescribable annoying whistle. And the person I'm talking about has extremely bad perio disease (halitosis) to go with it. It takes all the self control I have to not say something to him but I feel like it would be offensive to him because we are friends and we work together.

Sep 12, 2014
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Depends
by: Anonymous

For me it makes a big difference on how the person whistles, I'm actually a whistler myself but only when I think I'm alone and listening to music. The only person that drives me the absolute edge within seconds is my dad, his whistling is obnoxiously loud and plain bad. I can't "just" ignore it, it is the same as if someone scratches their nail over a chalkboard for a really long period of time.
When whistling has a clear melody and is not too loud it doesn't bother me.

Jul 07, 2014
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It's annoying
by: Anonymous

I agree. I actually confronted a whistler who was whistling in Starbucks. When he saw it annoyed me, he got all bright eyed and amused and whistled further. His red neck wife cheered him on.

People who tend to whistle, in my experience, tend to be on the low end of the social order, usually uneducated and of poor character. They don't care about invading the auditory space of other people. Try asking someone to stop whistling and check the reaction. A decent person would quiet down. Whistlers want to impose their whistling on others...

Having said that, I am also annoyed by other sounds like newspaper shuffling, particularly how readers shake the newspaper to read it, then fold and stream their fingers along the folds, and open it again, and furiously rustle.

Sugar packs also drive me insane...particularly the way people furiously shake the sugar packs or bang them on the table like a child banging pots in order to get the sugar to drop to the bottom. It makes so much noise. Strangely intelligent people know how to gentley hold sugar at the top of the packet and hold it so the sugar granules fall to the bottom....Idiots shake the packets like there is no tomorrow...they are almost as annoying as the idiot whistlers.

Jun 28, 2014
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errrrrrr!
by: Anonymous

I am bipolar and hate whistling. I get the urge to bitch slap them and tape their pucker lips with duct tape. When in an agitated state, I really think I could punch a chronic whistler. Now Flo from Progressive has a sickening whistle thing going on. On top of whistling, I can't tolerate booming bass or a Sonic Care toothbrush. My shrink thinks it's funny. My family thinks I'm nuts (I guess I am but they are being mean.) Just saying. I have been sensitive to this all my life, but summertime is here, bloody heck. Bring on the noise. Maybe I'll go live in the woods in a tent. Far away from the noise. I just keep getting angrier, but I guess it is getting rampant on TV. FML

Jun 24, 2014
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mikej1592 is right on
by: Old Timey

Thanks Mike. There needs to be a public campaign against whistling that pushes whistling to the very fringes of society. Similar to very restricted smoking areas, offering a small, soundproof box located strategically in a business where uncontrollable whistlers can discharge their vile noise could be a viable alternative.

Jun 20, 2014
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Eek! High pitch whistling is the WORST!
by: Maria

My husband has a habit of doing this and although I have tried to explain how it affects me, he acts annoyed/offended every time I ask him to stop.He also likes to listen to jazz music that has high pitched instruments, but at least he waits until he thinks I am out of hearing shot of the jazz.

May 29, 2014
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never trust a whistler
by: mikej1592

An old dude I used to work with always used to say they didn't hire a canary. He also said never trust a whistler, they have either done something suspicious or they are about to.

I agree to an extent, I absolutely hate the sound of whistling, not because I cannot, I can and have whistled in the past but now it just drives me apeshit to hear someone do it, especially at work when I am trying to concentrate.

They are attention whores that want to show off how happy they are or whatever, either way they are invading my personal auditory space. Even ringtones with whistling in it irritate me to no end.

Please stop the insanity and teach people that there is a time and place for doing it, in public around strangers or people you know it bothers is NOT the right place.

Apr 14, 2014
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Your 11 year old has the problem
by: Anonymous

Instead of assuming that your 13 year old has a hearing problem because he doesn't like whistling, why don't you check up on your 11 year old's obsessive compulsive whistling disorder?

Mar 07, 2014
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The Real Problem
by: Old Timey

I blame the older and younger brothers. The middle child that hates whistlers sounds very well adjusted. Whistlers are despicable violators of my auditory peace and should be shunned to the highest extent in a civilized society.

