Dealing With Noise

[JEKBreatheandBelieve]

I have dissociative identity disorder along with the complex PTSD. I have a lot of problems with noise. I have been told by therapists and psychiatrists that I need to work on regulating noises internally for parts, but everything that I have tried hasn't worked. The only thing that works is listening to music, but that doesn't work well when I actually want to have a conversation with someone.

Some examples of noises that really bother me are sirens, children screeching, arguments, places with loud conversations/crowds.

I have been wondering recently if it would be beneficial to get some noise muffling (not canceling) headphones for those really difficult noises. Or if there is something that an audiologist could do to help. So I thought I would start by posting on here and seeing if anyone else has issues with noises and what you do to help with them.

 

[Laelynn]

I can definitely relate to your issue with noise and the ones you mention bother me also. I practically live with headphones on playing music, except for when I am driving my truck. Thunder, heavy rain on the metal roof, loud vehicles,and gun shots are also really bad for me. I do have a special pair of headphones that play music but also " cancel " outside noises. I use them during thunderstorms and when the neighbors are target shooting. The bad thing I find about headphones is that I feel paranoid that I cannot hear if someone is around. I work alone on my horse farm so I keep the driveway gates closed and my dog with me all the time. She becomes my ears while I block out all noises. I have not found anything else that works for me. Sorry I could not be more helpful, I hope someone else has other suggestions.

 

[shimmerz]

Noise cancelling headphones do it for me as well. My shaman and a helper friend also spoke to me about the noises that I heard that were triggering to me. About the good things the noises did. Rain, for instance fed the plants that I loved so much. Reminding me of the beautiful time I had at the cottage watching the spider weave it's web (I hate spiders but this was really cool), when there was a thunder storm. Basically bringing me back to a time before I was so sensitive to noises..... and reapplying the lovely times I had.

 

[Flutterbee]

I also have trouble with noise and have recently been wondering what could help. There are lots of sudden noises where I live like people arguing, footballs banging, children screaming and doors slamming. I listen to music to block out sounds and sometimes sing along to keep myself distracted but I often get anxious because I can't hear if anything close to me is happening so have to turn it down. I'm getting ear defenders delivered in a couple of days time and I'm really hoping they'll provide some relief as well as allow me to be aware enough of sounds near to me. Either way I'll let you know what I think of them.

 

[EveHarrington]

Have you researched the methods used by autistic people to minimize sound issues?

I think it's quite interesting that there are a number of similar symptoms/issues between these two disorders that are along the lines of various types of sensitivities.

I've had sensitivity issues my whole life but I'm not on the spectrum------or maybe I am but it's so slight as to go undetected? Just pondering my sensitivity issues as they started before my trauma even though my trauma was early.

 

[Gadgie]

When we had that really noisy neighbour who used to live above us, I used ear plugs, they are so small to wear, that you can even sleep with them in.

They didn't block 100% of the noise out! but they muffled it enough so that I could get some sleep. Boy were we glad when they eventually got evicted!

 

[JEKBreatheandBelieve]

I'm getting ear defenders delivered in a couple of days time and I'm really hoping they'll provide some relief as well as allow me to be aware enough of sounds near to me. Either way I'll let you know what I think of them.

I would definitely like to hear if they work for you. I don't like to block out too much sound either.

 

[theshadowoftheliving]

I've found hat keeping my living space really quiet, with white noise (coming from an airconditioner now, but an air purifier in the winter) helps me manage the rest. I seem to have patience up to a point, and then I'll start melting down. The key for me is not to use up that patience when I don't need to, or at home when things could be really calm.

 

[JEKBreatheandBelieve]

When we had that really noisy neighbour who used to live above us, I used ear plugs, they are so small t...

I've been offered ear plugs before, but I hate the feeling of sticking them in my ears. I can barely do earbuds for my music.

 

[JEKBreatheandBelieve]

Have you researched the methods used by autistic people to minimize sound issues?

I just started to today. I realized that my sound sensitivities are similar to those of autistic people as well. I've taught several autistic children and that's what made me think about the headphones.

 

[JEKBreatheandBelieve]

Noise cancelling headphones do it for me as well. My shaman and a helper friend also spoke to me abou...

I like that idea. However, some are tricky for me. For instance, sirens were essentially a good thing in my life because they came to save my brother, my husband, and I, but all I can remember is the horror of the scene. It also makes me think of earlier child abuse things even though I didn't hear sirens then, they are connected. I try to think of the good, but all I see is the reasons for the sirens.

I like the idea of thinking of rain for the plants since I have gardens. Sometimes I try to remember that some children noises are sounds of happiness and that happiness in children is a good thing, but more often than not I have to get away from it. And that's really hard when I have two young boys! Still, it's a good idea and perhaps I need to work on it more.

 

[JEKBreatheandBelieve]

I've found hat keeping my living space really quiet, with white noise (coming from an airc...

I hate white noise, which is why some of the methods used to help with noises wouldn't work for me. And my home is generally not quiet because I have two boys (ages 4 and 7).