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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Johann on April 24, 2007, at 2:02:07
Hi,
I'm curious if anyone else has a highly anxious reaction to intrusive sounds, mainly voices and music. Not loudness, but sounds coming through walls, etc. It's partly PTSD for me, but I can't feel safe if I can't block noises from my home; that is, if I can have silence when I need it, which can keep me up late at night waiting for the quiet. I'm also one of those people who can't stand it when someone is talking in the theater.
I may be unique in this, but am curious about others' experiences.
Thanks,
Jon
Posted by gardenergirl on April 24, 2007, at 11:55:24
In reply to Sound sensitivty?, posted by Johann on April 24, 2007, at 2:02:07
I have that problem as well, if I'm understanding what you're describing. In my case, it doesn't really make me anxious, but it does make me irritable if it hits a certain threshold. My threshold is a lot lower than my husband's and actually pretty much anyone else I've met. It's particularly bad when I have PMS. I'm not sure if my sensitivity actually increases then or if my capacity to tolerate it goes down. But I've had several experiences, many at the movie theater too, when I've wanted to stand up and yell, "Everyone just shut up!!!!" I'm thinking that wouldn't go over well. ;)
I also have a pretty strong startle reflex--sound and sight. My husband now stomps up the stairs so I know he's headed up there, because otherwise, when he comes around the corner I jump a foot.
If overall stimulation, sound especially but other stimuli as well gets too high, I get very tense and agitated. Then I have to just get out.
Highly sensitive: has its pluses. But definitely has its minuses, too.
gg
Posted by nellie7 on April 24, 2007, at 14:22:30
In reply to Sound sensitivty?, posted by Johann on April 24, 2007, at 2:02:07
Hi Jon,My brother has a similar problem. Sounds at a normal level disturb him so he becomes irritated at the sound of people speaking, the television, etc. His solution is to ask everyone around to lower their speaking voice and to turn down the radio, etc.
Nellie.
Posted by peddidle on April 24, 2007, at 14:54:37
In reply to Sound sensitivty?, posted by Johann on April 24, 2007, at 2:02:07
I experience the same thing as gardenergirl with people talking in theaters, and it's worse when I'm PMSing too. :)
Most of the time, though, I actually have sort of the opposite problem-- I can't stand soft noises. I usually fall asleep with my TV on, but if I can barely hear my parents' TV down the hall, it drives me nuts! I also can't stand it when people whisper. Some people's voices annoy me more than others, but whispering, in general, really irritates me.
Posted by Johann on April 24, 2007, at 15:26:17
In reply to Sound sensitivty?, posted by Johann on April 24, 2007, at 2:02:07
Seems most others experience irritability more than vulnerability or a spike in anxiety. I can get agitated by people speaking where they shouldn't, or distant sounds too low to ignore, but my issue is more around not feeling safe, so it may be more related to PTSD than GAD.
Thanks,
Johann
> Hi,
>
> I'm curious if anyone else has a highly anxious reaction to intrusive sounds, mainly voices and music. Not loudness, but sounds coming through walls, etc. It's partly PTSD for me, but I can't feel safe if I can't block noises from my home; that is, if I can have silence when I need it, which can keep me up late at night waiting for the quiet. I'm also one of those people who can't stand it when someone is talking in the theater.
>
> I may be unique in this, but am curious about others' experiences.
>
> Thanks,
> Jon
Posted by Phillipa on April 24, 2007, at 21:06:45
In reply to Re: Sound sensitivty? Interesting responses., posted by Johann on April 24, 2007, at 15:26:17
You know when you mentioned the startle reflex first thing I thought of was PTSD. Are you on any meds for it? I do this too. My Son also since his injury in the War. Jumped out of his skin and hits the floor they have diagnosed him with PTSD. Love Phillipa
Posted by KayeBaby on April 26, 2007, at 17:26:33
In reply to Re: Sound sensitivty? Interesting responses. » Johann, posted by Phillipa on April 24, 2007, at 21:06:45
I have the high startle reflex too. repetitive noises, too many sounds at once but I sleep to talk radio.
Kaye
Posted by Johann on April 26, 2007, at 18:52:45
In reply to Re: Sound sensitivty? Interesting responses., posted by KayeBaby on April 26, 2007, at 17:26:33
I think it makes all the difference when we can control the sound. I can't stand restaurants where both the radio and TV are on, or theaters when the speakers are blasting, but I don't mind my own system being loud because it produces high quality sound. I, too, usually fall asleep to voices--the TV for me.--Johann
Posted by elanor roosevelt on April 26, 2007, at 21:26:47
In reply to Re: Sound sensitivty? Interesting responses., posted by Johann on April 26, 2007, at 18:52:45
I am working in an open office space. There are so many noises to deal with. The worst is people with clickety clackety shoes on the cement floor. Immediately triggers unkind and hostile thoughts (but not actions). I wear foam earplugs for as much of the day as possible.
Posted by Johann on April 27, 2007, at 0:33:06
In reply to Re: Sound sensitivty? Interesting responses., posted by elanor roosevelt on April 26, 2007, at 21:26:47
God bless ear plugs.
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