Yuletide Often Proves to Be a Terrifying Experience for Individuals Living with Sound Sensitivity.

Lottie anticipates being with her loved ones this Christmas, but says a key strategy she'll manage to get through it is by relying on her hearing protection - notably for Christmas dinner.

For her, Christmas can be a notably tough time as the sounds of other people chewing, slurping and nose-blowing make her feel intense distress.

"There's this sensation of instant dread, my every muscle will just tighten and it feels like I'm in danger, and I need to stop these noises."

She has lived with this condition since she was 16 and for her that renders the holiday period "exceptionally stressful".

Misophonia is an intense sensitivity to certain sounds, particularly those produced by individuals.

It is prevalent in the UK. A study discovered nearly 20% people experience it.

Typically it's sounds connected to mouth, throat or facial movements that trigger a reaction, along with things like chewing, heavy breathing, and repetitive finger tapping.

Triggering Stress

The sufferer notes: "There are so many various auditory triggers at Christmas and that can be daunting and make you want to avoid it.

"My relatives are understanding, but I'm very aware that I don't want to spoil the mood. It's like a constant struggle of managing my symptoms to ensure everyone else is happy."

So it's easy to understand why the traditionally happy period can transform into a source of agony for those with the condition.

Triggers that may seem harmless, like someone sipping a beverage, opening presents, or enjoying festive food can trigger a powerful reaction that can even lead to them avoiding social settings altogether.

She, a university student, who has dealt with misophonia for over a decade, says her strategy is to put her earphones in to manage the meal. On any other day, she would usually isolate herself in a separate space to minimize triggering sounds.

She explains her condition is worse around people she's closest to, so the holidays is always "difficult".

"People assume you to spend time with loved ones, and I want to, but it's physically and mentally challenging.

"I feel as if this intense irritation washes over me, which can feel embarrassing, or I'll feel stressed and burst into tears and then fight-or-flight will kick in.

"It can come across as if I'm being unreasonable and melodramatic, but it's difficult to convey without firsthand experience."

Three Ways to Manage

For those affected then there are a few methods you can use to handle the situation, based on advice from specialists.

1. Visualise Something Else: Imagination is essential. Attempt to link the specific noise affecting you with an unrelated image. For instance, try to picture someone's noisy drinking is just a sink draining water. This technique is to help your brain learn that the sound affecting you isn't harmful.
2. Use Humor: Use lightheartedness and turn the annoying sound into a competition with the person. As an example, if someone is eating noisily try joining in. Through participation, rather than feeling like the sound is being imposed on you, you become an engaged person. And the challenge should help redirect your focus and make you slightly more tolerant.
3. Create a Scenario: One more method is to try to invent a reason about why the person creating the sound is behaving that way. So if someone was sniffing, maybe they are not feeling well or could be emotional. This approach is changing the meaning of the sound. While the sound remains identical, your interpretation of it shifts from being annoying, to feeling a little more neutral about it.