Feb 10, 2014
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Whistling
by: Anonymous

People whistle for the same reason little kids bang pots and pans together and scream: they're bored and want attention. I hear all the time that people whistle because they're ever so happy and cheerful and wonderful. I wish I could stuff a looping tape in their head of nonstop whistling. Let's see how they like it after hearing it for 24 hours straight.

Jan 23, 2014
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Whistling
by: Ruba

Reading this article has confirmed that I am not going mad. I hate whistlers, finger tappers, etc. Not only because I do think I have some sort of hypersensitive hearing problem but it is also the idea that the whistlers and the tappers think that when the room is quiet they feel the need to fill the space with noise. I have even been visiting friends and we were all watching telly and one of the group thought it OK to whistle whilst the film was on. We were all have a bit of a natter after the film and this person still whistled whilst other people were talking. Just plain rude. Perhaps we don't have a problem after all and perhaps the whistlers and the finger tappers need to have a little more consideration for the people around them. And worst of all, sitting in the doctors' waiting room next to a humming finger tapper when you don't feel well...

Jul 21, 2013
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Whistling wierdness!
by: Anonymous

I totally sympathise with your sons situation and his reaction to whistling.

As a fellow sufferer, I can tell you without any doubt that he is not in control of his reaction to the noise stimulus and no amount of willpower alone will reduce its effect on him.
It is most certainly a fight or flight response from which he will feel tremendously angry, with a wish to physically stop the person making the noise and he will feel an overwhelming desire to move away and out of range of the noise.
He will have feelings of dreading the noise starting up, often hours before coming into a situation where he is exposed to it,and this will have an overall negative effect on his general mood and demeanour, even when the noise is not being made.

My apologies if this seems a negative summary of the situation, but these are the facts. No matter what spin we put on this situation, the fact remains that millions of people around the world are suffering in silence from this condition and I cannot find much in the way of action or advice on how to deal with the problem from medical or therapeutic organisations.

I personally try to deal with this noise sensitivity by remaining as relaxed as possible, using steady breathing techniques and by using silicone earplugs whenever this is practical. I also try not to get into a situation where I'll be exposed to the noise, but I understand that this is not always practical, especially in the family surroundings.

In summary, I would ask you to be as patient and understanding as you possibly can and understand that this is a very real and debilitating condition for your son, which he will struggle to manage and will have a very real effect on him.
I would also encourage him to talk about his feelings and how he honestly feels about his situation and his reactions to the noise stimulus as this will help him to feel less isolated and encourage him to feel better understood and accepted. It is also helpful to discuss any paranoia that comes with this, e.g. feelings that the person making the noise is doing this on purpose to annoy him. In fact, they probably aren't even fully aware of the effect they are having on the sufferer and it is not being done out of spite or disrespect, it is just the way it is. a non-confrontational discussion between the sound maker and the sufferer could also be very useful, if properly managed, which would allow both parties to understand each others position a little better and possibly reduce the antagonism that may exacerbate reaction to the noise.
Hope this information is useful to you and I hope I have not come across as patronising or not recognising the work that you will already be doing to help your son.

The very best of luck to you and your family and I sincerely hope that some form of help/treatment will become available in the very near future to help us all with this debilitating and frustrating condition.

Apr 09, 2013
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Thanks
by: Anonymous

Wow, thanks for the Misophonia information. It is great to see articles about the sound sensitivity.

Apr 08, 2013
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Google Misophonia, You have it!
by: OMGCarol

Once people realize that they have Misophonia or 4S- Soft Sound Sensitivity Syndrome, life is better simply by realizing people are not purposely "hurting" you.

Feb 26, 2013
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"Why he just ignore it?"
by: Anonymous

As someone who despises whistling, it's laughable, almost rude to ask him to just "ignore it."

For someone who hates whistling, it's about as easy to ignore as a jackhammer at full blast. It's piercing, shrieking, and irritating and makes my head feel like it's caught in a vicegrip.

Let's see you work or sleep next to a construction site and see how easy it is to ignore sounds you can't stand.

Aug 19, 2012
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want to help myself with my whistling husband
by: Beth

Try living 20 mother loving years with a constant whistler; that's 24/7 annoying...high-pitched; not even good whistling. About to file for divorce based on excessive whistling...can't take another second..i am a good person.

Jun 23, 2012
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Sensivity to whistling
by: Anonymous

well personally i enjoy the call of birds or so i think it doesn't make me angry anyways. I almost find it refreshing they are adept whistlers even for year old birds. But it's like any other skill either you envy the persons talent or despise the sounds they are making while struggling to do it properly.

Jun 23, 2012
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Amateur whistlers are the worst
by: Redrock

I've listened to professional whistlers, and i enjoyed it. if not overdone it can sound great over music. Theme songs even have music with whistling that is largely recognized. But being a light sleeper i get pissed off easily about being kept up. And when someone habitually makes it a point to whistle out of tune while i'm trying to get to bed not even a song just random notes. you better believe that i want to smash whatever is nearest to me. Not to mention the fact that said person in question doesn't whistle when i'm not sleeping only when i'm in bed. I suppose it's a matter of apathy in his case. What gets to you is Sort of the possibility he is conspiring against you and doing it out of spite. Maybe this is just a way of justifying my irrationality but i think it'd be reasonable if someone took their whistling elsewhere when someone is sleeping. Well all that aside if i do suffer from SPD think it's a little to late to treat that now. But better to identify the problem at an early age.

Apr 09, 2012
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whistling
by: Anonymous

i wanna kill my self when i hear my dad whistling he does it constantly.
even when i sleep he just cant stop it i said him a couple of times that it bothers me in the past but he simply ignored it.
when i sleep and he wakes me with whistling i throw shoes at the door he stops for 2 minuets and then he starts again.

Jan 16, 2012
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Whistling
by: Skittle

I hate it when my mom does it... makes me mad automatically with a tantrum

Aug 07, 2011
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whistling drives me nuts
by: Anonymous

I am 52 yr old woman that wants to rip someones head off when I hear them whistle. I can only compare the annoyance to a faucet dripping in the middle of the night...one that you have no control over shutting off!! I have actually had to put my hands over my ears in public places so I don't start mouthing off to the whistler. Every muscle in my body tightens, and I actually can feel my stomach start turning! Don't know how, when or why I started feeling like this, but I wish I could at least tolerate it!!

Jun 19, 2011
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Sensitivity to whistling
by: Michele B

I am not sure how to describe my sensitivity but I can agree with one posting it is fight or flight that occurs when I come in contact with that particular noise.

I am thinking it may be the pitch or the frequency of the sound that is heard above all other sounds.

When this happens to me, I get very agitated that I just have to have it stop or I have to remove myself from the area.

Not all sounds bother me so I have to think it has something to do with the pitch and my hearing ability.

I guess it is somewhat like a dog that hears a high frequency noise and is effected by the sound.

Jun 19, 2011
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sounds sensitive to me...
by: Anonymous

I know I have had SPD most of my life!! Certain types of whistling drive me INSANE!!! it is the fight or flight trigger that makes him instantly angry! Maybe you can find a way to convince your other child to limit it to outside or when your sensitive son is not around. My son's OT suggested that I wear headphones and listen to music during the day to help filter the noises that make me crazy. the only problem with that is that I need to hear everything that my 6 yr old SPD/ adhd/ OD etc boy is into! :) I have figured out almost every possible sound in the house, so i know when he is into mischief!
good luck!

Jun 18, 2011
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for Michelle
by: Anonymous

Michelle, can you explain to me what it feels like that you can't handle the whistling? Or is it just something that you can't explain? When I was explaining to our oldest son (15 years old who was away at camp so he missed the discussion at counseling) about the possible SPD, he said that the middle doesn't even like the birds chirping. He doesn't get instantly angry with them, but he does get annoyed by them. I am just curious what it feels like.

Jun 18, 2011
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Sensitivity to whistling
by: Michele B

I do not know if this will help you but I can relate to that also.

I am a 58yr old female and my husband use to whistle to annoy me because he knew it would drive me crazy.

I would like to mention something else, if we went to a movie and someone would be eating out of a bag of chips we would have to move because I could not take the sound.

Hope this can shed some light on your situation.

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